type: Long drink
Expenditure: Light
Flavor: Sweet, fruity
Ingredients
- 6 cl tequila
- 10 cl orange juice
- 2 cl grenadine
- 1 cl lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- orange slice for garnish
preparation
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add tequila, orange juice and lemon juice and stir.
- Carefully pour the grenadine into the glass over the back of a spoon so that it sinks to the bottom and creates a color gradient.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Helpful tips for preparation:
- 6 cl corresponds to 60 ml (about three tablespoons).
- 10 cl corresponds to 100 ml (about five tablespoons).
variations of the cocktail
There are some interesting variations of the Tequila Sunrise. A well-known variant is the Tequila Sunset, where the grenadine is replaced by blackberry syrup or red currant, which creates a darker color gradient. Another variation is the Florida Sunrise, which uses pineapple juice in addition to the basic ingredients to achieve an even more tropical note.
flavors and flavor combinations
The Tequila Sunrise offers a harmonious combination of the tart note of the tequila and the sweet fruitiness of the orange juice. The grenadine not only brings an intense sweetness, but also a slightly sour undertone that gives the cocktail depth. The lemon juice adds a refreshing acidity that balances out the sweet taste and makes the cocktail very balanced overall.
glass selection and presentation
The Tequila Sunrise is traditionally made in a highball glass which brings out the bright colors of the cocktail particularly well. For an attractive presentation, it is recommended to create the color gradient by pouring the grenadine slowly and garnish the drink with an orange slice or a cocktail cherry. A glass or metal straw can also be added to complete the enjoyment.
Regional Variation
There are no significant regional differences in the preparation of the Tequila Sunrise. The cocktail is served worldwide in its classic form and is a popular drink in bars and restaurants around the globe.
meal suggestions
The Tequila Sunrise goes perfectly with light, fruity dishes. It harmonizes particularly well with fresh salads, seafood like shrimp cocktails or grilled fish. Also with spicy Mexican dishes such as tacos or guacamole It is an excellent choice because its fruity sweetness creates a pleasant contrast to the spiciness and flavor of the food.
History and Origin
The Tequila Sunrise is a classic cocktail that stands out for its bright colors and refreshing taste. Its history and origins are closely linked to the development of cocktail culture in the United States, and there are two main versions that have led to the creation of this iconic drink.
1. The original version in the 1930s
The original version of the Tequila Sunrise was reportedly created in the 1930s at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. This early version was quite different from the one we know today. It consisted of tequila, crème de cassis (a blackcurrant liqueur), lime juice, and soda water. The cocktail was named for its appearance, as the mixture of ingredients produced a distribution of colors reminiscent of a sunrise.
2. The Modern Version in the 1970s
The more modern and now common version of the Tequila Sunrise was popularized in the early 1970s in California, specifically at the Trident Bar in Sausalito. Bartenders Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice developed the recipe, which includes tequila, orange juice and grenadine. Grenadine, a sweet, deep red syrup, is carefully added so that it slowly sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating the characteristic gradient from red to orange reminiscent of a sunrise.
pop culture and popularity
The Tequila Sunrise rose to popularity in the 1970s, not least due to its mention in pop culture. The Rolling Stones were instrumental in popularizing the cocktail after it became their drink of choice during their 1972 “American Tour.” This connection to the band even led to the tour being jokingly referred to as the “Tequila Sunrise Tour.”
In 1973, the rock band Eagles released the song “Tequila Sunrise,” which further brought the cocktail into the spotlight and cemented its cult status in the bar world.
The Tequila Sunrise is not only a visually appealing cocktail, but also a drink with a rich history that reflects the evolution of cocktail culture throughout the 20th century. From its origins in Arizona to its rebirth in California and its spread through pop culture, the Tequila Sunrise has cemented its place as a timeless classic.
