It’s sweet, it’s colorful, and it’s got a history wilder than a Rolling Stones tour bus — it’s the Tequila Sunrise. And while it might look like a poolside guilty pleasure, behind the gradient glow lies a story of rock ‘n’ roll excess, reinvention, and one major identity crisis. Here to explore this storied creation's history is Nikolas Vagenas, bartender and co-owner at Brooklyn's Mr. Melo. Listen on (or read below) to discover Nikolas' Tequila Sunrise recipe — and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe!
Nikolas Vagenas' Tequila Sunrise Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ ounce agave/grenadine mix (1 part water, 1 part agave syrup, 1 part pomegranate molasses)
- ½ ounce Luxardo cherry syrup (diluted slightly)
- 2 ounces blanco tequila
- ¾ ounce acid-adjusted orange juice*
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Splash of soda
- Garnish: orange slice and Luxardo cherry
Directions
1. Build all ingredients in a chilled highball glass in the order listed.
2. Add ice and garnish with an orange slice and Luxardo cherry.
3. Serve, directing guest to stir before drinking.
*Acid Adjusted Orange Juice Recipe
Ingredients
- 34g citric acid
- 22g malic acid
- 2g tartaric acid
- Pinch of salt
- 1 quart freshly squeezed orange juice
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