Black Flannel Academy

Tequila Sunrise

Agave · Orange · Spirit-forward · Sweet · Tequila
Tequila Sunrise cocktail photograph
Photo: TequilaLunazul.JPG — Antonio Cavallo · Public domain. Resized for display; photo remains under its stated license.

Orange juice and tequila sit above a settling grenadine layer; sweetness changes as the layers mix during drinking.

IBA published specification · 1 reference serve.

Glassware

Highball

Technique

Build and layer

Ice

Cubes

Garnish

half orange slice or an orange zest

Preparation effort

Low

Ingredients & measurements

Ingredient mL US fl oz Source measure / qualification
Tequila 45 1.52 45 ml Tequila
Fresh Orange Juice 90 3.04 90 ml Fresh Orange Juice
Grenadine Syrup 15 0.51 15 ml Grenadine Syrup

Converted equivalents are rounded for display; use one measurement system consistently. Dashes, spoonfuls, fruit counts and unspecified top-ups remain source measures. A blank equivalent does not mean zero.

How to make it

Combine tequila and orange juice over ice. Pour grenadine so it settles through the drink; leave the color gradient unmixed.

Glass: Highball. Ice: Cubes. Garnish: half orange slice or an orange zest.

Flavor & balance

  • Sweet (dominant): Sweeteners, fruit or sweetened modifiers round the attack and add weight; product sugar varies.
  • Earthy / Herbal (supporting): Botanicals, fresh herbs or the base spirit give aromatic plant character; this is not a basic taste.

Assess sweetness, bitterness and tactile drying separately. These flavor expectations are based on recipe structure, not measured tasting scores. Actual products, ice and dilution will change the result.

Preparation & batching

Service complexity: low. Batchability: spirit components only.

  • Measure and label the chosen product specification; chill appropriate glassware.
  • Prepare or select the named syrup; record its concentration and follow its storage instructions.
  • Prepare and measure fresh fruit components for the service plan; do not assume a fruit count guarantees a juice volume.

Finish chilling, dilution and garnish at service. Trial the actual serving method before approving a batch. Workload is an editorial assessment; no labor timing or storage validation is claimed.

Spirit & ingredient choices

Style Role Evidence level Qualification
S003 — 100% Agave Blanco Tequila base qualified A 100% agave blanco is one compatible choice; this generic tequila reference does not require 100% agave or establish age.
S008 — Blanco Tequila base qualified Blanco tequila without a 100% requirement is another compatible choice; source age/category unspecified.

Recipe notes & variations

For a Black Flannel variation, change one component at a time and record the selected product, proof, sweetener concentration and dilution. Compare it with this reference before naming or publishing the variation.

Sources & further reading

  • International Bartenders Association — checked 2026-09-18. Recipe identity and published ingredient specification; editorial sensory and workload assessments are not source tasting results.

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