Tequila Sunset

The Tequila Sunset is a beautiful and delicious twist on the classic Tequila Sunrise. It maintains the simple base of tequila and orange juice but achieves its signature 'sunset' look by floating a dark liqueur, typically blackberry brandy or dark rum, on top instead of letting grenadine sink. This change not only alters the visual presentation from a sunrise to a sunset but also imparts a richer, deeper fruit flavor. It's a simple, refreshing, and impressive-looking drink perfect for warm weather.
Tequila Sunset

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Tequila Sunset is a modern classic cocktail. It's considered a variation of the more famous Tequila Sunrise, often enjoyed as a refreshing long drink.

Serving

Served cold in a tall Highball glass, this is a visually striking drink with a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
approx. 210-240 ml / 7-8 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Tequila Sunset's origins are directly tied to the Tequila Sunrise. It emerged as a popular and simple variation sometime after the Sunrise gained worldwide fame in the 1970s. Bartenders and home mixologists began experimenting by floating different dark liqueurs on top to create a different visual and flavor profile, logically naming it the 'Sunset' to contrast with the original.
Origin
Likely USA, post-1970s. It's a direct descendant of the Tequila Sunrise, which was popularized in California in the early 1970s.

Tequila Sunset

The Tequila Sunset is most commonly known by its primary name. A popular variation using vodka instead of tequila is called a Vodka Sunset.
Original name
Tequila Sunset
Alternative name
Vodka Sunset

Characteristics overview

The Tequila Sunset has a sweet and fruity flavor profile dominated by orange and dark berries, with a smooth texture. Its stunning layered appearance and refreshing character make it an ideal summer drink.
Flavor
fruity, sweet, citrusy, berry
Aroma
orange, agave, dark fruit
Taste balance
sweet, slightly sour
Aftertaste
clean, fruity
Fizziness
none, still
Color appearance
layered, orange base, dark red/purple float
Texture
smooth, light
Seasonality
refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by high levels of fruitiness and sweetness from the juice and brandy. It has a low alcohol presence and virtually no bitterness, sourness, or carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need three simple ingredients for this cocktail: tequila blanco, orange juice, and blackberry brandy for the float.
  • Tequila Blanco60 ml / 2 oz
  • Orange Juice120 ml / 4 oz
    Freshly squeezed is best.
  • Blackberry Brandy15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Used as a float. Dark rum can be substituted.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No shaker is needed for this built drink; you only need a highball glass for serving, a jigger for measuring, and a bar spoon to create the float.
  • Highball Glass: for building and serving the drink
  • Bar Spoon: for gently floating the brandy
  • Jigger: for measuring ingredients

Instructions

This is a 'built' cocktail, meaning you assemble it directly in the glass. Simply add tequila and orange juice over ice, then gently float blackberry brandy on top using a spoon.
1. Fill a highball glass with cubed ice.
2. Add the tequila to the glass.
3. Top with orange juice, leaving a little space at the top.
4. Slowly pour the blackberry brandy over the back of a bar spoon to float it on top of the drink.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and an optional maraschino cherry.

Garnishing

Garnish simply with an orange slice on the rim of the glass. A maraschino cherry can also be added for extra color.
  • Orange Slice: Place on the rim of the glass.
  • Maraschino Cherry: Drop into the drink or place on the rim with the orange slice. (Optional)

Dietary Information

This drink is generally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is typically vegan and gluten-free, provided the specific spirits used are certified as such.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is moderately caloric, with most of its carbohydrates and high sugar content coming from the orange juice and blackberry brandy.
Calories
averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 14-18 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect for casual, sunny occasions like summer parties, poolside lounging, or a relaxed happy hour. Its fruity and refreshing nature also makes it a suitable choice for brunch.
  • Summer Parties
  • Brunch
  • Happy Hour
  • Poolside Lounging

Pairing suggestions

The Tequila Sunset's sweet and fruity profile pairs well with spicy dishes like Mexican food, balancing the heat. It also complements light fare such as grilled chicken, fish, salads, and simple snacks like chips and salsa.
  • Spicy Mexican Food
  • Chips and Salsa
  • Grilled Chicken or Fish
  • Light Salads

The Tequila Sunset: A Beautiful Twist on a Classic

The Tequila Sunset is a simple yet elegant variation of the more famous Tequila Sunrise. By replacing the sinking grenadine with a float of dark blackberry brandy, it creates a beautiful layered effect reminiscent of a setting sun. This easy-to-make highball is fruity, refreshing, and visually appealing, making it a fantastic choice for summer gatherings or a relaxing evening. Its balanced sweetness and simple construction ensure it's a crowd-pleaser that's both delicious and impressive.

Similar Cocktails

Tequila Sunrise

Uses grenadine, which sinks to the bottom to create a "sunrise" effect, instead of a dark liqueur float.

Screwdriver

A simpler highball containing only vodka and orange juice.

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