This vodka sunrise is a sweet, tropical summer cocktail made with just vodka, orange juice and a splash of grenadine, and it takes 2 minutes to pour. If you love my Blue Coconut Rum Cocktail or Midori Splice, this one is about to become your new favourite.
A Quick Look At The Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Vodka Sunrise
🕒 Ready In: 2 minutes
👪 Serves: 2
🍚 Calories: 127kcal per serve
🥣 Main Ingredients: vodka, orange juice, grenadine, ice
📖 Dietary Info: Contains alcohol, no cocktail shaker or special equipment needed
⭐ Why You'll Love It: Just 3 ingredients, poured straight into the glass, with a gorgeous 'sunrise' colour every time!
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Looking for an easy 3 ingredient vodka cocktail? This is it! It's just like a tequila sunrise, but with vodka. Not everyone loves the strong flavour of tequila, so this version is a little softer and just as pretty in the glass.
It's perfect for summer parties, Christmas get togethers and lazy days by the pool. Making a few drinks for a crowd? Try my Pornstar Martini or Fruit Tingle Cocktail too.
Why You're Going To Love This Cocktail
- Ready in 2 minutes: simply pour it straight into the glasses and serve.
- Just 3 ingredients: vodka, orange juice and grenadine. That's it!
- No equipment needed: you don't even need a cocktail shaker, just your serving glasses.
- The perfect summer drink: tropical, sweet and light. Just add a beach holiday or a lazy afternoon by the pool.
Jump to:
Vodka Sunrise Ingredients
There are only 3 ingredients in a vodka sunrise (plus ice and an orange slice to garnish). Here's what to look for:
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
- Vodka: use any brand you like, such as Smirnoff.
- Orange juice: for the best result, choose a pulp free orange juice.
- Grenadine: a vibrant red, non alcoholic cherry and pomegranate syrup. You'll find it at any major liquor store.
Vodka Sunrise Variations
- Tequila sunrise: swap the vodka for tequila. That's the only difference between the two!
- Vodka sunset: it's exactly the same drink. The two names are used interchangeably.
- Pink vodka cocktail: if you'd rather an all pink drink, give it a stir after adding the grenadine. You'll lose the sunrise layers, but it still tastes delicious.
How To Make A Vodka Sunrise
Making a vodka sunrise at home really is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Here's how it comes together (the full recipe card is below).
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
- Step 1: Add the ice. Fill the serving glasses with ice cubes.
- Step 2: Add the vodka. Measure the vodka into the glasses. Pop an orange slice on the rim of each glass to decorate, if you like.
- Step 3: Pour in the orange juice. Pour the orange juice into the glasses and give the vodka and juice a gentle stir to combine.
- Step 4: Add the grenadine. Just before serving, add a dash of grenadine and watch the 'sunrise' appear as it sinks to the bottom of the glass.
Top Tip
Don't stir once the grenadine goes in! Stirring turns the whole drink pink and the pretty 'sunrise' effect disappears. Add it right before serving for the best layers.
Vodka Sunrise Vs Tequila Sunrise
They're the same cocktail, just with a different spirit! A tequila sunrise uses tequila, while this version uses vodka, so it doesn't have that strong tequila flavour. You might also see it called a vodka sunset, which is exactly the same drink.
Recipe Tips
- Serve it straight away: the drink is chilled with ice cubes, so it's best enjoyed before they melt.
- Use pulp free orange juice for the smoothest drink and the clearest colours.
- Add the grenadine last: a dash just before serving gives you that beautiful sunrise.
- No shaker needed: build the whole cocktail right in the serving glass.
Vodka Sunrise FAQs
Yes! The only difference is that vodka is used instead of tequila.
Grenadine is a bright red, non alcoholic syrup usually made from pomegranate and cherry juices. You can buy it from any major liquor store. In a vodka sunrise, the grenadine sinks to the bottom of the glass while the orange juice stays on top, which creates the sunrise effect.
Yes, the two names are used interchangeably for the same drink.
Just vodka, orange juice and grenadine, poured over ice and garnished with an orange slice.
Stir the vodka and orange juice together, but don't stir once the grenadine is added or the drink will turn pink and you'll lose the sunrise effect.
Each serve of this recipe has about 127 calories.
Yes! It is a sweet, light and tropical cocktail, and a little softer than a tequila sunrise because vodka has a milder flavour than tequila.
A vodka sunrise is one of the easiest. You only need vodka, orange juice and grenadine, and it is poured straight into the glass in 2 minutes with no shaker.
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
Who doesn't love a cheeky cocktail? Here are a few more of my favourites:
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Vodka Sunrise
Ingredients
- ice cubes
- 60 ml vodka 2 oz
- 240 ml orange juice 8 oz
- dash grenadine
- orange slices to serve
Instructions
- Fill the glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the vodka and orange juice into the glasses. Stir to combine.
- Decorate the rim of the glasses with an orange slice.
- Just before serving, add a dash of grenadine to the glass.
Notes
- Because this cocktail is chilled with ice cubes, it's best served immediately (before they melt!!)
- For best results, use pulp free orange juice
- Add a dash of grenadine to the cocktails just before serving and watch the 'sunrise' appear!
- Do NOT stir the cocktail as the grenadine will turn the entire drink pink and the 'sunrise' effect will disappear.
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