When you start exploring the world of cocktails you won’t get far until you encounter tequila. Sure there’s the classic margarita but the tequila sunrise is also a firm favorite. One of the most instantly recognizable drinks surrounding the tequila sunrise it’s a no-nonsense cocktail that combines just a few ingredients but is known for its distinctive look. Tequila and orange juice is fine and dandy but the addition of grenadine is what gives the tequila sunrise its signature hue mimicking the orange-to-red ombre of an earthly sunrise. The tequila sunrise has permeated pop culture rising to fame in the ‘70s and ‘80s when Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger reportedly sampled it while on tour and an Eagles song of the same name charted on the Hot 100. But the tequila sunrise has an oft-neglected cousin: a drink that shows promise but is a little harder to describe.
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 Anders Erickson | 2021-05-28 17:38:40 |  363,818 Views |
The Tequila Sunrise – Which is Better?
The Tequila Sunset unlike its more famous counterpart has a certain amount of uncertainty when it comes to the recipe. The Sunrise is simple enough: tequila orange juice and grenadine. However a quick search will yield a number of different ways to make a Tequila Sunset. Some recipes call for blackberry brandy instead of grenadine while others call for grapefruit or even pineapple juice instead of orange. There seems to be some room for variation here and the type of Tequila Sunset you get when you order one can depend entirely on the bartender mixing it.
It’s not entirely certain why (or how) the different versions of Tequila Sunset came into being. But one reason you shouldn’t overlook is that tequila pairs effortlessly with a wide variety of fruit flavors. If you’ve read up on the 14 Best Mixers for Tequila you know that tequila is surprisingly versatile and adaptable. It even makes a sneaky great base for mixing with apple juice. So when it comes to Tequila Sunset perhaps the only “rule” is that it’s somehow a variation on Tequila Sunrise. But Sunrise isn’t the only tequila drink that could have inspired Tequila Sunset.
The Tequila Sunset isn’t the only tequila-based cocktail that makes use of different liqueurs and mixers. The El Diablo cocktail uses crème de cassis — a redcurrant-based liqueur that shares some similarities with blackberry liqueur or brandy. And then there’s the Paloma another beloved and refreshing tequila cocktail that’s famous for its use of grapefruit in its composition. While you can’t prove that the Tequila Sunset is derived from any of these spirits it can be interesting to see how different ingredients and cocktails interact with each other. It’s a way the world of cocktails continues to evolve!
