Easy Tequila Sunrise Mocktail

Why We Love This Recipe

• Crazy easy: Whether you call it a virgin sunrise, a sweet sunrise, or an orange juice and grenadine mocktail, this recipe is super easy to make! All you need to do is shake together the OJ, lime juice, and nonalcoholic tequila (if using), then just pour some grenadine over the mixture. You can also skip the shaker entirely and just make it in one glass.
• Stunning look: Since the sugar in the grenadine syrup is denser than water, it sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a colorful red-to-orange "sunrise" that will impress your friends and family.
• Non-alcoholic spin on a classic: A classic tequila sunrise has tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. All we did was add in a dash of lime juice (this helps to replicate the "sting" of alcohol), and sub out the tequila for a virgin substitute.
• Perfect for summer sipping, preferably poolside!

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need to make this easy tequila sunrise mocktail:

Ingredient Notes

• Orange juice: Be sure to use pulp-free orange juice so your sunrise mocktail has the best possible texture. We used a store-bought orange juice for convenience, but freshly squeezed would take this cocktail up a notch.
• Grenadine syrup: Grenadine is a dark red nonalcoholic syrup that's traditionally made from pomegranate. You can find it in the liquor section of most supermarkets. Since it has a sweet and tart flavor, the best possible substitute is tart cherry concentrate, which will also help replicate the ombré sunrise effect.
• Lime juice: Since store bought orange juice can be a bit lacking in fresh citrus flavor, we opted to add a bit of lime juice to our mocktail. It also helps to add a bit of the "sting" you'd experience with a typical alcoholic cocktail.
• Tequila alternative: This is optional, but recommended. It may be tricky to find in your local store, but we used this nonalcoholic tequila alternative from Ritual. If you're not using this, add one more fluid oz of orange juice, a touch more grenadine, and a little more lime if needed.

Step-by-step Instructions

(1) Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add orange juice, tequila alternative (if using), and lime juice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.

Strain into a tall cocktail glass filled ¾ of the way with ice.

If you don't have a cocktail shaker, add orange juice, tequila alternative, and lime juice to the cocktail glass and stir well, and then add in ice.

(2) Pour the grenadine syrup over the back of a spoon. This allows the syrup to "float". The final effect will be a beautiful red to orange ombré drink!

Optional: garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Expert Tips and FAQ

• Serve in a highball glass for the best sunrise effect. A shorter glass won't work quite as well as there won't be as much separation of color.
• No cocktail shaker? Just add all the liquids except the grenadine to a glass, stir, add ice, and then pour in the grenadine.
• If you elect not to use the nonalcoholic tequila or can't find it, add an additional fl oz of orange juice, ¼ additional fl oz of grenadine, and add more lime to your liking.
• Pouring the grenadine over the back of a spoon helps to spread it over a larger area, ensuring that the grenadine syrup will create a layered look rather than just sinking to the bottom in single glob.
• Try using tart cherry concentrate if you can't find grenadine.
• Freshly-squeezed orange juice would take this mocktail to the next level!
• Make ahead: Just combine the orange juice, lime juice, and tequila alternative. When you're ready to serve, pour this combination over ice and then drizzle in the grenadine.
• Garnishes: Totally optional, but feel free to garnish with an orange or lime slice and a maraschino cherry.

More Mocktail and Cocktail Recipes to Enjoy

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