Tequila Christmas Sunrise Cocktail with Homemade Grenadine

Cheers to Christmas morning!

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A few weeks ago I mentioned a slightly stronger morning beverage that would be festive for the holidays — and here it is: a tequila sunrise perfect for Christmas morning. Those layered colors are so gorgeous, and the drink is icy and delicious.

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I’m a big tequila fan — blame my love of margaritas and palomas. Mimosas are great, but I might swap them for a tiny shot of tequila for a new holiday tradition. There’s a first time for everything!

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When I asked in my Tuesday Things what people usually have for breakfast on Christmas morning, a lot of you said simple and sweet — cinnamon rolls from a can, cookies, and other treats. Growing up, we always had plenty of cookies, and since Eddie and I married we’ve tended not to do a big breakfast. We already enjoy a huge meal on Christmas Eve and another big one on Christmas Day, so breakfast often becomes something small or skipped entirely to make room for the heavier meals later.

Soooooo many cookies.

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This year I want Christmas morning to feel extra special for Max, so I’m thinking of getting up early to make quick cinnamon rolls or prepping them the day before. I’ll probably do mimosas for the adults, but I’m saving the tequila sunrises for the day after Christmas or New Year’s Day when things are calmer and we can relax.

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Look at those colors — so festive and fun!

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One of my favorite parts of this version is the homemade grenadine. It’s simple to make using pomegranate juice, which I love and happens to be in season. The syrup tastes fresher and more vibrant than store-bought grenadine, and any extra stores well in the fridge for a few weeks.

The syrup is easy to prepare ahead of time, and it gives the drink that striking red layer that settles into the orange juice and tequila for a classic sunrise effect. Garnish with cherries and a sprig of rosemary to add a festive touch.

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Tequila Christmas Sunrise with Homemade Grenadine

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Ingredients

grenadine

  • 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 lemon juiced

tequila sunrise

  • 4 to 5 ounces orange juice
  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons grenadine
  • luxardo cherries for garnish splurge!
  • rosemary for garnish

Instructions 

grenadine

  • Combine pomegranate juice and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves, then simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and let cool to room temperature until syrupy. Store leftover syrup in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks.

tequila sunrise

  • Fill a glass with crushed ice. In a shaker, combine orange juice and tequila with ice and shake for about 30 seconds. Pour over the crushed ice, then drizzle in the grenadine so it sinks to create that sunrise effect. Garnish with cherries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive finish.
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

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Party in a glass, for sure.