Mexican Sunset Cocktail Recipe
Mexican Sunset Nutrition Facts
Calories:250
Fat:0g
Protein:1g
Carbohydrates:28g
Alcohol %:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Mexican Sunset is a popular cocktail that originated in Mexico. It's a vibrant, fruity drink that's perfect for a hot summer day. It's a favorite among those who enjoy sweet, refreshing cocktails. The name 'Mexican Sunset' comes from the drink's beautiful gradient of colors that resemble a sunset. The cocktail became popular in the 1980s and has remained a favorite ever since.
- Origin: Mexico
- Popularity: 1980s
- Ideal for: Hot summer days, parties
How Mexican Sunset Tastes?
The Mexican Sunset is a sweet, fruity cocktail with a hint of sourness from the lime. It's a refreshing, light drink with a strong taste of tequila.
Interesting facts about Mexican Sunset
- The Mexican Sunset is often served in a highball glass to showcase its beautiful colors.
- The cocktail is named after its resemblance to a sunset.
- Despite its sweet taste, the Mexican Sunset has a strong alcohol content due to the tequila.
Ingredients
- Tequila: 2 oz(60ml)
- Orange juice: 4 oz(120ml)
- Pineapple juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Grenadine: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lime: 1 slice
Tequila
The Tequila (2 oz) is the foundation of this cocktail, providing a robust and earthy base that echoes the spirit of Mexico. It's a perfect amount to keep the drink strong but not overpowering. Without it, you'd lose the fiery soul of the drink. If you're out of tequila, you could substitute with mezcal for a smokier flavor, although you'd be veering into a completely different cocktail territory.
Mary Mitkina
Orange Juice
Orange Juice (4 oz) lends a bright acidity and sweetness, marrying well with the tequila. It makes the drink vibrant and refreshing. Use less, and you might find the cocktail too strong; use more, and the drink becomes a bit too tame. Feel free to use freshly squeezed orange juice for a purer taste.
Mary Mitkina
Pineapple Juice
The Pineapple Juice (2 oz) adds a tropical twist and a bit of tartness, which complements the orange juice's sweetness. Like a good supporting actor, it doesn't steal the show but enhances the overall experience. Substitute with mango juice for a different kind of sweetness or omit it for a less complex flavor profile.
Alex Green
Grenadine
Grenadine (1 oz) provides depth with its rich, red color and a hint of pomegranate sweetness. It's the sunset in your Mexican Sunset, giving that gorgeous gradient when poured correctly. Too much grenadine can make your drink overly sweet; too little, and you might miss that beautiful color transition. No grenadine on hand? A splash of raspberry syrup could do the trick.
Mary Mitkina
Lime
A Lime Slice garnish adds a final zesty touch. It's not just decorative; a squeeze of lime juice can brighten up the whole drink, offering a counterpoint to the sweetness. Without it, the cocktail might feel a tad less complete. If you're adventurous, swap it for a lemon slice for a slight difference in citrus 'attitude'.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Mexican Sunset Drink
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour the tequila, orange juice, and pineapple juice into the glass.
- Slowly pour the grenadine into the glass. It will sink to the bottom and create a beautiful gradient effect.
- Garnish with a slice of lime.
- Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For the best visual effect, pour the grenadine slowly.
- Use fresh lime for garnish for the best taste.
- Chill the glass before making the cocktail for a more refreshing drink.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Grilled Seafood: The citrus notes of the Mexican Sunset complement the savory flavors of grilled shrimp or fish.
- Spicy Tacos: The sweetness of the cocktail balances out the heat from tacos with a kick.
- Citrus Salad: A light, citrus-based salad can echo the fruity components of the drink.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly those that are milder like mozzarella or Monterey Jack, would go nicely with this refreshing cocktail.
Drink Pairings
- Club Soda: For those who want to stay hydrated or alternate between alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks, club soda is a neutral choice that won't conflict with the flavors of the Mexican Sunset.
- Pale Ale: The hoppiness of a pale ale can contrast pleasantly with the sweetness of the cocktail.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Mexican Sunset
- Tequila can be substituted with rum for a different flavor profile.
- If you don't have grenadine, you can use a splash of cranberry juice for a similar effect.
Explore all drinks starting with M here
And of course - twists🍹
Smoky Sunset
- Replace tequila with mezcal
- Add a pinch of smoked sea salt
Create a smokier version of the Mexican Sunset by substituting the tequila with mezcal. Just float a pinch of smoked sea salt on top after adding the grenadine to enhance the smoky experience. This twist takes you from the beach to a bonfire under a starry desert sky.
Spicy Sunset
- Add 1/2 oz of jalapeño-infused simple syrup
- Rim the glass with chili salt
Turn up the heat with a jalapeño-infused simple syrup. The spiciness will add a kick that contrasts with the sweetness. Rim the glass with chili salt to intensify the Mexican vibe. It's perfect for those who love a little spice in their life.
Berry Sunset
- Substitute grenadine with raspberry syrup
- Garnish with fresh berries
For a berry twist, switch out the grenadine for raspberry syrup. It will still provide a lovely color gradient and a different kind of sweetness. Add some fresh berries as a garnish to tie it all together. This version is like a fruity vacation in your mouth.
In case you forgot basics how to make Mexican Sunset
Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Mexican Sunset
What type of Tequila should I use for the Mexican Sunset cocktail?
While you can use any type of Tequila, it is often recommended to use a quality Reposado or Blanco Tequila for their smoother flavors.
What are some variations of the Mexican Sunset cocktail?
Some variations include adding a splash of club soda for a fizzy twist, pineapple rum instead of juice for extra punch, or even a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Is the Mexican Sunset cocktail ideal for any specific occasions?
While the Mexican Sunset is perfect for hot summer days, it's also a great choice for celebrations, beach parties, or BBQs due to its refreshing nature and colorful presentation.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Mexican Sunset?
Yes, for a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the Tequila and replace it with more fruit juice or soda water.
What food pairs well with a Mexican Sunset cocktail?
The Mexican Sunset pairs well with a variety of foods due to its sweet and fruity flavors. It goes particularly well with grilled seafood and spicy Mexican dishes.
More similar recipes to Mexican Sunset!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Planter's Punch
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
Painkiller
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Pink Lady
The Pink Lady has a delicate, fruity, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of tartness. The gin provides a subtle, herbal undertone, while the grenadine and egg white create a smooth, velvety texture.
Jack Rose
The Jack Rose cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The apple brandy provides a rich, smooth base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tanginess. The grenadine imparts a subtle sweetness and a beautiful rosy hue.
Harvey Wallbanger
The Harvey Wallbanger has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of herbal bitterness from the Galliano. The orange juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor, while the vodka provides a smooth and subtle kick.
Screwdriver
The Screwdriver cocktail offers a bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The smoothness of the vodka is complemented by the tangy and refreshing taste of the orange juice, making it a well-balanced and easy-to-drink cocktail.
Fuzzy Navel
The Fuzzy Navel is a sweet, fruity, and refreshing cocktail. It has a bright citrus taste from the orange juice, combined with the smooth and sweet flavor of peach schnapps. The drink is light and easy to sip, making it perfect for warm weather or a relaxing evening.
Bramble
The Bramble cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The gin provides a strong, herbal base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The blackberry liqueur and simple syrup bring a sweet, fruity balance to the drink.
Bellini
The Bellini is a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the peach puree. The bubbles from the Prosecco add a pleasant effervescence, making it a perfect drink for warm weather and celebrations.
Rum Punch
Rum Punch is a refreshing and fruity cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The taste is a delightful combination of tangy citrus, sweet tropical fruits, and the warmth of spiced rum.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Paloma
The Paloma cocktail has a refreshing, tart, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of tequila, grapefruit, and lime creates a balanced and zesty flavor profile, while the addition of soda water adds a light, effervescent texture.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile.
Caipirinha
The Caipirinha has a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lime and sugar provides a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the cachaça adds a unique, earthy flavor. The drink is strong, yet smooth and easy to sip.