If you’ve ever wished your favorite cocktail came without the hangover, this sunrise mocktail might just be your new go-to.
It’s fruity, fun, and ridiculously pretty—plus, it’s got that layered “sunrise” look that makes it feel like more than just juice in a glass.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, making something fun for the kids, or just want a refreshing drink to sip in the sun, this one totally delivers.
A Drink That Looks as Good as It Tastes
Inspired by the classic tequila sunrise—but with none of the booze—this mocktail gets its name from the way the grenadine slowly sinks, creating a gradient that looks like a sunrise in a glass. Kinda magical.
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Flavor-wise, it’s got a little bit of everything:
- Orange juice for sweetness and citrusy brightness
- Grenadine adds tartness and that signature red glow
- Sparkling water brings the bubbles and keeps it from feeling too heavy
Simple ingredients, major vibes.
When to Serve It (Hint: Pretty Much Always)
Honestly, this drink works for just about anything. It’s refreshing, non-alcoholic, and looks way fancier than the effort it takes. A few ideas:
- Brunch – Serve it in stemless wine glasses with a citrus wedge. Instant upgrade.
- Baby showers – Cute, bubbly, and safe for everyone.
- Summer hangouts – Drink it cold on the patio with some chips and guac.
- Holiday brunches or dinners – The colors pop next to a festive spread.
Or just make it on a random Tuesday. No rules here.
Quick Tips for Getting It Just Right
You don’t need a bartender’s skill set to make this mocktail look and taste amazing. Just a few tiny tricks:
- Use fresh OJ if you can—it really makes a difference in flavor
- Pour the grenadine slowly, like down the back of a spoon, so it settles at the bottom and doesn’t mix in
- Garnish for bonus points—orange slices, cherries, mint, edible flowers if you’re feeling fancy
- Sparkling base? Totally up to you. Sparkling water is light, but a non-alcoholic sparkling wine gives it more body
It’s one of those “looks impressive, takes 5 minutes” kinda recipes. My favorite kind.
A Fun, Flavorful Mocktail That Feels Special
Whether you’re skipping alcohol entirely or just want a break between cocktails, this sunrise drink is a total win. It’s fruity without being too sweet, fancy-looking without being hard to make, and fun to sip no matter the occasion.
Try pairing it with:
- Savory snacks – think olives, dips, or a small cheese board
- Light bites like bruschetta or hummus and veggies
- Fresh meals—grilled veg, salads, seafood, anything summery and clean
This mocktail’s proof that alcohol-free drinks can still feel grown-up, stylish, and—most importantly—really freaking good.
Sunrise Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ounces chilled, alcohol-free sparkling wine or sparkling water
- 3 ounces orange juice
- ½ ounce grenadine syrup
- Garnish: Cherry
Instructions
- Pour the orange juice and sparkling wine or water into a glass. Stir gently to mix the flavors. You can add ice if desired.
- Slowly drizzle in the grenadine syrup, allowing it to settle at the bottom to create a sunrise effect.
- Garnish with a cherry and serve immediately.
Notes
- To enhance the visual effect, avoid stirring after adding grenadine.
- For a tropical twist, try adding a splash of pineapple juice.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, use a fruitier sparkling beverage instead of sparkling water.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.