How to Make a Tequila Sunrise Cocktail with Matcha Green Tea
The classic tequila sunrise has always been a cocktail favourite of mine, but I love giving it a fresh twist by adding matcha green tea for both colour and flavour. The vibrant green swirl of matcha brings an earthy depth that perfectly complements the sweet grenadine and tangy orange juice, creating a drink that’s as beautiful as it is refreshing. This matcha tequila sunrise cocktail recipe is simple to make at home, yet impressive enough for a summer evening with friends or a relaxed weekend brunch. If you’re looking for a unique way to elevate your usual cocktails, this easy matcha tequila sunrise is the perfect blend of tradition and creativity.
Matcha Tequila Sunrise: A Colourful Twist on a Classic Cocktail
The tequila sunrise cocktail is a retro favourite that first appeared nearly a century ago, but it became iconic in the 1970s. With its layers of red, orange, and gold, it’s named for its resemblance to a stunning sunrise.
This recipe takes the classic tequila sunrise and gives it a modern upgrade by adding matcha green tea. The earthy green layer not only enhances the flavour but also creates a striking visual effect. In fact, with its red, amber, and green tones, you could just as easily call it a traffic light cocktail!
If you’re a fan of tea-inspired cocktails, you’ll love experimenting with this unique matcha tequila sunrise cocktail recipe. It’s quick and easy to make at home, yet impressive enough to serve at a brunch, summer gathering, or even a cocktail night with friends. You may also love try this recipe 👉 Long Island iced tea with real tea
How to Make Make a Tequila Sunrise Cocktail with Matcha Green Tea
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a matcha tequila sunrise at home, this recipe shows you how simple it is to layer grenadine, orange juice, tequila, and vibrant matcha green tea.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
1 teaspoon of matcha green tea
1/4 teaspoon of apple pie spice/cinnamon
1/4 cup of hot water
2 tablespoons of grenadine
2 cups of fresh orange juice
2 shots of tequila
Lots of ice
Method: How to Make a Matcha Tequila Sunrise at Home
Firstly, add the grenadine in your glasses.
Next, add the ice followed by the shots of tequila.
Top up your glasses with the orange juice.
In a separate glass or small bowl add the matcha green tea with the apple pie spice or cinnamon. Add the hot water and mix well with a frother or a bamboo whisk.
Pour the matcha over the top of the orange juice and watch the beautiful layers slowly drift into each other. Add optional maraschino cherries. Enjoy!
My Tequila Sunrise Top Tips
How to Get the Perfect Sunrise Layers
For that signature layered look, you’ll want to add the ingredients in order:
🍹 Start with grenadine.
🍹 Fill the glass with ice to help separate the layers.
🍹 Pour in the tequila blanco.
🍹 Add the orange juice.
🍹 Finish with a swirl of matcha green tea.
Top with a maraschino cherry for that cocktail-bar aesthetic!
Variations and Substitutes
🍹 Virgin Sunrise Cocktail: For a refreshing non-alcoholic matcha sunrise mocktail, simply skip the tequila and layer grenadine, orange juice, and matcha green tea for the same beautiful effect without the alcohol.
🍹 Swap the Spirit: Try white rum or vodka instead of tequila for a fun twist.
🍹 Grenadine Alternatives: Replace with tart cherry syrup for a natural option (although the colour won’t be as bright).
🍹Add Spice: A sprinkle of cinnamon or apple pie spice pairs beautifully with the matcha and orange juice.
Serve Your Matcha Cocktail for Brunch
With its vibrant layers and earthy-sweet flavour, this might just be the best brunch cocktail with matcha, perfect alongside fresh fruit or a slice of 👉 masala chai–infused carrot cake. Together, they make the perfect tea-inspired treat for any occasion.
Tequila Sunrise Cocktail with Matcha Green Tea
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 1 teaspoon matcha green tea
- 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice or cinnamon
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 2 tablespoons grenadine
- 2 cups fresh orange juice
- 2 shots tequila
- Lots of ice
- Optional: maraschino cherries for garnish
Method
- Add the grenadine to your glasses.
- Fill the glasses with ice, then pour in the tequila.
- Top up with the fresh orange juice.
- In a separate glass or small bowl, whisk together the matcha, apple pie spice or cinnamon, and hot water using a frother or bamboo whisk.
- Slowly pour the matcha mixture over the orange juice to create beautiful layers.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries if desired, and enjoy!
FAQs
1. Does tequila pair well with matcha green tea?
Absolutely! Matcha green tea pairs beautifully with lighter spirits such as tequila blanco, vodka, or even white rum. The earthy flavour of matcha balances the sweet and tangy notes in a tequila sunrise cocktail, creating a modern twist on a retro favourite. You can also experiment with a vodka sunrise or rum sunrise, or make it a virgin sunrise cocktail by skipping the alcohol altogether.
2. Are matcha cocktails healthy?
Matcha is packed with antioxidants that support overall health, but once you add alcohol, it becomes more of a treat than a health tonic. A matcha tequila sunrise cocktail may not replace your daily matcha latte, but it’s a fun way to enjoy the unique flavour of green tea in moderation. Always remember to drink responsibly!
3. Is matcha safe to drink every day?
Yes, many people enjoy matcha daily. It’s generally considered safe, but because matcha contains caffeine, it’s best consumed in moderation. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, limit your intake or enjoy a virgin matcha sunrise cocktail for the flavour without the buzz.
4. Is grenadine alcoholic?
No, grenadine is not alcoholic. It is a sweet red syrup made from pomegranate juice and sugar. It’s what gives the tequila sunrise cocktail recipe its iconic layered “sunrise” look. For a healthier or less sugary option, try tart cherry syrup; just note that it won’t give the same bright red colour.
5. What type of alcohol is tequila?
Tequila is a distilled spirit from Mexico made from the blue agave plant. For a matcha tequila sunrise cocktail recipe, tequila blanco is the best choice; it’s light and smooth, pairing perfectly with orange juice, grenadine, and earthy matcha green tea.
6. How do you layer a tequila sunrise cocktail?
The secret to the tequila sunrise layered effect is pouring the ingredients in the right order and slowly. Start with grenadine at the bottom, then add lots of ice, tequila, and orange juice, and finally top with whipped-up matcha green tea for that striking green layer.
7. Can you make a virgin tequila sunrise with matcha?
Yes! Simply omit the alcohol and layer grenadine, orange juice, and matcha green tea. This non-alcoholic matcha sunrise mocktail is perfect for brunch, summer afternoons, or anyone who wants the flavour and colour without the tequila.
8. What does a matcha tequila sunrise taste like?
A matcha tequila sunrise cocktail is refreshing and unique. You’ll taste the sweetness of grenadine, the tang of fresh orange juice, and the smooth warmth of tequila, all balanced by the earthy, slightly bitter notes of matcha green tea. It’s sweet, tangy, and energising all at once!
9. Can you swap tequila for other spirits in this cocktail?
Definitely. While tequila is traditional, you can switch it up. Try vodka for a vodka sunrise cocktail, or white rum for a rum sunrise cocktail. Each spirit brings a slightly different flavour, but all work well with the matcha and citrus combination.
10. What food pairs well with a matcha tequila sunrise cocktail?
A matcha tequila sunrise pairs beautifully with light bites and tea-inspired desserts. Try it with sushi, fresh fruit platters, or something sweet like a masala chai–infused carrot cake. The earthy matcha notes complement both savoury and sweet dishes.
Read more of my tea-infused cocktails:
Mexican hot chocolate - with tequila!
Watermelon agua fresca - with Moroccan mint tea and white rum!
White tea shots - made with actual white tea!
It is important to note that any health advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or overall health. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice.