Tequila Sunrise Without Grenadine

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This Tequila Sunrise Without Grenadine is an easy, 3 ingredient cocktail that has the same stunning layered look as the original recipe, but contains no grenadine.

A classic Tequila Sunrise is made with 3 ingredients: orange juice, tequila and grenadine. But there are lots of ways you can vary this drink, such as this Amaretto Sunrise or this Pineapple Sunrise and replacing the grenadine is one of them. 

This post provides instructions on how to make strawberry simple syrup to use in place of the grenadine.

For more tequila based summer drinks (that also don’t contain grenadine), try this Peach Margarita On The Rocks, or this Pineapple Orange Margarita.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How To Make A Tequila Sunrise Without Grenadine
• Expert Tips
• Recipe FAQs
• 📖 Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s made with strawberry syrup — Strawberry Simple Syrup is used as a substitute for grenadine and it makes this drink taste even better than the original. 
• It looks impressive — This cocktail looks professional, when in reality anyone can make it in just a few minutes. 
• No fancy equipment needed — Unlike most cocktails, you don’t need a cocktail shaker for this recipe.

Ingredients

• Tequila: Use your favorite mid-shelf tequila for this recipe. This is a sweeter drink, so generally you shouldn’t use the highest quality type of tequila (save that for on the rocks). 
• Orange Juice: Use a high quality, pulp free orange juice. A pulp-free juice will create a smoother drink and will make the layers appear sharper. For an extra fancy touch, use freshly squeezed orange juice. 
• Strawberries: Both fresh and frozen strawberries work equally well for this recipe. 
• Water & Sugar: Water and sugar are used to make the strawberry simple syrup.

How To Make A Tequila Sunrise Without Grenadine

Step 1: Heat the strawberries, water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Continue to heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove the strawberry chunks and let the syrup cool.

Step 2: Add the tequila and orange juice to a highball cocktail glass filled with ice.

Step 3: Gently pour the strawberry syrup into the glass, forming the sunrise layers.

Expert Tips

• Don’t boil the strawberry syrup. As you are making the strawberry syrup, adjust the temperature as needed to prevent the syrup from boiling. Boiling the syrup can result in a thick, sticky syrup that doesn’t dissolve well in the drink. 
• Use a spoon to pour the strawberry syrup. If you are finding that the layers are becoming too blended, try pouring the strawberry syrup slowly down the back of a spoon on top of the drink. This will help maintain the sunrise layers. 
• Store leftover syrup in the fridge. Store leftover strawberry syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. There are lots of ways to use leftover syrup, such as in this Strawberry Martini or this Strawberry Bubble Tea.

Recipe FAQs

Print

📖 Recipe