Looking for a classic, refreshing cocktail to cool down with this summer? This grapefruit tequila sunrise cocktail only requires a few ingredients and no barista skills to make.
It's my favorite cool-down drink and I know you'll love it too!
We often overlook grapefruit in produce aisles and if I didn't need it for my watermelon salad, I'd probably never make this cocktail.
A perfect balance of tart and sweet, with chiffon-pink segments, the grapefruit is the perfect fruit for this sunrise cocktail especially if you're not into fruity drinks.
You can add grenadine for sweetness and color but I think the bitterness is refreshing for hot summer nights. To achieve the SUNRISE effect, I added a small slice of grapefruit into the glass and rested a half slice on top.
Then I selflessly tested this version for you and it's delicious! It's been kind of a funky summer so far with rain and cool temps one day and more rain and humid heat the next.
But I won't let the summer season pass me by without enjoying my favorite cold cocktails like peach Bellini, watermelon sangria, Moscow mule, and of course the Italian iced tea that's not a tea at all.
Of course, adding this sunrise cocktail with tequila and grapefruit to the mix. If you can't have grapefruit due to a medical condition (grapefruit juice affects how your body processes certain medicines) you can replace it with blood orange or use plain orange juice as in the original recipe.
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But seriously, let's bring grapefruit back into the game! Include them in your next brunch buffets, fruit salads, snacks, and especially drinks!
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
The original Tequila Sunrise contained tequila, crème de cassis, lime juice, and soda water. The more popular modern version of the cocktail contains tequila, orange juice, and grenadine and was created in the early 1970s.
The cocktail is named for its appearance when served, with gradations of color resembling a sunrise. It was Mick Jagger and his Rolling Stones entourage's favorite drink and even Eagles recorded a song with the same name as the drink was soaring in popularity.
Ingredients:
- grapefruit juice (about two grapefruits)
- tequila
- sparkling water (seltzer)
- Ice cubes
- grapefruit slices and maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
How to make it:
- In two tall glasses, add grapefruit juice, tequila, and ice. Top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with grapefruit slices and maraschino cherries.
Grapefruit Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
Ingredients
- 8 oz. grapefruit juice, about two grapefruits
- 4 oz. tequila
- 2 oz. sparkling water, seltzer
- Ice cubes
- 2 grapefruit slices and maraschino cherries for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In two tall glasses, add grapefruit juice, tequila, and ice. Top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with grapefruit slices and maraschino cherries.
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Pinned. Grapefruit has become my fave thing to have in a cocktail.
Jas says
Thank you, Victoria! So glad you like it! 🙂
Of Goats and Greens says
I love grapefruit, and I've a respectful fondness for tequila. This looks like a wonderful summertime drink, outdoors with a breeze. Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday!
Jas says
"A respectful fondness for tequila"... I love that! Perfectly describes how I feel about tequila too. 😀 Thank you for stopping in!
Love from Munchkintime.com says
This drink looks so delicious, pinning to try it later over the weekends! =D
Jas says
Thanks so much for the 5-star review, Love! XO
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
Sounds great - Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party. Hope your week is fantastic.
Jas says
Thank you, Helen!
Mrs Shoes says
By 10am my clothes were sticking to me, literally everywhere (sorry for the discriptor, but it’s the story of why) I needed one of these, STAT!
Am I on the road to alcoholism, I wonder?
Jas says
Mrs. Shoes we're on that road together, haha. Stay cool! And thanks for the visual
Jan says
That looks refreshing and I have everything on hand EXCEPT that fresh grapefruit slice! I almost always have the ruby red grapefruit juice from Indian River thanks to Hubby and the Boy! May have to give this a try this weekend! Thanks for sharing!
Jas says
The slice is just for the looks! You can make it using the Indian River juice instead of fresh 🙂