Vodka Sunrise

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more details.

This easy vodka sunrise cocktail is just like the classic tequila sunrise, but uses vodka instead. Made with only three ingredients, this gorgeous drink takes only a few minutes to prepare.

Sunrise drink in a tall cocktail glass, on a white linen napkin, next to ice cubes and a sliced orange, with yellow flowers in the background.

There are lots of ways to spin-off the famous tequila sunrise cocktail, such as in this amaretto sunrise that uses peach juice instead of orange juice.

But for those who prefer vodka-based cocktails, this sunrise version is perfect.

For other delicious vodka drinks, try this raspberry martini, grapefruit crush or these watermelon shots.

Jump to:

Why this is the best vodka sunrise recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
FAQ
Expert Tips
📖 Recipe
Other Cocktail Recipes

Why this is the best vodka sunrise recipe

It looks impressive. Even though it is so simple to make, you can’t tell from how it looks.
It takes only a couple minutes to make. This is probably the fastest cocktail you could make — which is perfect for serving to a large group of people.
It can easily be made non-alcoholic. Just remove the vodka, and this drink becomes the perfect mocktail for all your guests who don’t drink.

Ingredients

Orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice always tastes best in cocktails. However, if you don’t have the time, store bought orange juice works too, but make sure to pick up a quality brand.

Instructions

Add the vodka and orange juice to a glass with ice, and stir.

Orange juice being poured into a tall glass filled with ice, with sunflowers in the background and half an orange in the foreground.

Splash with a dash of grenadine right before serving.

Grenadine being poured into a vodka sunrise cocktail, with sunflowers in the background.

FAQ

Can I make this non alcoholic?

Yes! Leave out the vodka and serve as is. Optionally, for a little fizz, add in some club soda.

What flavors go well in this sunrise cocktail besides orange juice?

Orange juice is what is typically used in a sunrise cocktail, but there are lots of other combinations that work really well. Mango or pineapple juice also taste delicious and still give the sunrise effect.

Sunrise cocktail garnished with an orange slice, on a black background, next to a couple cocktail picks and a slice of orange.

Expert Tips

Add the grenadine right before serving. This cocktail looks best as soon as the grenadine is added, before it fully settles to the bottom.
Use a tall glass. For the best sunrise effect, serve this drink in tall, skinny glasses.

📖 Recipe

Author: Ali
Total Time: 2 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

This easy vodka sunrise cocktail is just like the classic tequila sunrise, but uses vodka instead.

Ingredients

Scale

4 oz orange juice*
1 oz vodka
dash of grenadine
handful of ice

Instructions

Add the orange juice and vodka to a tall cocktail glass filled with ice. Stir gently to combine.
Right before serving, splash with a dash of grenadine. Serve immediately. Enjoy responsibly!

Notes

*If you have the time, use freshly squeezed orange juice.
For the best sunrise effect: Add the grenadine right before serving and use a tall cocktail glass.
Variations: Replace some or all of the orange juice with mango or pineapple juice.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Cocktails
Method: Stirred
Cuisine: American