The Tequila Sunrise is such a beautiful and iconic drink, so I wanted to make a Tequila Sunrise Mocktail that's just as delicious as the original. This non-alcoholic version of the classic tequila drink is so easy to make, and definitely a showstopper!
This mocktail is so tasty, you won't miss the booze (or the hangover!) This is such a great summertime drink for anyone who wants to skip the actual tequila.
Looking for some more summery non-alcoholic drinks? Try out the Lychee Mojito Mocktail with fresh mint, or this simple and delicious Coconut Lime mocktail!
Some more tasty virgin options are the Pomegranate Spritzer Mocktail or the deliciously fun Strawberry Smash mocktail. Or, try this tropical Mango Hibiscus Mocktail!
Layering
To make layers in cocktails, you need to use ingredients that are different densities. Usually liquids that have sugar dissolved, like syrups, are much more dense and will sink to the bottom.
In the Tequila Sunrise, the red layer at the bottom is made from grenadine syrup. Since it's so much denser, or "heavier", it easily sinks to the bottom and creates the beautiful sunrise colors of the drink.
It works with both cocktails and mocktails, too! It's a little easier with alcohol since that is even lighter than water or juice, but layering with syrups is usually pretty easy to do!
Ingredients
To make this drink, you'll need some orange juice and lime juice. Fresh squeezed works great, but you can use bottled juice if you prefer.
You'll also need some seltzer (I used Bubly lime seltzer, but plain works great too), and some grenadine syrup. I used the Liquid Alchemist grenadine here, but a couple other of my favorite brands are Barsmith brand grenadine or Liber & Co grenadine syrup.
Lastly, non-alcoholic tequila substitute! I used Seedlip Notas de Agave. It has a sweet, mild floral flavor that is really easy to mix with.
If you want to try some other tequila substitutes, Lyre's Agave Bianco is a good choice. Or, Ritual tequila alternative brings in a spicy note that is meant to mimic the burn of alcohol (not my favorite, but some people prefer it!)
Equipment
You'll just need a couple things to make this drink! This is not a shaken drink, so you won't need a shaker or strainer. Just get a jigger and bar spoon, plus a cutting board and knife and a cocktail pick for the garnish.
For the cocktail glass, I've used my Viski Raye hurricane glass. Any tall serving glass will work great -- you just need to make sure it will show the pretty colors on the outside!
Note: if you need some bar tools, check out A Bar Above! You can get 10% off using my discount code, LKDrinks.
Instructions
Start out by preparing your garnish. I used a slice of orange, but you can also use some maraschino cherries or whatever else you like.
Then, fill your cocktail glass with ice.
Next, add the lime juice and orange juice to your cocktail glass.
Then, add the tequila substitute, and then the seltzer.
Give everything a gentle stir so that it mixes together before you add the grenadine.
Pour in the grenadine syrup. You don't really have to be careful or anything, because it will naturally just sink to the bottom of the glass.
Pouring it in at the end will leave you with a nice gradient of color rather than a sharp line... hence the sunset name!
Finally, add your garnish to the top of the glass, and serve!
Hint: I cut my orange slice from the middle out to the edge and then gave it a twist before sticking it on a cocktail pick. This trick gives it a nice visual and makes it easy to take off of the drink for a little snack!
📖 Recipe
Tequila Sunrise Mocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail serving glass (Hurricane) (or any tall cocktail glass)
- Citrus juicer (if using fresh citrus)
- Knife and cutting board (if using fresh citrus)
- Cocktail pick (optional - for garnish)
Ingredients
- 1 orange slice for garnish (optional)
- ½ ounce lime juice
- 3 ounces orange juice
- 2 ounces Seedlip Notas de Agave (or another tequila substitute, or just use more seltzer)
- 2 ounces seltzer
- ½ ounce grenadine syrup
Instructions
- Prepare your garnish: cut a slice of orange and then cut a slit from the middle to the outside. Twist it and secure it on a cocktail pick; set aside while you make the drink.
- Fill your serving glass with ice.
- Add the lime juice, orange juice, Seedlip, and seltzer to the glass.
- Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
- Slowly pour in the grenadine. It will sink to the bottom and form a red layer.
- Add your garnish to the top of the glass. Serve and enjoy!
Kimberly says
This mocktail is so pretty & easy to make! Let me know if you have questions about this recipe!