Ingredients
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- Orange Juice: 4-6 fl oz (120-180 ml)
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- Quality Matters: Freshly squeezed orange juice will offer the brightest, most natural flavor. If using store-bought, opt for a 100% pure juice, not from concentrate, with no added sugar if possible. Pulp or no pulp is up to your preference.
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- Orange Juice: 4-6 fl oz (120-180 ml)
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- Pineapple Juice: 2-3 fl oz (60-90 ml) (Optional, but highly recommended for a tropical twist)
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- Tropical Touch: This adds a lovely sweetness and tang that complements the orange juice beautifully. Again, 100% pineapple juice is best.
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- Pineapple Juice: 2-3 fl oz (60-90 ml) (Optional, but highly recommended for a tropical twist)
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- Grenadine Syrup: 0.5 – 0.75 fl oz (15-22 ml)
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- The Sunrise Star: This sweet, red syrup is crucial for the “sunrise” effect. Traditional grenadine is pomegranate-flavored, but many common brands (like Rose’s) are cherry-flavored. Either will work. You can even make your own pomegranate grenadine if you’re feeling ambitious!
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- Grenadine Syrup: 0.5 – 0.75 fl oz (15-22 ml)
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- Fresh Lime Juice: 0.25 – 0.5 fl oz (7-15 ml) (Optional, for a zesty kick)
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- Balancing Act: A small squeeze of fresh lime juice can cut through the sweetness of the juices and grenadine, adding a lovely brightness and complexity. Freshly squeezed is far superior to bottled here.
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- Fresh Lime Juice: 0.25 – 0.5 fl oz (7-15 ml) (Optional, for a zesty kick)
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- Sparkling Water or Lemon-Lime Soda: 2-3 fl oz (60-90 ml) (Optional, for fizz)
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- Effervescent Lift: A splash of plain sparkling water, club soda, or a lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up) can add a delightful fizziness and lightness to the mocktail. If using sweetened soda, you might want to slightly reduce the grenadine.
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- Sparkling Water or Lemon-Lime Soda: 2-3 fl oz (60-90 ml) (Optional, for fizz)
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- Ice: Plenty of it!
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- Chill Factor: This drink is best served very cold.
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- Ice: Plenty of it!
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- Garnishes (Essential for the full experience!):
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- Orange Slice or Wedge: A classic garnish that complements the primary flavor.
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- Maraschino Cherry: Adds a pop of color and a touch of retro charm. One or two dropped in, or skewered with the orange slice.
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- Pineapple Wedge or Leaf: If using pineapple juice, this is a fitting garnish.
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- Cocktail Umbrella: For an extra touch of festive fun, especially for parties.
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- Garnishes (Essential for the full experience!):
Instructions
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- Prepare Your Glass:
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- Select a tall glass, like a highball or Collins glass (typically 8-12 oz capacity). This will best showcase the layers.
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- Fill the glass generously with ice cubes. This not only chills the drink but also helps with the layering process by providing a “platform” for the liquids.
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- Prepare Your Glass:
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- Add the Densest Liquid (Grenadine):
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- Carefully pour 0.5 to 0.75 fl oz (15-22 ml) of grenadine syrup directly into the bottom of the ice-filled glass. It should settle at the base. Adjust the amount based on your desired sweetness and the intensity of the red layer.
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- Add the Densest Liquid (Grenadine):
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- Add the Main Juices:
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- If using fresh lime juice, you can add it now, directly over the ice (0.25-0.5 fl oz or 7-15 ml).
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- Next, slowly pour the orange juice (4-6 fl oz or 120-180 ml) over the ice.
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- If using pineapple juice (2-3 fl oz or 60-90 ml), slowly pour it on top of the orange juice.
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- Tip for Layering: To help prevent the juices from mixing too quickly with the grenadine, you can pour them over the back of a spoon held just above the ice, or tilt the glass slightly and pour the juice down the inside of the glass onto an ice cube.
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- Add the Main Juices:
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- Add Fizz (Optional):
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- If you want a sparkling mocktail, top with 2-3 fl oz (60-90 ml) of chilled sparkling water, club soda, or lemon-lime soda. Pour this in gently as well.
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- Add Fizz (Optional):
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- Do NOT Stir (Yet!):
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- To maintain the beautiful layered sunrise effect, do not stir the drink after adding all the ingredients. The recipient can gently stir it before drinking if they prefer a more homogenous flavor, but the initial presentation is key.
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- Do NOT Stir (Yet!):
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- Garnish Generously:
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- Adorn your Summer Sunrise Mocktail with an orange slice or wedge on the rim of the glass.
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- Add one or two maraschino cherries, either dropped into the drink or skewered with the orange slice.
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- A pineapple wedge or leaf also makes a lovely, thematic garnish.
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- Pop in a colorful straw and a cocktail umbrella for maximum festive appeal.
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- Garnish Generously:
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- Serve Immediately:
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- Present your stunning Summer Sunrise Mocktail right away while it’s cold, fizzy (if using), and the layers are distinct.
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- Serve Immediately:
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 150-220