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You’ve probably heard of the infamous tequila sunrise cocktail, but have you heard of its darker cousin: the tequila sunset?
The ingredients of these cocktails are actually pretty similar, the only difference being, the tequila sunset includes a splash of soda water and a dash of grenadine on top instead of the bottom to recreate the classic sunset look.
This article lists my favorite tequila sunset recipes to inspire you next time you want to make a tasty cocktail or two. Keep reading to find out.
This recipe by Delish utilizes tequila, grapefruit juice, grenadine and a Maraschino cherry or a slice of mandarin, for the garnish.
This variation of the classic recipe tastes a little more sour than the orange juice version because grapefruit juice can be quite tart. Plus, grenadine is a common cocktail syrup made from pomegranate which makes it both sweet and a little sour.
This will taste slightly different from the classic version which uses honey as a sweetener rather than a syrup.
This recipe is a great variation for those who like their cocktails to be less sweet.
Where the classic recipe uses orange juice, this recipe by Tropicana uses mango and pineapple juice, tequila, grenadine and an orange wedge for the garnish.
This is a much sweeter version than the classic Tequila Sunset which makes it great for those who don’t love the sour taste of tequila.
It won’t be overpoweringly sweet because the sour taste of the grenadine and heat from the tequila will balance out the flavors well.
This Food & Wine Tequila Sunset recipe has a delicious raspberry twist. This cocktail consists of honey, silver tequila, orange juice, lemon juice, raspberry liquor and an orange wedge for the garnish.
You might think the honey would make it too sweet but it is meant to sit at the bottom of the glass without completely mixing in with the rest of the drink, so you’ll just get a hint of sweetness now and again.
This hint of raspberry will also add a nice punch of flavor without being too sweet or too tart, it’s the perfect mix.
Next up is a simple version of this classic cocktail – you only need three ingredients! It consists of blanco tequila, orange juice and blackberry brandy.
The addition of blackberry brandy creates a lovely warm and fruity flavor that compliments sweet fruit-based cocktails perfectly.
You don’t have to worry about getting the preparation right for this cocktail, all you need to do is fill your glass with ice and add the three ingredients in turn and enjoy!
This recipe by Sunset features prickly pear cactus syrup, pineapple juice, orange juice and silver tequila.
Prickly pear cactus syrup is made from a fruit called prickly pears which are brightly colored fruits that taste similar to a mix of bubble gum and watermelon.
The syrup adds a lot of sweetness to the drink, and combined with the sweetness from the pineapple juice this variation of a tequila sunset
Another super easy cocktail to make, this tequila rose sunset, all you need is tequila rose, orange juice and ice. When making this drink, it’s recommended that you shake it quite vigorously to make it nice and thick.
Tequila rose is a cream liquor that consists of a mixture of tequila and strawberry cream liquor.
In terms of taste, tequila rose tastes a lot more of a creamy strawberry than tequila so this cocktail will be a very sweet and creamy variation of the tequila sunset.
The mix of the creamy strawberry liquor and the tart orange juice does create a slightly curdled look but don’t let that put you off, it tastes way better than it looks!
If this all sounds a little too sweet for you, this next recipe might be the one for you. For this low sugar tequila sunset, you will need tequila, lime, fresh peach, stevia glycerite (or any sugar free sweetener) and club soda.
This is a much more refreshing take on the sweet fruity cocktail.
The only sweetness comes from the stevia glycerite and the fresh peach but unlike the other recipes does not contain artificial sugars so it’s a healthier alternative that still tastes delicious.
Another low calorie option but this one incorporates raspberries, mint leaves and triple sec as well as white tequila and orange juice.
This recipe is only 300 calories in total and it makes two servings! Perfect if you want something sweet and fruity but not super high in calories and sugars.
A darker, spookier variation of the classic tequila sunset, this bloody good tequila sunset recipe is a lovely dark red color and utilizes blackberries instead of orange juice.
The ingredients you will need to make this cocktail are blackberries, agave, lime juice, dry curacao and tequila.
You will still get the orange taste from the dry curacao as this liquor has quite a deep orange flavor.
These ingredients will taste deliciously fresh and fruity but much darker than the other variations of this cocktail.
A sophisticated twist on the classif tequila sunset is this tequila sunset sangria recipe by Maine Spirits.
It involves a longer ingredients list than most of the other recipes in this list but it is so worth it and will fill a large pitcher to share with friends or drink (responsibly) throughout the day.
To make it, you will need tequila, white wine, lime juice, lemon or lime soda, agave, fresh mint leaves and sliced orange, lime and lemon for the garnish.
This cocktail is the perfect mix of a tequila sunset and a margarita with the added bonus of delicious pomegranate flavor.
To make this pomegranate sunset margarita, you will need, tequila, orange juice, pomegranate juice, lime juice and triple sec.
The lime juice and triple sec are key ingredients in a margarita while the tequila and orange juice are classic tequila sunset ingredients and together they make for a sweet and sour fruity cocktail with a punch of pomegranate.
Not all sunsets are created equal! This sunset tequila blue butterfly drink recreates a more purple-hued sunset. Just looking at this drink is making me feel super relaxed.
To make this beautiful cocktail you will need tequila, coconut water, lime juice, and blue butterfly powder.
This recipe will make enough to fill a pitcher so you can impress your family and friends with your impressive cocktail making skills.
To make this one you will need blanco tequila, Aperol, lime juice, pomegranate juice, rosemary and thyme agave syrup, dry sparkling wine and grapefruit rind to garnish.
The sweetness from the pomegranate juice mixed with the herby agave syrup is a super tasty blend that balances out the sweet and earthy flavors perfectly.
The blanco tequila is sharper in taste than other types of tequila too plus the sparkling wine adds a party element to the mix – this is the perfect special occasion cocktail. It’s fruity yet earthy and very classy.
You could even multiply the measurements in the recipe to make enough for an entire party! You’ll definitely impress your guests with this delicious fragrant variation of the classic tequila sunset cocktail.
Final Say
The tequila sunset cocktail, although not as popular as its daytime cousin, the tequila sunrise, is a super delicious and fun cocktail that will spruce up any occasion.
I hope this article has inspired you to try a tequila sunset!
