Tequila Sunrise: Approved By the IBA

What the heck is an IBA? It’s the International Bartenders Association and the Tequila Sunrise is an official standardized drink recognized by the group. How does one get into this group? I want in…

Anyway, the Tequila Sunrise is a great little cocktail that looks awesome and tastes just as it looks. There are two ways to make a Tequila Sunrise, the new way and the old way and I’ve only created them in the more modern style.

Why? It’s easier.

When it comes to mixing drinks many folks probably don’t make a science of it with precise measurements and tons of oddball ingredients. Not everyone has crème de cassis in their kitchen or sidebar so the original one may be a bit more complex unless you plan ahead.

The recipe we’ve used here at Everyday Drinkers is simple:

• 2 oz. Tequila
• 4 oz. Orange Juice
• 1 oz. Grenadine
• Lime Wedge Garnish

The drink has a simple past, “originally served at the Arizona Biltmore, the cocktail is named for the way it looks after it has been poured into a glass.” (wikipedia) The Tequila Sunrise has a look that mimics natures powerful desert sunrise.

The base ingredient being orange juice means two things: it’s going to be sweet and you won’t get scurvy from days away from vitamins. Consider it a drink of champions with a beautiful aftertaste followed by a bit of a buzz.

How popular is this colorful beverage? Consider the hit Eagles song “Tequila Sunrise,” the 1988 movie by the same name or Cypress Hill hit single… the beverage is ingrained in our culture because of its great taste, beautiful look and relaxing feel.

We suggest you use a mild/cheaper Tequila for the Sunrise because you’ll find a stronger tequila or an expensive tequila will lose all its rich natural flavors. This cocktail is designed to relax you fast while satisfying your sweet tooth. Take advantage of it!