The story of the Tequila Sunrise cocktail spans two different eras, and the popularity of this drink is actually closely linked to bar culture, the music scene and American nightlife. The first version is thought to have originated in America in the 1930s. At the time, bartenders working at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Arizona were experimenting with a fresh drink made with tequila. This first recipe used tequila, lime juice and soda water.
But the modern version of the Tequila Sunrise, known worldwide today, came a little later. In the 1970s, Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice, bartenders at the famous The Trident bar in Sausalito, California, wanted to create a new tequila-based cocktail. Using orange juice and grenadine, they created a drink that is both fresh and visually striking.
“Appearance sometimes trumps taste.”
The color transition from red to orange as the grenadine syrup slowly settled to the bottom of the glass was reminiscent of the morning sunrise. This impressive image led to the cocktail being named "Tequila Sunrise".
The cocktail quickly became especially popular among musicians and artists. Rumor has it that members of The Rolling Stones frequently ordered the drink during their American tour in the 1970s. This helped spread the cocktail's fame from America to Europe.
Today Tequila Sunrise is considered not only an easy-drinking summer cocktail, but also one of the iconic drinks representing the free spirit and colorful atmosphere of the 1970s bar culture.
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Ingredients
Unit System
45 mltequila
90 mlorange juice
15 mlgrenadine (grenadine syrup)
·Ice
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Method
1
Fill the glass with ice.
2
Add tequila.
3
Add the orange juice.
4
Slowly pour in the grenadine.
5
Serve without stirring.
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Bartender Tips
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Using fresh orange juice enhances the flavor.
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Pour the grenadine slowly to create a color transition.
El Diablo - a slightly spicy and tropical cocktail that combines tequila with ginger beer and lime. A favorite for summer evenings with its vibrant aroma and balanced structure.
Division Bell - a modern and experimental cocktail with sophisticated flavors. The refreshing character of gin, combined with citrus and aromatic touches, adds a unique flavor to the evening hours.
