• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Aleka's Get-Together
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Drinks
  • Entertaining
  • Keyword Training
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Follow AGT!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Drinks
    • Entertaining
    • Keyword Training
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Follow AGT!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Vodka Sunrise Cocktail

    Published: Sep 16, 2021 · Modified: May 13, 2022 by Aleka Shunk · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Share This Recipe!

    21 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Vodka Sunrise is a fun take on the classic tequila sunrise cocktail but made with vodka. Red grenadine topped with brightly hued orange juice make this drink reminiscent of a stunning sunrise. Like my lavender lemonade, ideal for summer mornings or brunch gatherings!

    Serving this for brunch? Try pairing it with my Hawaiian Bread French Toast!

    Two vodka sunrise cocktails on table with cherry and orange slice for garnish.
    Adding the grenadine first will give you the distinct "sunrise" effect.

    If you love a classic screwdriver, you will love a vodka sunrise!

    It's basically the same type of drink with a touch of grenadine added for color and sweetness. Most people are familiar with the popular cocktail, a tequila sunrise but for those who don't like tequila, this version is perfect!

    Contents hide
    1 🛒 What do you put in a Vodka Sunrise?
    2 🌅 Getting The Sunrise Look
    3 📝 Variations
    4 🙋‍♂️"What is the difference between a vodka sunrise and a sunset?"
    5 ✅ Expert Tips
    6 🙋‍♂️ FAQ's
    6.1 Other Summer Cocktails You'll Love
    7 Vodka Sunrise Cocktail
    7.1 Equipment
    7.2 Ingredients
    7.3 Instructions
    7.4 Recipe Notes

    🛒 What do you put in a Vodka Sunrise?

    • Vodka- Use the best vodka you have since it is the only alcohol being used. Titos will make it gluten free!
    • Grenadine- This is a non-alcoholic sticky syrup that's both tart and sweet. It has a deep red color which gives many drinks a pink hue when blended. You can find it in any grocery store OR make your own here!
    • Orange Juice- Use any orange juice you enjoy however I recommend one that's pulp-free! Those little "pulpies" aren't very appealing.
    Orange juice, grenadine and vodka on table with orange.
    See substitutions below!

    🌅 Getting The Sunrise Look

    To get that gorgeous "sunrise" look to your cocktail, the trick is to add your grenadine syrup FIRST to a tall glass with ice. Then mix your orange juice and vodka in a cocktail shaker before adding it over top of the syrup.

    You don't want to mix it before serving because then it will turn a pinkish hue defeating the sunrise presentation.

    If you love beautiful hues and colorful drinks, you have to make this purple lavender cocktail!

    Pouring grenadine syrup into tall highball glass with ice.
    Adding the syrup first is optional.

    🍹Love bloody marys? Check out this post on the best garnishes for your Bloody Mary!

    📝 Variations

    This is a simple cocktail however you can swap out a few things to keep the sunrise color but meet the needs of your guests.

    1. Swap out the vodka! You can use another clear liqueur like tequila or white rum! Coconut rum would be a deliciously tropical addition.
    2. Use a different juice! Instead of orange juice, why not try pineapple, mango or a fruity mixture of the two? (Pineapple would be delicious with the coconut rum!)
    3. Don't have grenadine? Try using a black currant, pomegranate or cherry juice instead to achieve similar colors. You can even use a drop of red food coloring at the bottom!

    🙋‍♂️"What is the difference between a vodka sunrise and a sunset?"

    Both drinks have the same ingredients however the difference is mainly HOW the grenadine is added.

    When the sun rises, the red is beneath the yellow.

    When the sun sets, the red is typically above the yellow.

    This is why the red aka grenadine is added on TOP of the orange juice or LAST. It's usually mixed with a soda water to make it lighter (not sink).

    Pouring orange juice to top of drink.

    🍹Love fruity cocktails? Check out this awesome drink list!

    ✅ Expert Tips

    • Use a tall, skinny glass to serve your vodka sunrise in. It layers nicely and looks beautiful.
    • Chill your glass in the freezer for 10-20 minutes before serving for an extra cold drink.
    • Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.
    • Skewer your garnishes on a fun umbrella skewer if you prefer.
    • Serve with a straw to allow guests to mix their drink if they want.
    • Mix the orange juice with soda water for a less sweet, bubbly option.
    Side angle of vodka sunrise cocktail on table.
    Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

    Check out this list of juices and mixers that pair well with vodka.

    🙋‍♂️ FAQ's

    Can I make this non-alcoholic?

    Sure! Leave out the vodka and either mix as is or add a splash of soda water for a fun kid-friendly mocktail!

    Does grenadine have alcohol?

    Nope! It's just a red simple syrup.

    Can I make this in a large batch ahead of time for a party?

    Yes! To prevent playing bartender all party long, pre-mix the orange juice and vodka and place in a pourable pitcher. Then set that next to a cute pour bottle of the grenadine with a shot glass or jigger for guests to add themselves! Just add a small sign that says, "add 1 oz grenadine then top with OJ"!

    Do I need to pour the grenadine first?

    No you don't have to since grenadine is a heavier liquor so gravity will naturally allow it to sink to the bottom. The color will just be a bit more muddled.

    When is best to serve this cocktail?

    Since there is orange juice in it, it makes for the perfect breakfast or brunch drink during the warmer months!

    Other Summer Cocktails You'll Love

    Passion Fruit Vodka Martini Cocktail (With Puree)

    Classic Margarita Pitchers (No Simple Syrup!)

    The Perfect Gin Aperol Sour Cocktail

    Paper Plane Cocktail

    📲 Say hi on social!! 👋 Follow me on facebook, instagram, pinterest, youtube or tiktok for more recipes and entertaining tips!

    📽 If you love entertaining at home, sbscribe to my YouTube channel!!

    Vodka sunrise cocktail on table with cherry and orange slice.

    Vodka Sunrise Cocktail

    This Vodka Sunrise is a fun take on the classic tequila sunrise cocktail but made with vodka. Red grenadine topped with brightly hued orange juice make this drink reminiscent of a stunning sunrise. It's ideal for summer mornings or brunch gatherings!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1 person
    Calories:
    Author: Aleka Shunk

    Equipment

    • Cocktail Shaker

    Ingredients

    • 1½ ounces good vodka
    • 5 ounces orange juice (*you can use pineapple or mango too)
    • 1 ounce grenadine syrup
    • 1 orange slice and 1 maraschino cherry for garnish

    Instructions

    • Fill a glass with ice and add grenadine.
    • Add ice to a cocktail shaker along with the orange juice and vodka.
    • Shake for 10-20 seconds.
    • Top grenadine with orange juice mixture and garnish with orange slice and a cherry.

    Recipe Notes

    • I recommend using a tall, skinny glass like a highball or Collins glass like this one.
    • You can use any clear alcohol you prefer like white rum, coconut rum or tequila.
    • You can also make your own homemade grenadine syrup here if you wish!
    Tried this Recipe? Tag Me On Facebook!Mention @AlekasGetTogether or tag #AlekasGetTogether!
    « Cinnamon Spice Apple Pie Fries (with 3 Dipping Sauces!)
    Air Fryer Scallops with Lemon & Tarragon »

    Share This Recipe!

    21 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Search a recipe!

    Welcome to Aleka's Get-Together where I share recipes and tips for entertaining at home! If you love hosting like me, sign up to receive FREE recipes and tips below! More about me...

    Spring Is Here!

    • Mini Egg Custard Tartlets (Using A Muffin Tin!)
    • Mother's Day Games
    • English Tea Finger Sandwiches (3 Recipes!)
    • 23 Mini Sandwich Ideas (Party Appetizer Sliders)

    Aleka's Favorites

    • Easy COLD Appetizers
    • Mini Cinnamon Sugar Brioche French Toast Bites
    • Starbucks Copycat Egg Bites Recipe (In Oven)
    • EASY Beer-Battered Onion Rings (w/ Red Pepper Aioli)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Affiliate Disclaimer
    • Accessibility Policy

    Work With Me

    • Work With Me
    • Media Kit

    Contact Me

    • Contact
    • Sign Up to receive FREE recipes!

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Aleka's Get-Together.

    21 shares
    Cookies are used to ensure that you receive the best experience on this site. Click okay if you approve.OkayLearn More