Ingredients: There are two variations for this drink. Classic recipe - Tequila, Crème de Cassis, lime juice and soda water. Popular version – Tequila, orange juice and grenadine syrup.

The Tequila Sunrise is a long cool drink traditionally served in a highball glass. To make the Tequila Sunrise you must mix the tequila and orange or lime juice in the glass and then very gently pour either Crème de Cassis or grenadine on top. The heavier syrupy consistency of the Crème de Cassis or grenadine makes it sink to the bottom, while its darker orange colour gives the drink the appearance of a classic early morning sunrise. The drink should be garnished with either an orange slice or a cherry.

The Tequila Sunrise was first served in the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, Phoenix, a hotel resort and spa where this very popular drink was created in the late 1930’s or early 1940’s. The hotel’s bartender, Gene Sulit, is credited with its creation when a frequent guest asked him to make a cool refreshing drink.

There are a number of variations of the recipe. A Caribbean Sunrise features rum, while versions with vodka and Southern Comfort are known. The Astronaut Sunrise uses Tang in place of tequila and a Diet Sunrise adds cranberry juice instead of grenadine or Crème de Cassis.

In popular culture ‘Tequila Sunrise’ was a 1988 film featuring Mel Gibson and Michelle Pfeiffer and won an Oscar for its cinematography. The rock band The Eagles also released a single from their 1973 album “Desperado” called ‘Tequila Sunrise’.