Name: Tequila Sunrise Shot
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Ingredients: ½ oz tequila; 1 oz orange juice; ¼ oz grenadine (or to taste)

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Learn about the Tequila Sunrise Shot, a tasty and colorful explosion that adds vibrancy to any occasion. This little drink is a mini version of the classic Tequila Sunrise, but don’t let its size fool you. It packs a flavorful punch that’s perfect for parties or whenever you want to add a bit of fun. I love recommending it because it’s simple to make, looks fantastic, and has a sweet, citrusy flavor that everyone seems to enjoy.

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Tasting Notes

A Tequila Sunrise Shot is a delightful mix of sweet and tart with a smooth tequila base. The grenadine syrup adds a sweet, deep red layer at the bottom, which blends into the orange juice, creating a beautiful sunrise effect. The orange juice’s freshness balances the tequila’s warmth, making each sip a harmonious blend of flavors.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a few basic items to make this shot:

Shot glasses
A spoon or cocktail stirrer
A measuring jigger

To get the full effect, use clear shot glasses. This way, you can see the beautiful color gradient that gives the Tequila Sunrise Shot its name.

Ingredients

For each shot, you’ll need:

½ oz. tequila
1 oz. of orange juice
¼ oz. grenadine, or to taste

Instructions

Pour the tequila into the shot glass.
Add the orange juice on top of the tequila. Do this slowly to keep the layers separate.
Carefully pour the grenadine into the glass. It should sink to the bottom, creating a red layer.
Serve immediately to enjoy the sunrise effect!

Pro Tips

Pour the grenadine slowly along the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon to achieve the perfect layering.
Chill your ingredients beforehand for a refreshing shot.
If you want a smoother blend of flavors, gently stir the shot before serving.

When to Serve

Tequila Sunrise Shots are perfect for any celebration. They’re a hit at summer barbecues, birthday parties, or any event where you want to add a fun and colorful drink option.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Pick a tequila that falls somewhere in the middle of the price range for the best taste shot. Brands like Espolòn, Herradura Silver, or El Jimador are great choices that won’t break the bank but still taste great.

Similar Cocktails

If you like the Tequila Sunrise Shot, you might also enjoy:

Classic Tequila Sunrise: The larger cousin to the shot, it layers tequila, orange juice, and grenadine in a highball glass for a refreshing and visually stunning drink.
Margarita: A timeless cocktail that blends tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, served on the rocks or blended with a salted rim, offering a tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile.
Paloma: A popular Mexican cocktail that combines tequila with grapefruit soda (or grapefruit juice and soda water), served on the rocks with a lime wedge, offering a refreshing and slightly tart taste.
Mexican Mule: A tequila-based twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this cocktail mixes tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer, served in a copper mug for a spicy and refreshing drink.
Sangrita: Though traditionally a non-alcoholic chaser for straight tequila, it can be mixed with tequila to create a cocktail. It combines orange juice, tomato juice, lime, and spicy elements, offering a unique balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

History

The Tequila Sunrise shot takes its inspiration from the Tequila Sunrise cocktail, which originated in the 1930s or 1940s in Arizona. The cocktail became famous in the 1970s, known for its distinctive layered appearance, and the shot version follows this tradition in a fun, party-friendly form.