It’s sweet, it’s colorful, and it’s got a history wilder than a Rolling Stones tour bus — it’s the Tequila Sunrise. And while it might look like a poolside guilty pleasure, behind the gradient glow lies a story of rock ‘n’ roll excess, reinvention, and one major identity crisis. Here to explore this storied creation's history is Nikolas Vagenas, bartender and co-owner at Brooklyn's Mr. Melo. Listen on (or read below) to discover Nikolas' Tequila Sunrise recipe — and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe!

Nikolas Vagenas' Tequila Sunrise Recipe

Ingredients

- ½ ounce agave/grenadine mix (1 part water, 1 part agave syrup, 1 part pomegranate molasses)

- ½ ounce Luxardo cherry syrup (diluted slightly)

- 2 ounces blanco tequila

- ¾ ounce acid-adjusted orange juice*

- 2 dashes orange bitters

- Splash of soda

- Garnish: orange slice and Luxardo cherry

Directions

1. Build all ingredients in a chilled highball glass in the order listed.

2. Add ice and garnish with an orange slice and Luxardo cherry.

3. Serve, directing guest to stir before drinking.

*Acid Adjusted Orange Juice Recipe

Ingredients

- 34g citric acid

- 22g malic acid

- 2g tartaric acid

- Pinch of salt

- 1 quart freshly squeezed orange juice

📧Get in touch: cocktailcollege@vinepair.com

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- VinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepair/

- Tim: https://www.instagram.com/timmckirdy/

- Nikolas: https://www.instagram.com/nikpicks/

- Mr. Melo: https://www.instagram.com/mr.melobar/

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The Tequila Sunrise

The Buildout