Tequila Sunrise

The sunrise effect depends on the grenadine sinking through the orange juice — this only works if you don't stir after adding the grenadine. Pour it slowly down the inside edge of the glass or over a bar spoon to minimize mixing. Use real grenadine made from pomegranate juice (not the artificial red syrup) for a more complex, less cloying sweetness. Fresh orange juice is essential — carton juice is too sweet and lacks the brightness of fresh.

The Tequila Sunrise is a simple drink that rewards quality ingredients. Use a good blanco tequila — Espolòn or Fortaleza are excellent choices. The orange juice should be freshly squeezed; the ratio of tequila to OJ is flexible — some prefer a stronger drink (3 oz tequila), some lighter. The grenadine should be present but not dominant; ½ oz is the sweet spot.

The Tequila Sunrise was created at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in the 1930s, though the modern version was popularized at the Trident restaurant in Sausalito, California, in the early 1970s. It became a cultural phenomenon after the Rolling Stones ordered it on their 1972 American tour — the 'Cocaine and Tequila Sunrise Tour' as it became known. The Eagles wrote a song about it.

Mezcal Sunrise

Replace the blanco tequila with mezcal. The smokiness adds a dramatic counterpoint to the sweet orange and grenadine — a more complex, adult version of the classic. Use a lightly smoky mezcal like Del Maguey Vida.

Tequila Sunset

Replace the grenadine with blackberry liqueur (Chambord or Crème de Mûre). The blackberry sinks to the bottom just like grenadine but adds a deeper, more complex berry note. Garnish with fresh blackberries.