Mixing a Tequila Sunrise

History and Variations of this Modern Drink

Feb 27, 2009 Jessica Spengler

As fun to drink as it is simple to mix, the refreshing Tequila Sunrise also has a strong history and place in American culture.

Originally served at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Ariz., the Tequila Sunrise is named for the way it looks after it has been poured. According to cocktailatlas.com, the cocktail was created at the resort & spa circa late 1930s-early 1940s. A frequent guest who loved tequila asked the bartender, Gene Sulit, to surprise him with a refreshing drink he could enjoy poolside.

As is true with many cocktails, the popular way of serving the drink is not the original. For most, a Tequila Sunrise consists of tequila, orange juice and grenadine. Originally; however, the drink was made with tequila, creme de cassis, lime juice and soda water. The creme de cassis has the same effect as grenadine, that, when pour correctly, will rise in the drink, resembling a sunrise.

Biltmore Original Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 oz. Premium Tequila
• 3/4 oz. Creme de Cassis
• Fresh Lime
• Soda Water
• Highball Glass

Fill a highball glass with cracked ice. Add Tequila, Creme de Cassis and a squeeze of lime. Fill with soda. Garnish with 3 fresh lime wheels.

Becoming popular through both movies and music, the Tequila Sunrise has cemented a place for itself in American popular culture. The film, Tequila Sunrise, released in 1988 and starring Mel Gibson and Michelle Pfeiffer, won an academy award for best cinematography and has been referenced in several movies since its release. The Eagles' 1973 single of the same name was one of two singles released off the Desperado album, and is well known by different generations today.

Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Tequila
• 3 oz. Orange Juice
• 2 dashes Grenadine Syrup
• A splash of lime juice
• Highball Glass

Pour tequila in a highball glass with ice and top with lime and orange juice. Add grenadine by tipping the glass to its side and pouring the grenadine down the inside, making sure it settles at the bottom. The grenadine should rise slowly though the drink, resembling a sunrise. Serve.

Variations of the Tequila Sunrise include the Tequila Sunset, in which the grenadine is replaced with blackberry brandy, the Caribbean Sunrise, which substitutes rum for tequila, a Vodka Sunrise, also substituting the tequila-this time with vodka, and an Astronaut's Sunrise, in which the orange juice is replaced with Tang.

While it should always go without saying, drinking responsibly is the most important part of having a good time. When enjoying a Tequila Sunrise, have a designated driver or ask the bartender to call a cab. Know your limit, be smart, and have a great time!

The copyright of the article Mixing a Tequila Sunrise in Beer, Cocktails & Beverages is owned by Jessica Spengler. Permission to republish Mixing a Tequila Sunrise in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Named for its resemblance to a sunset

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Comments

Feb 28, 2009 3:07 AM

Guest :

I would like two, please!pw

Mar 10, 2009 8:32 PM

Stephanie Jolly :

I never knew that the grenadine in a tequila sunrise was supposed to mimic the rising sun - guess that means I've never had one poured correctly! Thanks for the article.

2 Comments