As the warmth of spring beckons summer and the city air is heavy with a smorgasbord of pollutants and allergens, the rising sun appears as a ball of fire ascending over the East River horizon. In honor of this magnificent vista rarely seen outside of a metropolis, please be upstanding and raise your glasses to The Tequila Sunrise. This sweet and fruity cocktail, named for the way it looks after it has been poured into a glass, has faded from popularity recently and is often regarded as tacky or outdated. The drink's name was popularized in the 1973 Eagles single “Tequila Sunrise” and in the 1988 Mel Gibson movie of the same name.
The history of the drink is not clear, though it has been suggested that it was created in Mexico in the 1950’s to welcome tourists to Cancun and Acapulco. It is a very simple cocktail to make, combining tequila, orange juice and grenadine syrup. Grenadine is a thick non-alcoholic red syrup flavored with pomegranates and is readily available in supermarkets. The grenadine and orange solids settle, creating variations in colors that mimic a sunrise. Potential home bartenders should not be put off by the creation of the sunrise (or sunset) effect, it is easier than it looks!
Fill a clean highball glass half full of ice. Add 2 shots of good tequila (gold or white) and about 4 shots of freshly squeezed orange juice. Mix thoroughly with a bar spoon. The quantity of OJ can be adjusted to taste for a stronger or weaker drink. Now remove the spoon and tilt the glass at a 45 degree angle. Slowly pour half a measure of grenadine down side of the glass so is slides down the inside of the glass. The grenadine should go straight to the bottom and then rise up slowly through the drink. Garnish with a stirrer, a wedge of fresh orange and even a cherry if you like. On no account may a cocktail umbrella be used!
Thanks RJH for another yummy cocktail! See all the past Midweek Libations HERE.
ALSO, I NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!
POST A COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW WHAT DRINK YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE FEATURED NEXT WEEK.
RJH IS READY, WILLING AND ABLE TO GIVE IT HIS SIGNATURE TWIST.
(Rebecca - I'll be waiting!)
XOX.
I've always wanted to try a mint julip, but have been afraid of a bad one. So I'd love the perfect mint julip recipe!
Posted by: Carrie | May 9, 2007 at 02:34 PM
Another thing with summer approaching, how's about a nice frozen ice cream based drink, like something with Bailey's or Kahlua.
Posted by: Rachel | May 9, 2007 at 05:56 PM
Hey ladies - Great Ideas! I've passed the info along to the man with the shaker and we'll see what he whips up. I really appreciate your responding. love. xoxo.
Posted by: Dashus | May 9, 2007 at 07:45 PM
i can't wait to read how RJH makes these:
-SEX on the beach
-buttery NIPPLE
-SEX with an alligator
-SCREWdriver
-brain FART
-BLOW JOB
-red-headed SLUT
-PANTY dropper
...and for dessert, how 'bout a
-flaming ORGASM
on second thought, i'll just have a miller lite, thanks.
Posted by: rebecca | May 10, 2007 at 10:41 AM
What about makin a mocktail for the non-drinkers- geesh!
Posted by: Dan M | May 10, 2007 at 02:09 PM