Classic Cocktails & Drinks With A Funky Twist

Tequila Sunset

|

Updated: 08/28/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
|
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

We all love a good sunset. And when it’s a cocktail that includes Tequila, what could be better? The Tequila Sunset is fruity and refreshing with a subtle kick of tequila. The naturally occurring sunset effect is sure to impress!

glass of tequila sunset with ice and cherries and orange slice as garnish

If you love a good margarita or screwdriver, give this popular tequila cocktail a try. With orange juice, Tequila, and blackberry brandy, it’s easy on your palate and enjoyable any time of day.

Tequila Sunset Ingredients

Making a Tequila Sunset cocktail at home requires no cocktail shaker or fancy gadgets, making it super simple! Just gather the following ingredients and let physics do the work. Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe, including all measurements.

  • Tequila: No need to go top shelf for this one, but it is important to choose a tequila labeled “100% agave”. Agave is what tequila is made from, so this ensures that the bottle is loaded with fillers and additives that affect the taste and quality of the tequila.
  • Orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the drink the best flavor.
  • Blackberry brandy: Responsible for the deep red layer at the bottom of the drink.
two glasses of tequila sunset with ice and cherries and orange slice garnish with bottle of blackberry brandy in the background

How to Make a Tequila Sunset

Here is a quick overview of how to make a tequila sunset drink. For the full recipe, see the recipe card below.

  1. Fill a high-ball glass with ice.
  2. Pour in tequila and orange juice and stir gently.
  3. Slowly add blackberry brandy so it settles at the bottom of the glass. Be sure not to stir in order to keep the vibrant color striations.
  4. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy!

Tequila Sunrise vs Sunset

The key difference between a Tequila Sunrise and a Tequila Sunset is the swap of one of the ingredients. In a Tequila Sunrise, grenadine is used to provide the red hue. In a Tequila Sunset, Blackberry Brandy is employed. The two ingredients tweak the flavor of the cocktails and possess different densities, giving the cocktails different appearances.

Tequila Sunrise

The Tequila Sunrise has layered vibrant colors that mimic a summer sunrise and a delightfully fruity flavor.
glass of tequila sunrise with ice and an orange slice and cherry garnish
man's hand pouring blackberry brandy into a glass of tequila sunset ingredients and ice surrounded by orange slices and cherries

How to Serve

Serve your Tequila Sunset in a glass tumbler with ice. Avoid stirring to keep the color striations. Garnish with an orange slice and Marciano cherries.

two glasses of tequila sunset with orange and cherry garnish and bottle of blackberry brandy in the background

Other Great Tequila Drinks

If you try this Tequila Sunset recipe or any of our other cocktails, leave a comment and let us know what you think!

two glasses of tequila sunset with ice and cherries and orange slice garnish with bottle of blackberry brandy in the background
No ratings yet

Tequila Sunset

Serves: 1 cocktail
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 3 minutes
Total: 3 minutes
The Tequila Sunset is fruity and refreshing with a subtle kick of tequila. The naturally occurring sunset effect is sure to impress!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces Tequila
  • 3 ounces Orange Juice
  • 1/2 ounce Blackberry Brandy

Instructions

  • Fill a glass with ice.
  • Pour in the tequila and orange juice.
  • Pour in the Blackberry Brandy carefullly so it settles at the bottom of the glass.
  • Garnish and enjoy!
Author: Nathan Longley
Course: Drinks
two glasses of tequila sunset with ice and cherries and orange slice garnish with bottle of blackberry brandy in the background

Did You Make This

Tequila Sunset

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @shakedrinkrpt and hashtag it #shakedrinkrepeat!

Nathan Longley has been his wife’s personal bar tender for as long as he can remember. While he most often enjoys a cold beer, he is known to love our vodka gimlet.

Reader Interactions

Leave A Comment

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love hearing from you & seeing what you made!

Rate This Recipe:




Best of the BestTop Rated Drinks
glass of margarita with ice, salted rim, and lime
Margarita"This is literally the best margarita I’ve ever had! I can’t get over how good it is." - Becky
Moscow Mule Slush served in copper mug with straws and lime wedge. Additional lime wedges beside.
Moscow Mule Slush"This has become a favorite of ours! We make it every time we have a party." - Jessica
two glasses of strawberry margarita sangria with sugar coated rim
Strawberry Margarita Sangria"I made this for a party and it was a huge hit! Everyone asked for the recipe!" - Jenn