This beautifully layered Sunrise Mocktail Spritzer is super bubbly, takes less than 5 minutes to make, and is made using REAL grenadine (recipe included). It is perfect option for brunch with the girls, backyard barbeques, and days at the beach!
Best part, you can make this mocktail taste even more like the real deal with non alcoholic Tequila!
For other citrusy mocktails, try an Aperol Spritz Mocktail, Lemon Mojito Mocktail, Grapefruit Ginger Beer Mocktail, Gin and Tonic Mocktail or Mimosa Mocktail!
Why This Is The BEST Sunrise Mocktail Recipe
- IT’S A SPRITZER- This means it has a bubbly soda or water in it which gives a tummy tingly sensation, just like alcohol.
- OPTION TO ADD NON ALCOHOLIC TEQUILA- It makes this mocktail recipe taste identical to the alcoholic version.
- COMES COMPLETE WITH A HOMEMADE GRENADINE RECIPE- It is only 2 ingredients, takes 10 minutes to make, and gives this sunrise an even more authentic flavor.
- AMPED UP FLAVOR- Typically a sunrise is made with orange juice and grenadine. This recipe adds another layer of summer with tropical pineapple soda!
- A SHOWSTOPPING, BEAUTIFULLY LAYERED MOCKTAIL– Top it off with a cute mini umbrella and you are transported to a tropical oasis.
- EVERYONE CAN ENJOY IT!
Watch Me Make One In Under 30 Seconds:
What is a Sunrise Mocktail?
A Sunrise Mocktail is the non alcoholic version of an alcoholic tequila sunrise. The classic sunrise cocktail is made with grenadine, orange juice, and tequila. It gets it’s name from the layers of bright colors which mimic a summer sunrise.
This recipe replaces the tequila with pineapple soda (or juice) and a non alcoholic tequila. The non alcoholic tequila is optional but it really makes this mocktail even closer in taste to it’s alcoholic counterpart.
Sunrise Mocktail Spritzer Ingredients
This recipe is only 3 main ingredients, plus a garnish. If you are into using non alcoholic spirits like I am, there is an option for that too!
- Orange Juice: This is the main ingredient in the recipe so make sure it tastes good! You can use store bought, hand squeezed, sugar free, etc.
- Pineapple Soda: I recommend Jarritos, but canned pineapple juice or pineapple mineral waters work as well.
- Grenadine: I always recommend making your own using pomegranate juice, recipe included. Most store-bought grenadines are not even made with pomegranate juice (they are actually made with cherry juice) and contain additives and preservatives that are not good for you. If you want a true grenadine that is store-bought, I recommend this one.
- Oranges: This is used as a fresh garnish. I cut orange rounds and half orange slices.
- OPTIONAL Non Alcoholic Tequila: What is a sunrise without a little tequila? To keep it alcohol free I use Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit. Other NA Tequila brands include Ritual, Spiritless, and Free Spirit.
Equipment and Extras Needed
- Tall Glasses: I use basic drinking glasses for this mocktail (these ones), but any type of drinkware will do. A classic Tequila Sunrise is served in hurricane glasses.
- Straws and Mini Umbrellas: This is optional but a classic addition.
How to Make Homemade Grenadine
Making your own grenadine at home is super quick and easy to do, it takes about 10 minutes. Below is a quick overview, the recipe card below will have all the details.
- Add the sugar and 100% pomegranate juice to a small saucepan.
- Bring mixture to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes (stirring frequently).
- Remove from the heat and pour into an airtight glass container or jar.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to three months.
How To Make A Sunrise Mocktail Spritzer
This is one of the easiest layered drinks out there, if you do it right. Check the recipe card below for complete information.
- Make the “peek-a-boo” orange slice. Slice your orange super thin and press it up against the inside of your glass until it stays there. Fill the glass with crushed ice to hold it in place.
- Add the orange juice, pineapple soda, and optional non alcoholic tequila to the glass (in that exact order).
- Slowly pour in the homemade grenadine. Don’t worry, because the grenadine has a higher density it will sink to the bottom without disturbing the orange juice and pineapple soda.
- Garnish with an orange slice, mini umbrella, and fun striped straws.
- Stir well before you take your first sip!
4 Tips for an EVEN BETTER Sunrise Mocktail
- USE HIGH QUALITY AND FRESH INGREDIENTS- homemade grenadine, 100% orange juice, and a fresh orange garnish make all the difference. Low quality and cheap ingredients will affect the flavor of this mocktail.
- ADD A DASH OF ORANGE BITTERS- After initially writing this post I discovered alcohol free bitters by All The Bitter (get 10% off by using my code ENTIRELY10). I put their bitters in almost all of my mocktails these days. Add their orange bitters for a punch of flavor that makes this taste even closer to the alcoholic Tequila sunrise.
- SERVE IT UP FOR A CROWD- In a large pitcher combine the orange juice, pineapple soda, and non alcoholic Tequila. In individual glasses have the grenadine on the bottom and crushed ice on top. When your guest are ready to serve themselves they can pour the juice over the grenadine. Easy!
- NOT A FAN OF GRENADINE? No problem, try my Strawberry Simple Syrup in it’s place. You can also use regular simple syrup with red food coloring and even raspberry simple syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
I always buy mine on Amazon because I live in a rural area and have a hard time finding them. You can also try your local CVS store, grocery store, and even in liquor stores. They can also be purchased online directly from the company. Check out the other non alcoholic spirits I recommend here!
I recommend Jarrito’s every single time. It has the best pineapple flavor, is carbonated, and has a sweet bubbly sensation. You can also use pineapple mineral water (I like Perrier) but keep in mind the drink will be less sweet with mineral water. Another option is pineapple juice.
Of course, a classic sunrise cocktail has tequila so feel free to add a splash or two with the orange juice. Vodka, white rum, or coconut rum would taste delicious in this as well!
More Fun Non Alcohol Mocktails To Try:
- Paloma Mocktail
- Moscow Mule Mocktail
- Apple Cider Sangria Mocktail
- Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktail
- Apple Bee’s Knees Mocktail
- Strawberry Mojito Mocktail
- Espresso Martini Mocktail
- Watermelon Lime Slush
- Apple Cider Mule Mocktail
- Guava Lemonade Fizz
- Lavender Coconut Lemonade
- Creamy Mango Lemonade
- Pina Colada Mocktail
- Blue Lagoon Mocktail
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Sunrise Mocktail Spritzer
EQUIPMENT
- glassware - tall drinking glasses, or your choice
- optional - straws and mini umbrellas
INGREDIENTS
- 5 ounces orange juice
- 3 ounces pineapple soda - I use Jarritos. Or use pineapple juice, pineapple mineral water, etc.
- 1 ½ ounces grenadine - using recipe below or store-bought
- 1 ½ ounces non alcoholic tequila - Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit (optional)
Homemade Grenadine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pomegranate juice; - make sure it is 100% juice with no sugar added.
INSTRUCTIONS
Homemade Grenadine
- To a small saucepan add the granulated sugar and pomegranate juice.
- Heat over medium until the mixture comes to a boil. Then reduce to low and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and allow the grenadine to cool a bit before pouring into an airtight glass jar or container.
- Refrigerate.
Sunrise Mocktail Spritzer
- OPTIONAL "peek-a-boo" orange slice: Slice an orange super thin and press one slice up against the inside of the glass until it stays there. Fill the glass with crushed ice to hold it in place.
- Add into the glass the orange juice, pineapple soda, and non alcoholic tequila (in that exact order).
- Slowly pour in the grenadine and allow it to sink to the bottom of the glass.
- Garnish with a half orange slice, mini umbrella, and straw.
- Stir until well combined before sipping.
VIDEO
RECIPE NOTES
Grenadine Storing Information:
- Refrigerated in an airtight jar or container, up to three months.
Serving For A Crowd:
- In a large pitcher combine the orange juice, pineapple soda, and non alcoholic Tequila. In individual glasses have the grenadine on the bottom and crushed ice on top. When your guest are ready to serve themselves they can pour the juice over the grenadine. Easy!
Metric conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
This mocktail was so fresh and flavorful! I love how easy, delicious and refreshing it is!
These are so refreshing and delicious! It’s just starting to warm up over here and I will be serving these poolside all summer.
Love how quick this moctail comes together! Will serve at our next girls night gathering. So good!
What a perfect substitute for mimosas! I had some friends that don’t drink and they loved these! They were the perfect substitute!
Absolutely delicious! Made these for a bridal shower, and everyone loved them. I included an orange slice in some of the glasses and a couple of lemon slices in other glasses.