Citrus Sunrise Cooler

The Citrus Sunrise Cooler is a refreshing and visually stunning drink, perfect for any time of day. It combines the sweet tang of orange juice with the slightly bitter notes of grapefruit, topped with sparkling water for a light effervescence. A touch of grenadine creates a beautiful layered "sunrise" effect, making it as delightful to look at as it is to drink. It's an excellent alcohol-free alternative to the classic Tequila Sunrise.
Citrus Sunrise Cooler

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a mocktail, a non-alcoholic beverage crafted with the complexity and presentation of a traditional cocktail. It falls squarely into the category of refreshing, non-alcoholic drinks suitable for all ages and occasions.

Serving

This is a non-alcoholic drink served cold with ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass. The serving size is generous, making for a satisfying single drink.
Serving size
240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This drink is a modern, non-alcoholic twist on the classic Tequila Sunrise, designed for those who appreciate the beauty and flavor profile of the original but prefer a booze-free option. The addition of grapefruit juice adds a layer of complexity and a refreshing tartness not found in simpler virgin sunrise recipes. It celebrates the art of mixology in a non-alcoholic format, focusing on fresh flavors and visual appeal.
Origin
The Citrus Sunrise Cooler is a contemporary creation, likely emerging in the early 21st century alongside the growing trend for sophisticated mocktails. It evolved from simpler non-alcoholic drinks like the Virgin Sunrise and Shirley Temple, incorporating more complex citrus flavors to appeal to an adult palate.

Citrus Sunrise Cooler

The name "Citrus Sunrise Cooler" is descriptive of its ingredients and appearance. Alternative names like "Sunrise Cooler" or "Grapefruit Sunrise Mocktail" are shorter or highlight a key flavor component, but the concept remains a visually appealing, layered citrus drink.
Original name
Citrus Sunrise Cooler
Alternative names
  • Sunrise Cooler
  • Grapefruit Sunrise Mocktail

Characteristics overview

This drink has a bright, citrus-forward flavor with a refreshing sweet and sour balance, complemented by a light, bubbly texture. Its main feature is its stunning layered appearance, creating a beautiful gradient of sunrise colors.
Flavor
Citrusy, sweet, tart, fruity, refreshing
Aroma
Orange, grapefruit, pomegranate
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, citrusy, short
Fizziness
Lightly sparkling
Color appearance
Layered, gradient from red at the bottom to orange and yellow at the top
Texture
Smooth, light, bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is intensely fruity, driven by a balanced interplay of sweetness and sourness from the citrus juices. It has no alcohol and a light carbonation that lifts the flavors.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires fresh orange and grapefruit juice as its base, with grenadine for sweetness and color, and sparkling water to add fizz. An orange slice and maraschino cherry are used for a classic garnish.
  • Orange Juice120 ml / 4 oz
    Freshly squeezed is highly recommended for the best flavor.
  • Grapefruit Juice60 ml / 2 oz
    Pink or red grapefruit juice adds a nice color and slightly sweeter taste.
  • Grenadine15 ml / 0.5 oz
    This pomegranate syrup provides the red color for the sunrise effect.
  • Sparkling Water60 ml / 2 oz, or to top
    Club soda or seltzer can also be used.
  • Orange Slice1 slice(optional)
    For garnish.
  • Maraschino Cherry1(optional)
    For garnish.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special mixing equipment like shakers or strainers are needed. The drink is built directly in the glass, requiring only a jigger for accurate measurements.
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Bar spoon for pouring grenadine (optional)

Instructions

This mocktail is easy to prepare by building the ingredients directly in an ice-filled glass. The key step is to pour the grenadine slowly at the end to create the signature layered sunrise effect without stirring.
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the orange juice and grapefruit juice over the ice.
3. Top with sparkling water, leaving a little space at the top.
4. Slowly pour the grenadine down the inside of the glass. It will sink to the bottom and create a layered effect.
5. Do not stir, to maintain the gradient sunrise appearance.
6. Garnish with an orange slice on the rim and a maraschino cherry.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Garnishing

The drink is garnished with a fresh slice of orange on the rim and a maraschino cherry, adding to its visual appeal and classic sunrise look.
  • Orange slice placed on the rim of the glass
  • Maraschino cherry dropped into the drink

Dietary Information

This mocktail is suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences as it is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is relatively low in calories, but contains a significant amount of sugar from the fruit juices and grenadine. It offers a good source of Vitamin C from the citrus.
Calories
Approximately 120-150 kcal / 502-628 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 28-35 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 25-32 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

With its bright, refreshing flavors and beautiful appearance, this mocktail is perfect for daytime events like brunch or baby showers. It's also an excellent choice for summer parties or any casual get-together where a festive, non-alcoholic option is desired.
  • Brunch
  • Baby Shower
  • Summer Party
  • Breakfast
  • Casual Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Citrus Sunrise Cooler's bright and fruity profile makes it an ideal beverage for brunch. It pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory breakfast foods, such as pancakes, pastries, or egg dishes like quiche and omelets. Its refreshing nature also complements light salads and fruit plates.
  • Avocado toast
  • Pancakes or waffles
  • Fruit salads
  • Light pastries

Citrus Sunrise Cooler: A Radiant and Refreshing Mocktail

The Citrus Sunrise Cooler is a simple yet elegant non-alcoholic beverage that shines with its vibrant colors and refreshing taste. A blend of orange and grapefruit juices provides a perfect sweet-tart balance, while sparkling water adds a light effervescence. The final touch of grenadine creates a stunning visual effect reminiscent of a sunrise, making it an excellent choice for celebratory brunches, summer parties, or any occasion deserving of a special, spirit-free drink.

Similar mocktails

Virgin Sunrise

A simpler version made only with orange juice and grenadine, omitting the grapefruit juice and sparkling water.

Shirley Temple

Another classic layered mocktail, made with ginger ale and grenadine, typically garnished with a cherry.

Alcoholic versions

Tequila Sunrise

The original inspiration. Made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. It does not contain grapefruit juice or sparkling water.

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