Sunset Breezy Cocktail Recipe
Sunset Breezy Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:22g
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 Sunset Breezy is a cocktail that embodies the tranquil beauty of a sunset by the beach. It's a relatively new addition to the cocktail scene, crafted to capture the hearts of those who yearn for tropical escapes and the serenity of ocean breezes.
- Inspiration: The drink takes inspiration from the classic tequila sunrise but introduces a twist with the addition of refreshing citrus and a hint of mint.
- Popularity: It quickly became a favorite at beachside bars and summer gatherings.
- Audience: It's particularly beloved by those who enjoy light, fruity cocktails that aren't overly sweet.
How Sunset Breezy Tastes?
The Sunset Breezy offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors, with a light, refreshing profile. The citrus notes provide a zesty kick, while the underlying sweetness from the grenadine ensures a smooth finish. The mint adds a subtle freshness that elevates the drink, making it perfect for sipping as the day winds down.
Interesting facts about Sunset Breezy
- Colorful Layers: The cocktail's gradient of colors mimics a sunset, with vibrant oranges and deep reds.
- Versatility: It can be easily adapted for non-alcoholic versions, making it inclusive for all to enjoy.
- Minty Twist: The addition of mint differentiates it from other sunset-themed cocktails, adding an extra layer of flavor and aroma.
Ingredients
- Tequila: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Orange juice: 3 oz(90ml)
- Pineapple juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Grenadine: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Fresh lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Mint leaves: 4
- Fresh pineapple: 1 slice for garnish
Tequila
The life of the party, Tequila, gives our Sunset Breeze its boozy backbone. Measured to balance revelry with subtlety (1.5 oz), any less wouldn't give it the desired kick, any more might push your sunset into a stormy night. Skip the tequila, and you've lost your lead dancer!
For a twist, try Mezcal for a smokier note.
Alex Green
Orange Juice
Orange Juice brings a bright, sunny disposition with Vitamin C (3 oz), perfect for beach-side lounging. The quantity here is enough to mingle smoothly with the tequila without overpowering. No orange juice? You might as well watch the sunset without the sun!
Swap for Mandarin Juice for a more exotic flair.
Mary Mitkina
Pineapple Juice
This tropical traveler, Pineapple Juice (1 oz), infuses a breezy island vibe that'll make you want to sway with the palms. Too little and you miss out on the vacation; too much and it's a pineapple party, not a cocktail.
Use Mango Juice for a deeper, sweeter tropical twist.
Emma Rose
Grenadine
Grenadine (0.5 oz) flows in like a serene sunset bleeding into the ocean. It's the hallmark of our Sunset Breezy, its gradual blend creating an Instagram-worthy gradient. Skip it, and the sunset is incomplete!
A drop of Pomegranate Molasses could add a tart contrast.
Alex Green
Fresh Lime Juice
Fresh Lime Juice (0.5 oz) adds a zesty spark to ignite the fruity flavors, a hint of acid to balance out the sweetness. Neglect it, and the cocktail loses its edge. It's like a beach without the breeze, still nice but lacking that refreshing slap of cool air.
Sub with Lemon Juice for a straightforward tartness.
Mary Mitkina
Mint Leaves
Four Mint Leaves - not three, not five - to whisper sweet nothings into the tequila's ear. Mint is like the garnish on a culinary sonnet; it rhymes with every sip. Mintless? The monologue falls flat.
Basil could substitute for an herby, peppery note.
Emma Rose
Fresh Pineapple
Finally, the Fresh Pineapple slice sits atop like a crown, an edible decoration that bespeaks tropical royalty. Without this garnish, the presentation is dethroned of its decadent finale.
Slide in an Orange Twist for an alternative regal look.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Sunset Breezy Drink
- Muddle the mint leaves gently in the bottom of a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and add tequila, orange juice, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled highball glass filled with ice.
- Slowly pour grenadine over the back of a spoon so it settles at the bottom, creating a layered effect.
- Garnish with a slice of pineapple on the rim of the glass.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Glass: Serve in a chilled glass to keep the drink colder for longer.
- Layering: Pour the grenadine slowly to maintain distinct layers.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh juices and mint for the best flavor.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Grilled Seafood: The citrus notes in the cocktail complement the slight char and sweetness of grilled shrimp or lobster.
- Spicy Dishes: The sweetness of the cocktail can balance out the heat from dishes like spicy Thai or Mexican cuisine.
- Fresh Salads: A salad with a citrus-based dressing would echo the fruity flavors of the cocktail.
- Cheese Platters: A cheese platter with a variety of soft and hard cheeses can be a great platform for the cocktail's bold flavors.
Drink Pairings
- Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a citrus twist works well between sips of the Sunset Breezy cocktail to cleanse the palate.
- Pale Ale: A light beer, such as a pale ale, can complement the fruity and refreshing nature of this cocktail.
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What you could change in Sunset Breezy
- Tequila: Can be substituted with a light rum for a milder taste.
- Grenadine: If too sweet, use pomegranate juice for a tart alternative.
- Mint Leaves: Basil can be used for an earthier aroma.
Explore all drinks starting with S here
And of course - twists🍹
Smoky Sunset
- Swap Tequila for Mezcal (1.5 oz)
- Add a pinch of smoked salt Recipe: Follow the Sunset Breezy but include Mezcal for a smoky twist and garnish with a rim of smoked salt. The smoky flavor will add depth, making it a great sunset companion for those who like to walk on the smoky side of life.
Berry Breezy
- Replace Grenadine with Raspberry Syrup (0.5 oz)
- Muddle fresh berries with the mint Recipe: The same process but with raspberry syrup for a berry-forward profile. Muddled berries add a fresh, tangy twist. Perfect for those summery days when you want to add a berrylicious spin to your cocktail hour.
Tropical Twist
- Use Coconut Rum instead of Tequila (1.5 oz)
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes Recipe: Shake up the island vibe by using coconut rum. Toasted coconut garnish will provide a mouthfeel and visual appeal. This twist will transport you straight to a hammock under the palm trees!
In case you forgot basics how to make Sunset Breezy
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing 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).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Sunset Breezy
How can I tell if a pineapple is ripe for garnishing?
A ripe pineapple typically has a sweet aroma at the bottom and gives slightly to pressure. The color should be vibrant with a yellow hue on the outer skin.
What is the best way to store mint leaves to keep them fresh?
Mint leaves stay fresh when stored in the refrigerator in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag or when placed stem-first into a glass of water covered loosely with a plastic bag.
Can I prepare the Sunset Breezy in a pitcher for a group?
Absolutely! You can multiply the ingredient measurements by the number of servings you need and mix everything except the grenadine in a pitcher. Add the grenadine just before serving to create the layered effect in individual glasses.
Is there a technique for achieving the perfect layer in my Sunset Breezy?
For perfect layering, pour your grenadine over the back of a spoon very slowly and close to the drink's surface to prevent mixing and preserve the beautiful sunset gradient.
What type of ice is best for the Sunset Breezy cocktail?
Crushed ice or small ice cubes are ideal because they chill the drink quickly without diluting it too much, as they balance the surface area for chilling and the melting rate.
What's the significance of the 'highball glass' for this cocktail?
A highball glass is tall and straight-sided to showcase the layers of the drink while providing enough room for the mixers and ice, perfect for the aesthetic and function of the Sunset Breezy.
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