Tequila Sunrise: Both Beautiful and Beautifully Named

A comment made in response to last week’s blog got me thinking about cocktail names.  They run the gauntlet from classic to lewd.  Occasionally, some, like the Tequila Sunrise, actually do a fair representation of the drink.  Initially, the Tequila Sunrise may seem an ironically named drink… After drinking Tequila, I rarely see a sunrise.  However, once you see the properly poured pillow of deep red Grenadine at the bottom of the glass slowly rising up through the orange juice you realize that the cocktail is well named.

The Sunrise is also a great example of Tequila’s elegance when properly used.  Many still view Tequila as a raucous college drink.  Indeed, anyone who’s ever visited Tijuana will recall the tradition of tipping a patron back in the chair, inserting a baby bottle full of Tequila into the mouth, then rigorously shaking the poor gringo’s head while blowing a whistle and squirting in the Tequila.  I believe the technique was employed by interrogators at Guantanamo Bay until “Tequila Boarding” was banned by the Obama administration.  But, Tequila does have a civilized side that’s well showcased in the Sunrise.

Another other great thing about the Tequila Sunrise is that it’s quick and easy to make from ingredients you might already have laying around.  One simple bartender trick at the end is all it takes to make a simple drink into a beautiful and festive cocktail.

                                                           Ingredients

                     * 1.5 oz. Tequila  * 6 oz. Orange Juice  * Drizzle of Grenadine

Start with an 8-10 oz. glass, like a Highball or Collins, about half-full of ice.  Plastic cups are always fine for a low-cost party, but definitely use a clear cup so the drink can show off its color.  Pour in the Tequila and OJ.  The trick to getting that red pillow that will rise up through the OJ is to carefully tilt the glass and slowly drizzle the Grenadine down the side of the glass.  It will gather at the bottom and as the cocktail is consumed the red will rise up through the drink and create the sunrise effect.  Well named, easy to make, and very tasty, the Tequila Sunrise is a great way to Live the Party!

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