Tequila Sunrise

Tequila Sunrise is a vibrant cocktail with just three main ingredients: tequila, orange juice, and Grenadine syrup. When served, it displays layers of orange and red, resembling a sunrise, hence the name.

Disputed Origins: Two Key Theories

The true origin of the Tequila Sunrise remains a subject of debate, but two theories are widely accepted and frequently cited:

Theory 1: Phoenix, Arizona 1930s

This first theory dates back to the 1930s in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. The person credited with inventing the Tequila Sunrise according to this theory is Gene Sulit, a renowned bartender at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix.

The story goes that a regular customer, a dedicated tequila drinker, asked Gene Sulit to create a refreshing and unique drink. He then combined tequila with soda, Crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur), and lime juice to craft a refreshing and colorful beverage reminiscent of a morning glow. He named it Tequila Sunrise. The reason for choosing Crème de cassis was its beautiful deep red color and a sweet-tartness that complemented the tequila and lime juice well.

From the above, it's clear that Gene's original recipe differed significantly from the Tequila Sunrise we know today, as it lacked orange juice and Grenadine, using soda and Crème de cassis instead. However, the fact that Gene created a drink named Tequila Sunrise with tequila as its main ingredient leads this theory to be recognized as one of the drink's origins.

Theory 2: Sausalito, California 1970s

This second theory is more popular and widely known, and it is the origin of the Tequila Sunrise in the form we are familiar with today. This story unfolds in the 1970s in Sausalito, California, USA.

The individuals credited with inventing the Tequila Sunrise in this theory are Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice, bartenders working at a bar called The Trident in Sausalito.

During that time, the famous rock band The Rolling Stones performed in Sausalito and visited The Trident bar in 1972. Mick Jagger, the band's lead singer, ordered a Tequila Sunrise from Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice.

He loved the taste and color of the drink so much that The Rolling Stones even took the recipe with them on their 1972 Stones Tour across the United States, drinking it widely backstage. It became the band's signature drink, and that tour was famously dubbed the Cocaine and Tequila Sunrise Tour.

The fact that a world-famous band popularized Tequila Sunrise led to its rapid and widespread recognition.

The Tequila Sunrise We Know Today

The Tequila Sunrise in Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice's version consists of tequila, orange juice, and Grenadine, which is the recipe we are familiar with today. The gradient of colors, from the golden yellow of orange juice to the deep red of Grenadine sinking to the bottom of the glass, creates a beautiful image akin to the morning sun slowly rising above the horizon, hence the name Tequila Sunrise.

As the popularity of Tequila Sunrise grew, Jose Cuervo, a renowned tequila producer, printed this recipe on their tequila bottles in 1973. They then promoted it through various media, establishing this recipe as the standard for Tequila Sunrise ever since.

However, the popularity of Tequila Sunrise didn't stop there. In 1973, the American band The Eagles released a song titled Tequila Sunrise on their album Desperado, which became a very popular ballad. This song further broadened the recognition of Tequila Sunrise. The song title directly matching the drink's name made it easier for people to remember and associate them.

The Modern Tequila Sunrise Recipe

Although Gene's original Tequila Sunrise recipe exists, the Tequila Sunrise that is widely known and popular today is the one created by Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice, featuring simple ingredients:

• 2 oz Tequila (approximately 60 ml)
• 4 oz Orange Juice (approximately 120 ml)
• 0.5 oz Grenadine (approximately 15 ml)
• Ice
• Orange slice or Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

• Fill a highball glass or Collins glass with ice.
• Pour in the tequila, followed by the orange juice.
• Slowly pour the Grenadine along the side of the glass. The Grenadine will gradually sink to the bottom, creating a beautiful gradient from yellow to orange to red, resembling a sunrise (the Sunrise Effect).
• Garnish with an orange slice or a maraschino cherry.
• Serve without stirring to maintain the beautiful colors.
  
  Today, Tequila Sunrise remains one of the classic cocktails enjoyed worldwide. It's frequently served in bars and restaurants and is a favorite drink for many, especially during the summer or in settings where a refreshing atmosphere is desired.