Vodka Sunrise

A vodka sunrise cocktail is the vodka lover’s answer to the ever popular tequila sunrise. With its layered colors resembling a sunrise, this easy drink is a fun option for an at home brunch or anytime you’re craving something fruity.

My husband and I have been mixing up our own drink recipes at home for nearly 20 years. In that time I’ve developed over 90 beverage recipes for this website, with more than 40 of them cocktails, and I pride myself on sharing drinks that have been thoroughly tested so readers can have a good experience behind their own home bar.

This one started as a workaround. I wasn’t a tequila fan when my husband and I first met (this has since changed), so a tequila sunrise was off the table for me. Swapping in vodka gave me the same beautiful drink without the ingredient I was avoiding, and it’s been in our rotation ever since.

Through all those batches, I’ve worked out the details that make the difference between a vodka sunrise that looks like the photos and one that turns out pink and muddled. I’ve tested the pour order that gives you the sharpest contrast between the red and orange layers (it’s not the one most recipes tell you to use, and I explain why below), and landed on a vodka to orange juice ratio that keeps the drink balanced so you can actually taste the juice instead of just the liquor.

If you’re hosting a brunch, this is a show-stopping addition to your drink selection. You can really up your brunch bar game by serving it alongside a couple of other options for your guests, like cranberry mimosas, apple cider mimosas, Baileys espresso martinis, or cold brew martinis.

How to Make a Vodka Sunrise Cocktail

In a liquid measuring cup, measure and mix together the orange juice and vodka. Set aside.

Add grenadine to a tall glass (like a highball glass).

Then fill the glass with ice.

Slowly pour the vodka and orange juice mixture over the ice.

Add optional garnishes, sip, and enjoy!

How to Get the Sunrise Look

The trick to getting that perfect vodka sunrise look is to add the grenadine syrup to your glass first!

Some people will have you pour the grenadine syrup on top of the orange juice because the grenadine’s density is higher than the juice and vodka so it technically will sink. However, it takes a while for the grenadine to sink to the bottom of the drink and doesn’t give you quite as stark of a contrast in your colors.

Do not stir your vodka sunrise before serving! It will turn a pinkish hue, which defeats the purpose of the beautiful sunrise presentation.

Vodka Sunrise Cocktail Variations

• Substitute the vodka with a different liquor, such as:
  • Tequila: Make this into a the original tequila sunrise by using your favorite blanco tequila instead of vodka.
  • Rum: White rum or coconut rum are both fun options to use in a sunrise drink.
• Swap out the orange juice with different fruit juices, try:
  • Pineapple Juice: Roll with those tropical vibes and enjoy a pineapple sunrise!
  • Grapefruit Juice: If you’re a grapefruit juice lover, replace the orange juice with the fun and tart juice instead.
• Make it into a sunrise mocktail: want a non-alcoholic sunrise drink? Skip the vodka altogether! You can either add extra orange juice, or a little lemon lime soda or sparkling water, in place of the liquor to create a fun summer mocktail recipe!

Making this Vodka Orange Juice Cocktail for a party

If you’d like to have this for a larger-sized gathering, you definitely can! Have a pitcher of vodka and orange juice ready so guests can mix up their own easily!

You can either pre-measure the grenadine and have it in glasses for your guests. Or have a jigger out and ready for guests to use if they’d like to try this sunrise drink.

And it’s always a good idea to have extra ice ready for any summertime party! This helps keep your guests, and their drinks, nice and cool throughout your event.