Cheers to Christmas morning!
A few weeks ago I hinted at a slightly stronger morning drink that would be festive for the holidays — and here it is: a tequila sunrise made for Christmas morning. Those layered colors are gorgeous, and the drink is perfectly cold and refreshing.
Oddly enough, I’ve always been a big tequila fan — likely because I love margaritas and palomas. Mimosas are lovely, but I might start greeting special mornings with a small shot of tequila instead.
There’s a first time for everything!
Last month I asked in my Tuesday Things what people typically have for breakfast on Christmas morning. Growing up, we never had an extravagant breakfast because we enjoyed a huge meal late on Christmas Eve and another big feast on Christmas Day. Breakfast was usually canned orange cinnamon rolls and, of course, many cookies.
So many cookies.
Since Eddie and I got married, we still don’t always do much for breakfast because we end up having two big Christmas dinners. Sometimes I skip breakfast altogether to save room for the mid-day feast and the evening meal.
But this year I want to make the morning extra special for Max, so I’m thinking of getting up early to make quick cinnamon rolls or prepare them the night before and pour a few celebratory drinks — mimosas for the adults, obviously not for Max.
I’ll likely save these tequila sunrises for the day after Christmas or New Year’s Day when the schedule is a bit more relaxed.
Seriously — look at those layers. They’re stunning.
And homemade grenadine? Yes. I wondered if it was possible and it absolutely is — made with pomegranate juice for a fresher, more seasonal flavor. I love using pomegranate this time of year; the juice makes a festive, jewel-toned syrup.
You can make the grenadine ahead of time and store any extra in the fridge for several weeks. I’m completely obsessed with this syrup now.
Can we talk about the color for a minute? These drinks are so vibrant and fun — they’d be a beautiful addition to any holiday table.
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
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Combine the pomegranate juice and sugar in a small saucepan and heat over medium. Whisk until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the lemon juice, and let cool to room temperature until syrupy. Store any extra in the fridge for several weeks.
Tequila Sunrise
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Fill a glass with crushed ice. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake the orange juice and tequila for about 30 seconds. Pour into the glass over the crushed ice, then drizzle in the grenadine so it sinks and creates the sunrise effect. Garnish with a few cherries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
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Party in a glass, for sure.