Vodka Sunrise

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A vodka sunrise in a mason jar glass on a coaster, garnished with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice.

What I love about vodka sunrise

This cocktail is perfect for anyone who doesn’t care for tequila and works in a pinch if you ran out because you made too many blackberry margaritas.
The ingredients are simple and we almost always have them on hand. You can even change things up by using flavored or infused vodkas. I think a pineapple infused vodka would be particularly good.
We’re basically just elevating a screwdriver cocktail by adding grenadine into the mix. In this case, we used homemade grenadine.

A close up of a vodka sunrise in a mason jar garnished with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice.

Here’s what you’ll need to make it

Highball Glass

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Bar Spoon

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Cocktail Jigger

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How to make a vodka sunrise

Typically a sunrise cocktail is made by adding the liquor and orange juice to a glass with ice and then spooning the grenadine down the side to let it sink to the bottom of the glass.

This technique is considered a “sink” (rather than a “float” which would sit on the top), and in the end, it just needs to get to the bottom of the glass, so I figure why not just start it out that way?

To make your vodka sunrise: Fill your glass with ice and add the grenadine. Next, add the vodka and top with orange juice. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

A hand holding a mason jar glass of vodka sunrise garnished with a maraschino cherry and orange slice.

FAQs and tips on making vodka sunrise

What is a substitute for grenadine?

If you don’t want to use store bought grenadine you can make a batch of my homemade grenadine or pomegranate molasses will work well!

Is grenadine alcoholic?

No, grenadine is basically just a flavored simple syrup.

Do you have to refrigerate grenadine?

You do not technically have refrigerate grenadine if it is store bought, but it will keep the flavor longer if you do. If you are using homemade grenadine, then you should definitely keep it in the fridge.

A vodka sunrise on a coaster in a mason jar glass, garnished with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice.

Other orange juice based cocktails you should try

More vodka cocktails you will love

By: Melissa Belanger

No tequila? No worries. Make yourself a vodka sunrise instead. This simple orange juice cocktail is mixed with vodka and grenadine for a vibrant, refreshing drink. Serve unmixed and garnished with an orange slice and maraschino cherry for a traditional look.

Prep Time: 5

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Ingredients

1/2 ounce grenadine
2 ounces vodka
Orange juice
Garnish: orange slice, maraschino cherry

Instructions

Add grenadine to a highball glass and fill with ice.
Add vodka and top with orange juice.
Stir to create a sunrise effect, and garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Last step!Share a picture on Instagram and tag me at @anothercocktailblog!