Paul Kushner
The Lychee Sunrise Spritz is a bright, bubbly twist on a classic sunrise-style cocktail. It starts with tequila, orange juice, and lemon juice for a bold citrus base, then adds lychee simple syrup for a soft floral sweetness. A drizzle of grenadine brings in that signature layered look and just a hint of extra fruitiness. Sparkling water tops it off with a crisp, fizzy finish. It’s refreshing, lightly sweet, and easy to enjoy any time of day. Serve it over ice in a tall glass and let the colors do the work no fancy garnish needed, but a lychee or orange slice fits right in.
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Tasting Notes
The Lychee Sunrise Spritz is crisp, fruity, and gently floral with a splash of sparkle. Tequila gives it a solid base with a smooth bite. Orange juice brings in sweetness, while lemon juice keeps things sharp and fresh. Lychee simple syrup adds a soft, floral note that blends nicely with the citrus. Grenadine gives the drink a hint of sweetness and a beautiful pink-to-orange fade at the bottom of the glass. Sparkling water lifts everything with bubbles. It’s light and easy to sip perfect when you want something refreshing that still has a little color and character.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a jigger, bar spoon, and a shaker for this one. A fine strainer is optional if your citrus juice has pulp. A tall glass like a highball or Collins is best—it shows off the sunrise effect and gives you enough space for ice and sparkling water. Chill the glass ahead of time if possible. You’ll also want a spoon or small pitcher for gently adding the grenadine, and tongs to place the lychee garnish. No need to shake too hard just enough to mix and chill the base before pouring.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 1.25 oz orange juice
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz lychee simple syrup
- 0.25 oz grenadine
- Sparkling water, to top
- Garnish: lychee fruit
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Add tequila, orange juice, lemon juice, and lychee syrup. Stir to combine.
- Top with sparkling water.
- Slowly pour grenadine down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon to let it settle at the bottom.
- Garnish with a lychee.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh citrus juice whenever possible it makes a big difference in flavor and color.
- If you’re making lychee syrup at home, blend canned lychees with a little sugar and water, then strain well.
- When adding the grenadine, pour slowly for the best gradient effect.
- Use cold sparkling water to keep the drink crisp without too much dilution.
- Taste before serving if it’s too sweet, add a touch more lemon juice; if it’s too tart, top with a splash more syrup or orange juice.
- Serve with a straw or spoon so people can mix the layers if they want.
When to Serve
The Lychee Sunrise Spritz is perfect for daytime events, brunches, and casual celebrations. Its light, fruity flavor and pretty layered look make it a crowd-pleaser. It fits well at spring or summer gatherings, especially when you want something chilled and not too strong. This also works as a first-round drink—easy to sip and light on the alcohol. It’s great for baby showers, poolside hangouts, or just as a refreshing option on a sunny day. Serve it cold, with the garnish on top, and it’ll look as good as it tastes.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- For tequila, go with a clean, smooth blanco like Espolòn, Olmeca Altos, or El Jimador. These brands mix well and won’t overpower the other flavors.
- For grenadine, try to avoid bright red syrup with artificial flavors use something like Liber & Co. or make your own with pomegranate juice and sugar.
- For sparkling water, use plain soda water or a lightly citrus-infused version if you want a small twist.
- The lychee syrup can be homemade or from a trusted brand just make sure it’s not overly sweet or artificial tasting.
- Keep all ingredients cold before mixing for the best result.
Similar Cocktails
- Tiki Bunny Punch
- Lazy Daze
- Rose Long Island Iced Tea
- Blue Long Island Iced Tea
- Cherry Long Island Iced Tea
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 1.25 oz orange juice
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz lychee simple syrup
- 0.25 oz grenadine
- Sparkling water to top
- Garnish: lychee fruit
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Add tequila, orange juice, lemon juice, and lychee syrup. Stir to combine.
- Top with sparkling water.
- Slowly pour grenadine down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon to let it settle at the bottom.
- Garnish with a lychee.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Chill all ingredients ahead of time to keep the drink crisp without too much ice melt.
- Use fresh juice if you can it makes a big difference in flavor.
- For a little extra pop, rim the glass with sugar or Tajín.
