Vodka Sunrise

A vodka sunrise cocktail is the vodka lover’s version of the ever popular tequila sunrise. With it’s beautiful layers resembling a sunrise, this easy cocktail is a fun option for an at home brunch or anytime you’re craving a fruity drink.

My husband and I have been mixing up our own cocktail recipes for nearly 15 years now. I wasn’t a tequila fan when we first met (this has since changed), so making a vodka-version of this beautiful drink was the right option for me. With just a few simple ingredients, and our easy-to-follow directions, this fun cocktail is a great choice for newer home bartenders.

If you’re hosting a brunch, this would definitely be a show-stopping cocktail to add to your drink selection. And you can really up your brunch bar game by serving it alongside one or two other brunch cocktails options for your guests. A few of our favorites include cranberry mimosas, apple cider mimosas, Baileys espresso martinis, or cold brew martinis.

Why You’ll Love This Vodka Grenadine Cocktail

• It looks impressive! This gorgeous drink definitely has that ‘wow factor’.
• Minimal ingredients. 3 simple ingredients plus ice is all you need to mix up this easy cocktail recipe.
• Quick and easy to make. This easy drink can be mixed up in minutes. It’s really as simple as measure, pour, and enjoy!
• Lovely flavor. Orange is the predominant flavor of this cocktail, with fun pops of fruity sweetness from the grenadine. A vodka sunrise is basically a screwdriver cocktail with grenadine!
• Easily made into a mocktail. Have a guest that doesn’t drink? No problem! Skip the vodka and just add a little extra orange juice, lemon lime soda, or sparkling water to create a fun and beautiful mocktail recipe!

Vodka Sunrise Recipe Ingredients

• Grenadine – the red layer of our sunrise cocktail, grenadine is a common non-alcoholic bar syrup known for it’s bright red color. Grenadine adds sweetness and flavor to your vodka sunrise drink recipe along with the pop of red to get the sunrise effect.
• Orange Juice – I recommend using pulp free store bought orange juice for this cocktail recipe (mostly because it’s super convenient). If preferred, you could squeeze some fresh orange juice.
• Vodka – use your favorite vodka in this easy vodka cocktail recipe.
• Ice – you’ll need ice cubes for serving to chill your drink.
• Optional Garnishes – an orange slice, maraschino cherries, drink umbrellas… use whatever you like to add some flair to your vodka sunrise drink.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

How to Make a Vodka Sunrise Cocktail

Step 1: In a liquid measuring cup, measure and mix together the orange juice and vodka. Set aside.

Step 2: Add grenadine to a tall glass (like a highball glass).

Step 3: Then fill the glass with ice.

Step 4: Slowly pour the vodka and orange juice mixture over the ice.

Step 5: 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.