Save Pin
My favorite colorful drink for any get-together has to be this Sunrise Mocktail. It’s all about the bold look and delicious refreshment, and you don’t have to mess with alcohol at all. You only need orange juice and grenadine, which layer so nicely that your glass ends up looking just like a sunrise. Kids beg for extra glasses and adults feel like they’re in on the fun, too, whether it’s brunch or a hot day in the backyard.
Whenever I whip this one up, everyone crowds around. I’ve got friends who always say they aren’t into sweet stuff, but guess what? They come back for refills anyway. It’s a guaranteed hit every single family brunch.
Colorful Ingredients
- Grenadine: deep red syrup that brings sweetness and creates those pretty sunrise layers, try to pick one with real fruit
- Orange juice no pulp: gives a bright citrus kick and stays extra smooth so you get clean colors
- Optional cherry and orange slice for the top: fresh glossy cherries and bright oranges will look the most fun peeking out of your glass
Choose orange juice that really pops for best flavor homemade or from the carton is fine just skip anything that tastes dull or weak
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add Your Finishing Touches:
- Drop on a slice of orange and top with a cherry makes it extra cute and classic Make sure to serve right away to keep those bright layers visible
- Drizzle in the Grenadine:
- Slowly pour the grenadine down the inside of the glass or over the back of a spoon The syrup should sink below the juice and create awesome layers
- Pour in Your Orange Juice:
- Once your ice is in, add orange juice slowly so you get a clean look and don’t mix things up too soon
- Get Your Glass Ready:
- Pack your favorite tall glass with ice all the way so your drink stays super cold the whole time
Save Pin
Grenadine is my secret splash for this drink—the way it floats down through the juice is kind of like watching a magic trick unfold My niece once tried to make her glass last forever just so she could keep looking at those colors
Storage Tips
You’ll want to layer your Sunrise Mocktail right before drinking for the best look If you do need to chill them ahead, keep juices cold and hold off on adding ice until you’re about to serve or else the flavors can get thin If preparing for a crowd, store orange juice and grenadine separately and just pour them together for that wow factor as guests arrive
Ingredient Swaps
No grenadine at the store? No problem—use some raspberry syrup or pomegranate juice for the same awesome effect Squeezing oranges by hand makes it taste freshest but you can totally grab a shelf bottle if you have to Want it a bit fancier? Try blood orange juice for a super rich color
Save Pin
Easy Pairings
Pair this bright drink with your favorite waffles or some fluffy French toast at brunch It’s also the best refreshment for a garden party or makes a sweet toast for baby showers Pop it into clear tall glasses to let everyone admire those sunrise colors
Story and Roots
This fun mocktail takes its look from the famous tequila sunrise but skips the booze entirely so everyone gets in on the color show Those lively layers really started popping up at wild parties in the seventies and have stuck around for a cheerfully retro vibe
Common Questions
- → What should I do to get the sunrise colors right?
Just drizzle grenadine slowly onto your orange juice. It'll sink to the bottom and give you that gorgeous color split.
- → Is it okay to pick fresh orange juice instead of using bottled?
Absolutely—fresh-squeezed orange juice brings more zing and a natural, citrusy kick to every sip.
- → What kind of cup makes this drink look best?
A tall tumbler or highball glass will show off those cool colors and layers better than a short one.
- → Can I top this off with something else?
Sure! Go for an orange wedge or cherry, or jazz it up with a twist of lemon if you want some extra snap.
- → Can I fix this up ahead of time?
Put it together right when you serve. That way, you keep those eye-catching colors and that chilly freshness.