Tropical Gin Sunrise

The Tropical Gin Sunrise is a colorful layered cocktail that combines the bright tang of raspberry with tropical pineapple and botanical gin. A splash of lemon juice adds crispness, while the drink’s vibrant separation gives it a sunrise effect. Light, fruity, and eye-catching, this drink is ideal for summer evenings, brunch, or anytime you want a refreshing cocktail with a little visual flair.

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Tasting Notes

This Tropical Gin Sunrise blends the crisp character of gin with the juicy sweetness of pineapple and the tart complexity of raspberry lambic. The lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy edge that sharpens the finish without overpowering the fruity core. Each sip starts off lightly sweet and tropical, with the raspberry lambic offering a subtle tang and effervescence. As the drink settles, the layers of flavor become more noticeable herbal notes from the gin, gentle acidity from the lemon, and a round, full body from the pineapple. Refreshing and easygoing, this is a fruit-forward cocktail with a clean, lifted finish.

Equipment and Glassware

This Tropical Gin Sunrise is easy to prepare with just a few basic tools. A jigger will help you measure accurately, while a cocktail shaker ensures proper mixing. A fine mesh strainer is optional but useful if you want to remove pulp after shaking. A citrus press or reamer makes quick work of fresh lemon juice. Serve the Tropical Gin Sunrise in a chilled highball or Collins glass to emphasize its color layers and volume. For garnish, use a cocktail skewer or small pick to present fresh pineapple chunks on the rim or resting inside the glass.

Ingredients

• 1 oz raspberry lambic
• 4 oz pineapple juice
• 2 oz gin
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• Garnish: pineapple chunks

Instructions

• Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in the raspberry lambic.
• In a shaker filled with ice, combine pineapple juice, gin, and lemon juice.
• Shake briefly until chilled.
• Slowly pour the shaken mixture over the back of a spoon into the glass to create a layered effect.
• Garnish with pineapple chunks before serving.

Pro Tips

• Use high-quality pineapple juice for a fuller flavor
• Chill your glassware to keep the drink colder longer
• Layer the raspberry lambic slowly to preserve color contrast
• Fresh-squeezed lemon juice offers the best acidity
• A floral or citrus-forward gin works well here
• If lambic is too strong, reduce to 0.5 oz
• Garnish with grilled pineapple for added depth
• Serve with a straw to keep the float intact until stirred
• Consider adding crushed ice for texture variation
• Prep pineapple chunks ahead of time and chill until needed

When to Serve

This Tropical Gin Sunrise is ideal for daytime occasions think brunch, outdoor parties, or warm afternoons. It’s perfect for beachside drinks, pool gatherings, or casual happy hours. Its balance of fruit, bubbles, and brightness makes it a great opener for tropical-themed dinners or light summer meals. Serve it when you want something visually eye-catching and easy to sip. The gentle alcohol content also makes it well-suited to slower-paced settings where flavor, not strength, takes the spotlight.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Gin:
  • Bombay Sapphire
  • Hendrick’s
  • Tanqueray
  • The Botanist
  • Sipsmith
• Raspberry Lambic:
  • Lindemans Framboise
  • Brouwerij Boon Framboise
  • Oud Beersel Framboise
  • Timmermans Framboise
  • Hanssens Artisanaal Framboos

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• Matcha Gin Sour
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