If you love bold drinks with a visual wow factor, the Long Island Sunrise is your next happy hour hit. This cocktail combines the strength of a Long Island Iced Tea with the eye-catching gradient of a tequila sunrise. The result? A layered tropical drink that packs a punch and looks stunning in the glass.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or planning a chill beach night, this drink is your new go-to. In this article, we’ll dive into how to make it, where it comes from, ways to switch it up, and how it fits into your cocktail lineup alongside favorites like the Red Blue Tequila Cocktail and the layered Blue Sunset Breeze.
What Is a Long Island Sunrise?
Think of it as a tropical, citrusy remix of the Long Island Iced Tea—only instead of cola and lemon, you get orange juice and grenadine. The core of this cocktail still includes the key spirits: vodka, white rum, tequila, and triple sec. But it skips sour mix and soda in favor of bright, fruity orange juice. When you pour the grenadine slowly down the side of the glass, it sinks to the bottom and creates a layered “sunrise” effect—much like what you see in the Tropical Peach Punch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make one Long Island Sunrise, gather the following:
- ¾ oz Vodka
- ¾ oz White Rum
- ¾ oz Tequila
- ¾ oz Triple Sec
- 2 oz Orange Juice
- ¼ oz Grenadine
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel for garnish
- Optional: straw for serving
You’ll notice this drink leans strong on spirits—just like a classic Long Island. The difference is that the OJ and grenadine tame the bite and give it a smoother, fruitier finish.
How to Make a Long Island Sunrise Cocktail
This cocktail comes together quickly. Here’s your step-by-step guide to layering it right:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, rum, tequila, triple sec, and orange juice.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Fill a tall glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture into the glass.
- Slowly pour the grenadine down the side of the glass. It will settle at the bottom to form the “sunrise.”
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and straw.
Serve immediately and enjoy the layered gradient before giving it a gentle stir to combine the flavors. It’s ideal for sipping under warm skies—similar to the vibe of the Pineapple Coconut Vodka Cooler.
What Makes It Special?
The Long Island Sunrise has two things going for it: flavor and presentation. It offers all the depth and punch of a Long Island Iced Tea but with a tropical twist. The orange juice brings brightness, while grenadine adds depth, sweetness, and a bold red hue. The result is a layered drink that’s just as satisfying to sip as it is to photograph.
If you enjoy drinks that combine strong alcohol content with fruity notes, this one delivers. It’s right up there with playful drinks like the Slap My Ass Cocktail, which is known for its color and kick.
Variations and Tips
Want to switch things up? Try these creative variations:
Tropical Island Sunrise
Add ½ oz of pineapple juice to the shaker before you pour. The tropical notes give it an island vibe, especially when served with grilled pineapple or light seafood.
Berry Sunrise
Use a berry syrup or muddled raspberries instead of grenadine for a fruitier take. It complements the orange juice and adds a tart-sweet note.
Frozen Sunrise
Blend the spirits and orange juice with crushed ice for a slushy version. Pour into a hurricane glass and drizzle the grenadine over the top—it’ll slowly streak through the icy mix.
You can also reduce the spirits slightly for a lighter version without compromising on taste or appearance. Want to cut the sweetness? Use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of store-bought.
When to Serve It
The Long Island Sunrise is made for celebrations. Serve it at:
- Summer BBQs
- Pool parties
- Beachside happy hours
- Festive brunches
It’s also a standout cocktail for sunset-themed events or parties with a tropical theme. If you’re building a themed menu, pair it with other vibrant cocktails like the Strawberry Lemonade Margarita or the elegant layers of the Tropical Bay Breeze.
Pairing Suggestions
This drink pairs beautifully with citrus-forward or spicy foods. Try it with:
- Grilled shrimp tacos
- Citrus-marinated chicken skewers
- Guacamole and chips
- Mini empanadas
- Mini cheesecakes or tropical mousse for dessert
Its acidity and sweetness help balance savory or spicy dishes, making it a flexible option for many menus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this drink very strong?
Yes, it contains nearly 3 oz of alcohol in total—so it’s potent. The juices help smooth out the bite, but it’s still a strong cocktail meant to be sipped slowly.
Can I batch this for parties?
Absolutely. Mix the spirits and orange juice in a large pitcher. Add grenadine individually to each glass just before serving to maintain the layered effect.
Can I make it less sweet?
Use less grenadine or swap in a tart syrup like pomegranate. You can also use freshly squeezed orange juice for a more natural citrus flavor.
Is there a mocktail version?
You can make a mocktail with orange juice, lemon-lime soda, and grenadine. It won’t be a Long Island, but it will capture the same layered tropical vibe.
Final Thoughts: A New Classic in the Making
The Long Island Sunrise is bold, beautiful, and bursting with flavor. It takes the intensity of a Long Island Iced Tea and gives it a colorful, beach-ready makeover. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or making it a party staple, this cocktail delivers on every level—taste, color, and experience.
For more stunning, layered drinks that bring the sunset into your glass, don’t miss the Blue Sunset Breeze or the sweet, sassy Slap My Ass Cocktail.
Cheers to sipping the sky!
