Tequila Sunrise Margarita

This recipe for Tequila Sunrise Margaritas combines two classic cocktails into one delicious drink. Enjoy the fresh and fruity flavors of a Tequila Sunrise cocktail with the sharp citrus notes of a regular margarita.  Make this delicious drink for your fiesta tonight!

Today we are going to combine two of my favorite summer cocktails into one delicious drink. I love the citrusy flavors of a Tequila Sunrise, and classic margaritas are great with that punch of lime mixed with smooth tequila. Put them together and you have a fun new mixed drink!

If you don’t know me by now, one of the first things you should know is that I’m obsessed with Mexican food, and the second is that Cinco de Mayo might be one of my favorite holidays.

The month of May is a beauty, but we also know it’s only a matter of time before the temperatures rise and everyone is taking pics of the temperature gauges in their car. So, I am getting ready for a hot summer day with this Tequila Sunrise Margarita.

At first, I was a little reluctant about combining the two together since each is a classic cocktail. But after the approval of my other taste testers, I knew I had to perfect it so you could enjoy it with me! It was kind of fun trying out variations to get it just right, too!

What’s in a Tequila Sunrise drink?

The original Tequila Sunrise is a cocktail made with orange juice, tequila, and grenadine syrup. It usually has a beautiful gradient appearance and is garnished with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

What’s in a classic Margarita?

This classic drink has many variations, but the original recipe for a margarita includes tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. It is usually garnished with a salted rim and a lime wedge.

Ingredients for a Tequila Sunrise Margarita

By combining elements of both, this summer sunrise cocktail might become your new favorite drink! Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• 4 tablespoons tequila
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon Triple Sec
• A splash of Grand Marnier
• 2/3 cup of orange juice
• 1 tablespoon grenadine

What’s the best tequila for this fruity margarita?

I recommend using a blanco or silver tequila for this recipe. You could also use reposado tequila. Neither has been aged too long, yet both still have a strong flavor. I used Jose Cuervo for this recipe.

How to make a Tequila Sunrise Margarita

This tequila sunrise recipe makes one drink for you to enjoy. Feel free to double this simple recipe to enjoy it with a friend.

1. Prepare your margarita glasses by dipping the rims in water or rub a lime wedge along the edge of the glass to wet it, then into a small plate containing salt. This will give you that beautiful salty rim!
2. Add all the ingredients to your glass, then stir! You could also use a cocktail shaker, then pour it into your glass.
3. Alternatively, you can mix all the ingredients except the grenadine in your glass, then pour the grenadine syrup in last. It will sink to the bottom of the glass and give you that gorgeous color gradient from the Tequila Sunrise. That’s the way I prefer it because it’s SO pretty!
4. For the final step, garnish with the fresh fruit of your choice. I used slices of lime and maraschino cherries.

Can I make this as a frozen margarita?

I think making a frozen Tequila Sunrise Margarita would be a great way to cool down! Add all the ingredients, plus a cup of ice, to a blender, then blend until smooth. Pour into glasses with a salted rim and enjoy!

How about a non-alcoholic Tequila Sunrise Margarita?

Without the tequila, you’ve got a virgin Sweet Sunrise Margarita, which can be just as good! Here’s how to make this without the alcohol:

• Swap out the tequila for a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or club soda
• Omit the Triple Sec and Grand Marnier
• Use a full cup of orange juice

Everything else should remain the same, and you will still get the flavors of both summer cocktails without the alcohol content.

What to serve with this classic drink

Whether you enjoy sipping this perfect drink while laying out at the pool or at a backyard fiesta, don’t forget that this tequila cocktail always goes better with some chips, Salsa Casera, Homemade Guacamole, and Mexican White Cheese Dip.

Or, whip up a full Mexican dinner like these Spicy Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Mexican Rice. The lime sour cream in that recipe really brings it all together. I want to put it on everything!

I also love making Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna on a busy day when I know I won’t have a lot of time to make dinner in the evening.

More delicious drinks

If you love margaritas, you have to try this Frozen Cherry Margarita recipe. It’ll remind you of a cherry limeade and is so refreshing!  I also have a recipe for Skinny Sparkling Margaritas. It’s so light and tasty, without so much sugar. It combines all the classic margarita flavors and adds some prosecco on top. So good!

Want to try something different? Sangria is another one of my favorite summer drinks! Strawberry Basil Sangria is a fun twist on the classic recipe, and I love those flavors together! You might also like this Summer Rose Sangria, made with rose wine, watermelon, and peaches. Cherry Sangria has a smooth, velvety taste with that summer cherry flavor we love.

Non-alcoholic drinks

If you need an option for fun drinks without alcohol, try this fruity sparkling Cucumber Melon Mocktail. You can also make Homemade Lemonade or this delicious Cucumber Mint Water.

Whatever you try, make sure you drink responsibly! Let me know if you try any of these drinks, and if you do, which one is your favorite!

This post was originally posted May 5, 2016. It has been updated in format and with photos on August 22, 2024.