Tequila Sunrise with Orange and Grenadine

Gather your ingredients for tequila sunrise: slice the orange into thin rounds for garnish and set out four tall glasses. Good preparation is the foundation of the final layered effect.

Fill the glasses with ice to about two-thirds full. Ice is essential - it keeps the drink nicely chilled, slows the mixing of the color layers, and prevents the drink from becoming too diluted.

Measure 50 ml of blanco tequila into each glass and pour over the ice. For this cocktail, a lighter, clean spirit works better than a heavily aged reposado.

Top up with about 150 ml of orange juice. Leave a small gap at the rim of the glass to make room for the grenadine.

Pour the grenadine very slowly down the inside of the glass or over the back of a spoon. Thanks to its higher density it sinks to the bottom and creates color layers - pink and orange blend like a sunrise. Do not stir - once the colors mix the effect is gone. Often 5-10 ml of grenadine per glass is enough for a clean, vivid result.

Garnish the rim of each glass with an orange slice and serve immediately. The cocktail is traditionally served unstirred - guests mix the color layers themselves with a spoon. Serve with or without a straw as preferred. The right ratio of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine is the key to a clean sunrise effect.