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This Grenadine Sunrise brings instant celebration to any gathering thanks to its bright colors and vibrant flavors from Prosecco Grand Marnier brandy and sweet grenadine. Every glass has a beautiful sunrise effect and is surprisingly easy to prepare which means you can spend more time enjoying the party than making drinks.
Each time I make this cocktail for friends it is the first thing to disappear from the tray. My family often requests it for our holiday brunches because its festive in both color and spirit.
Ingredients
- Sugar: creates a simple syrup for balanced sweetness use superfine sugar for easy dissolving
- Hot water: dissolves the sugar quickly ensure the water is steaming
- Orange juice: adds fresh citrus brightness choose juice with no pulp for a clear look
- Grand Marnier: brings intense orange aroma use a quality liqueur for best flavor
- Cognac or brandy: adds warmth and depth select a smooth bottle for sipping quality
- Prosecco: gives sparkle and festive bubbles always chill your bottle thoroughly
- Grenadine: offers signature color and sweetness look for real pomegranate grenadine
- Orange peel: finishes each drink with a twist of zesty aroma select firm bright oranges with unblemished skins
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make Simple Syrup:
- Combine sugar with hot water stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and the liquid turns clear. This ensures your syrup blends smoothly into the drink and avoids grainy texture.
- Chill the Mixture:
- Pour orange juice Grand Marnier cognac and your cooled simple syrup into a large pitcher. Cover and refrigerate the mixture until ready to serve. Chilling combines flavors and keeps the final drink perfectly cold.
- Add Prosecco:
- Right before serving gently pour the cold Prosecco into the pitcher. Give everything a gentle stir to combine without losing the bubbles.
- Pour into Glasses:
- Divide the Prosecco blend evenly into eight champagne flutes or glasses. Fill each glass about two thirds full to leave room for the grenadine.
- Create the Sunrise Effect:
- Tilt each glass to the side and slowly trickle a splash of grenadine down the inside. It will settle at the bottom creating the gorgeous sunrise layer.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Add a twist of orange peel on each glass. Serve immediately while the bubbles are fresh.
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Grenadine is my favorite ingredient here because it transforms every glass into a work of art. I still remember the first time my niece saw the colors and thought I had created actual magic.
Storage Tips
Make the orange juice cognac Grand Marnier and simple syrup base ahead of time and chill until serving day. Wait to add Prosecco and grenadine until just before serving to keep the bubbles lively and the colors separated.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter drink substitute sparkling water for half the Prosecco. If you prefer a tarter flavor swap some or all of the orange juice for blood orange juice. Try a raspberry syrup in place of grenadine for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in champagne flutes for elegance or in stemless glasses at casual events. Pair with savory brunch canapés or sweet pastries. These are a hit at New Years Easter and summer birthdays.
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Cultural and Historical Notes
The Grenadine Sunrise is inspired by the classic Tequila Sunrise but swaps in festive bubbles and citrusy liqueur for a celebration-ready drink. This recipe channels the joyful style of American brunches and holiday parties where colorful cocktails light up the table.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → How do I achieve the layered sunrise effect?
Slowly pour grenadine along the inside of the glass after adding the sparkling cocktail. It will sink and create an ombré effect.
- → Can I substitute the Prosecco?
Yes, any dry sparkling wine such as Cava or Champagne works well in place of Prosecco for a similar effervescent texture.
- → What can I use instead of Grand Marnier?
Triple sec or Cointreau are suitable orange liqueur alternatives if Grand Marnier is unavailable.
- → Is there a way to make this less sweet?
Substitute part of the grenadine with cranberry juice or use less simple syrup to reduce the overall sweetness.
- → What glasses are best for serving?
Champagne flutes or stemmed glasses help showcase the colorful layers and keep the drink bubbly and festive.