A fresh spin on a classic cocktail. Strawberry tequila sunrise replaces grenadine syrup with fresh strawberry puree.

tall cocktail glass with orange juice and bits of strawberry puree.
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I’m all for updating classics with cleaner ingredients! My first remix of tequila sunrise used fresh raspberries. This version swaps grenade for fresh strawberry puree. You get real fruit flavor and natural sweetness instead of the artificial taste of most bottled grenadines.

orange juice being poured into tall glass with strawberry puree and ice.
two styled and garnished strawberry tequila sunrise cocktails on coasters.

Table of Contents

Strawberry Puree

Store-bought grenadine is usually artificially colored. It’s loaded with sugars and preservatives. High quality grenadine is made with all natural ingredients: pomegranate juice, sugar, and water. That’s a little harder to find.

Fresh strawberry puree does the same visual “sunrise” trick but with actual fruit flavor. Ripe fresh strawberries work best. However, you may also use defrosted frozen strawberries.

Making the puree: Blend ripe strawberries until smooth. Strain if you want it silky. If using frozen, thaw first and drain off excess liquid (too much water waters down the drink and the color).

overhead of two cocktails and bowl of fresh strawberries.

Which Tequila to Use

  • Blanco is unaged and has the cleanest, most agave-forward flavor. It’s the best choice if you want the tequila to actually come through. 
  • Gold tequila works too and adds a touch of caramel warmth, though note that most gold tequila is really just blanco with added coloring rather than truly aged spirit.
close up of two strawberry tequila cocktails garnished with fresh strawberries on wooden coaster.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Tequila Sunrise

  • Fresh-squeezed OJ makes a noticeable difference. Skip anything from concentrate.
  • Strain the strawberry puree if you don’t want any strawberry pulp texture in your drink.
  • Batching for a party? Multiply the puree and juice, keep chilled, and pour tequila into individual glasses so you can adjust strength per person.
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Strawberry Tequila Sunrise

By Maryanne Cabrera
This fresh version of tequila sunrise replaces the traditional grenadine syrup with a quick and easy strawberry puree.
Servings: 1 (multiply as needed)
Strawberry Tequila Sunrise
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 1 oz strawberry puree
  • 3 oz orange juice, preferably fresh squeezed
  • 1 ½ oz tequila, blanco or gold

Instructions 

  • Add strawberry puree to a tall serving glass. Fill with ice. Add orange juice and top with tequila. Stir before serving.

Notes

  • To make strawberry puree: blend or process ripe strawberries until smooth. Strain, if desired. Keep chilled until ready to use. Use fresh or defrosted frozen strawberries.
  • Fresh squeezed orange is best! Otherwise, use high quality bottled 100% orange juice.
  • Use your choice of tequila. However, blanco or gold variety is highly recommended. 
All images and text ©The Little Epicurean

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 0.3g, Saturated Fat: 0.02g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 214mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 174IU, Vitamin C: 59mg, Calcium: 14mg, Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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10 Comments

  1. Sabrina says:

    a great tweak to the standard cocktail, love the strawberry puree, thank you for this one!

    1. Maryanne Cabrera says:

      Thank you!

  2. Jessica Robinson says:

    All of your recipes look so delicious!!

  3. Sandi G says:

    I LOVE the mulled strawberries in this drink.

  4. Lauren @ Hall Nesting says:

    You must have known we were drinking tequila sunrises last week! I love the strawberries!

  5. Cathy Pollak says:

    This is going on my Sunday list.

  6. Amanda | The Chunky Chef says:

    This drink is so beautiful and looks like it tastes absolutely amazing!!

  7. katerina @ diethood.com says:

    Omg!! I need to try this asap!! Its fabulous!!

  8. Renee - Kudos Kitchen says:

    A very nice twist on a classic. Looks tasty! Happy Cinco de Mayo!

  9. Delaney | Melanie Makes says:

    This is the perfect drink for summer gatherings!