Tequila Moonrise

The Tequila Moonrise is a striking cocktail that combines earthy tequila with layered fruit flavors and herbal notes. Fresh orange juice blends with cherry pomegranate juice for a vibrant, tangy base, while rosemary simple syrup adds depth and aroma. Lime juice brightens the mix, and a splash of club soda provides a refreshing finish. The garnish of flamed rosemary and a dried lime wheel not only enhances presentation but also creates an unforgettable sensory experience. Balanced, aromatic, and visually bold, this cocktail is perfect for evenings when you want something both flavorful and dramatic.

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Tasting Notes

The Tequila Moonrise is a layered cocktail that highlights herbal, citrus, and fruit-driven flavors. Blanco tequila forms the crisp backbone, paired with orange juice for brightness and cherry pomegranate juice for rich depth. Rosemary simple syrup introduces a savory-sweet note, balancing the tart citrus elements. Fresh lime juice sharpens the flavor, while club soda adds refreshing bubbles to keep the drink lively. Garnishes of a flamed rosemary sprig and dried lime wheel add both aroma and visual appeal. The result is a cocktail that feels balanced, aromatic, and refreshing, with complexity that lingers after each sip.

Equipment and Glassware

Creating the Tequila Moonrise requires a few tools. A cocktail shaker is essential for blending tequila, juices, and syrup evenly. A strainer ensures a smooth pour into the serving glass, whether you prefer a martini glass for presentation or a rocks glass with ice for a more casual serve. A jigger provides accurate measurements to maintain balance between sweet and tart flavors. A small saucepan and strainer are needed for making rosemary syrup in advance. For garnish, a lighter or culinary torch is used to flame the rosemary sprig, adding smoky aroma. These tools make the drink both precise and impressive.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz blanco tequila
• .75 oz orange juice (or blood orange juice)
• 1.5 oz cherry pomegranate juice 
• 1 oz rosemary simple syrup
• .5 oz fresh squeezed lime juice 
• 2 oz club soda to top
• Flamed rosemary sprig for garnish 
• Dried lime wheel for garnish

Rosemary Simple Syrup

• Take 2-3 sprigs of rosemary and add to a medium saucepan
• Add in 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water
• Let that boil and bring down to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes
• Take off heat, let cool and strain out the syrup 
• Put in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, add tequila, orange juice, cherry pomegranate juice, rosemary simple syrup, and lime juice to a shaker
• Add ice and shake, strain into a martini glass or over ice if you prefer
• Top with 2 oz club soda for some extra bubbles 
• Smoke a sprig of rosemary and place on top
• Garnish with a dried lime wheel and enjoy

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed juices for the best flavor.
• Chill your glassware before serving to keep the cocktail crisp.
• Prepare rosemary simple syrup in advance for easy mixing.
• Adjust syrup levels depending on sweetness preference.
• Use a culinary torch for safely flaming rosemary garnish.
• Top gently with club soda to preserve carbonation.
• Experiment with blood orange juice for deeper color and richer flavor.

When to Serve

The Tequila Moonrise is an ideal cocktail for evenings when you want something aromatic, flavorful, and visually striking. Its balance of citrus, fruit, and herbs makes it versatile enough for both warm-weather gatherings and cooler nights. It works beautifully as a signature drink at dinner parties, seasonal celebrations, or cocktail hours where presentation matters. The smoky rosemary garnish gives it a dramatic flair that guests will remember, making it especially fitting for festive occasions. Pair it with light appetizers, charcuterie boards, or roasted dishes to complement its citrus-herbal balance and refreshing bubbles.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Tequila: Espolòn Blanco, Casamigos Blanco, or El Tesoro Blanco.
• Orange Juice: Fresh-squeezed or Simply Orange for convenience.
• Cherry Pomegranate Juice: POM Wonderful Pomegranate Cherry or Lakewood Organic.
• Club Soda: Fever-Tree, Q Mixers, or Schweppes for crisp carbonation.
• Bitters & Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs, quality dried lime wheels, and homemade rosemary simple syrup.

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