10 Best Tequilas For Tequila Sunrise
If you're in the market for a refreshing drink recipe, it's time to take a closer look at the tequila sunrise. Even though this drink is rather simple, it can possess vibrant and fresh flavors — when done properly. According to Liquor.com, the tequila sunrise cocktail became very popular in the '70s and '80s thanks to its fruity flavor and easy-to-find ingredients. Whether you're lounging by the pool at a tropical resort or hitting up your local bar during the summer, a tequila sunrise is a consistent and tasty treat.
A tequila sunrise, which is a combination of orange juice, tequila, and grenadine, can be made pretty much anywhere, including from the comfort of your own home. That being said, if you want to take your tequila sunrise to the next level, it is important to use high-quality tequila. To give you a helping hand, we've rounded up the 10 best tequilas to use in a tequila sunrise.
1. Don Julio Blanco
Don Julio is a household name that nearly every tequila-lover knows. Per Don Julio's official website, this brand's journey started in 1942 when Don Julio himself created his first tequila at only 17 years old. They were then officially branded in 1987, and the rest is history. While they are most famous for their Don Julio 1942 bottle, Don Julio Blanco is a more affordable option that is great for making cocktails. Made from 100% blue agave, this silver tequila undergoes the brand's classic distillation process to bring you a smooth and crisp spirit.
When smelling and tasting the tequila, you should pick up on notes of citrus that will complement the orange juice in a tequila sunrise (via Marcas de Tequila). There is also a sweetness to it that is great for several different kinds of cocktails, including the grenadine-forward tequila sunrise. That being said, this best-selling tequila can also be sipped over some ice, thanks to its smooth nature.
2. Casamigos Blanco
Casamigos Blanco is a citrus-forward tequila that is made from 100% blue Weber agave. According to Flaviar, this tequila is incredibly smooth and has a nice finish to it, making it a nice spirit to sip in cocktails or over ice. While the notes of citrus allow it to blend in with the orange juice found in a tequila sunrise, the slightly peppery flavor adds a subtle kick that can enhance the overall flavor profile of your tequila sunrise. The hints of pepper are most likely because Casamigos roasts their agave piñas to perfection for 72 hours.
Another prominent flavor that you might notice while tasting Casamigos Blanco is vanilla, which perfectly complements the natural fruit flavors found in the spirit. In addition to a tequila sunrise, some other cocktails to consider using Casamigos Blanco include a paloma or vibrant prickly pear margarita (perfect for warmer months).
3. Tequila Ocho Plata
Tequila Ocho was created by Carlos Camarena, per Sip Tequila. Thanks to growing up in a family of Tequileros, Camarena became a master in the art of artisan tequila, leading to the beloved Tequila Ocho Plata. In addition to having hints of tropical fruit, this tequila emphasizes the natural flavors found in agave, giving it earthy undertones that are complex yet easy to drink. If you are looking to create a more dynamic tequila sunrise, this is a great option. That being said, it is important to use other high-quality ingredients, like fresh-squeezed orange juice, to get the most out of Tequila Ocho Plata.
The name was inspired by the number eight, being that the eighth sample of Tequila Ocho Plata was the one that was chosen during the production process (via Caskers). Overall, Tequila Ocho Plata is a spirit that you will want to have on your bar whether you're enjoying a nightcap at home or entertaining guests.
4. Maestro Dobel Diamante
The family behind Maestro Dobel has a deep-rooted history in the art of tequila making, making it a brand that takes tequila to the next level. While all of their tequilas are very loved, Maestro Dobel Diamante delivers optimal smoothness and a crystal clear complexion. It is also the first cristalino tequila ever created, giving them special credibility that is unmatched. According to Liquor.com, cristalino tequila is an aged tequila that has been filtered in a way that removes all of the natural colors, leaving you with a crystal clear and very smooth spirit, perfect for your tequila sunrise.
The sleek bottle is predominantly black and white, keeping things simple yet chic. In addition to being very crispy and easy to sip, it is also quite bright and has a vibrant taste, allowing you to pack a little extra punch in your fruity and fresh tequila sunrise cocktail.
5. Clase Azul Reposado
From the stunning bottle to the smooth, crisp taste, Clase Azul tequila is a premium option that is on the pricier side for a reason. If you're looking for a versatile tequila that can be sipped on its own or blended in one of your favorite mixed drinks, Clase Azul is a brand you can count on. While Clase Azul makes many different kinds of tequila, their most popular and beloved option is their reposado.
Liquor.com says that Clase Azul tequila reposado is on the sweeter side, allowing it to pair nicely with the summer-inspired tequila sunrise. Even though it is not aged for as long as some other top-shelf tequilas, it tastes older than it is, giving it a unique complexity that is not easily replicated. Though the hand-painted bottles are stunning to display, keep in mind that the bottles are very tall, so you'll need a storage area with decent height.
6. Arette Blanco
In addition to being very affordable, Arette Blanco is both tasty and smooth. According to Tequila Matchmaker, Arette Blanco boasts a bold aroma, with hints of pepper and smoked agave. Though it is not intended to be a sipping tequila, it is smooth enough to serve over ice after letting it sit for a minute or two. It is also made from 100% agave and undergoes an open-air fermentation, allowing it to breathe properly and retain its natural flavors.
The bottle itself is very elegant and has a vintage appeal to it, making it a lovely addition to any bar or bar cart. Mixing your Arette Blanco tequila with the aforementioned ingredients for a tequila sunrise is sure to impress even the most selective of drinkers, and its versatility makes it a staple for any cocktail connoisseur. Though it does not pair as well with a tequila sunrise, Arette Reposado is another great spirit that is worth exploring.
7. Olmeca Altos Tequila Plata
Olmeca Altos is an award-winning tequila brand that is great for mixed drinks. According to the Olmeca Altos website, the brand places a huge focus on sustainability by creating eco-friendly bottles and paying special attention to its waste management process. Olmeca Altos has also won several different awards from some of the top spirit competitions around the world, giving it a prominent name and reputation in the industry.
According to Caskers, the smell of Olmeca Altos Tequila Plata is rather herbal, making it easier to ground your tequila sunrise and balance out the sweetness of the grenadine and orange juice combination. However, the cooked agave brings out a citrusy flavor that compliments the fruitiness of your cocktail. If you're craving something a bit smokier and stronger, try the Olmeca Altos Reposado for a smooth finish. Both tequilas can also be used to make a classic margarita.
8. Milagro Silver
Milagro Silver can be recognized by its tall and vibrant blue bottle. According to the official website, Milagro tequila is distilled by Pedro Juarez, one of the most renowned master distillers in all of Mexico. That fact, in addition to using the finest agave and ingredients possible, makes Milagro Silver a top-notch tequila that can be sipped over ice or used in a refreshing and vibrant cocktail.
When it comes to flavors, Milagro Silver has a few. Per Flaviar, this crystal clear tequila has earthy scents with a bit of spice. But when it comes to taste, there is a dominant sweetness and fruitiness. While citrus flavors are certainly prominent, there are also hints of tropical fruits that will help increase the refreshing elements of your tequila sunrise. Since it is so smooth, this is a great tequila for those who prefer not to taste the alcohol in their cocktail.
9. Curado Tequila Blanco
From the bottle's stunning and meaningful design to the smooth and rich flavor, Curado Tequila Blanco is a quality option for your tequila sunrise. As per the brand's official website, it is the first tequila to ever be infused with cooked agave, giving it credibility and exclusivity that you can trust. Between the wood-fermented tanks and the lack of barrel aging, Curado Tequila Blanco goes above and beyond to create the best possible product. There is also no added sugar, making it very clean and crisp.
The bottles feature colorful designs of alebrijes that are unique and show-stopping, making this tequila perfect for those who like to collect special bottles. The fragrant aromas are earthy and fresh, but the taste is slightly peppery, providing a nice surprise when it comes to the flavor profile (via Tequila Matchmaker). Curado Tequila is also a brand that prides itself on using traditional methods to create quality tequila that is tied to creativity and culture.
10. Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila
Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila is a more upscale and quality option from the famous brand. According to the brand's official website, the founder of Jose Cuervo first began selling tequila in 1795, giving it a rich and long history in the business. Something else that makes Jose Cuervo stand apart from the competition is the fact that they continue to produce their tequila at La Rojeña, which is the oldest active distillery in all of Latin America.
That being said, Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila is not the best for sipping, but it does pair wonderfully with cocktails. In addition to being pretty affordable, selling for around $20 per bottle, this tequila has the sweetest scent to it that is reminiscent of caramel, along with a slight spice (via Master of Malt). The sweetness of this tequila will only enhance the sweetness of your tequila sunrise, and the peppery aftertaste adds a subtle kick.