Shaken instead of layered, the Astronaut Sunrise turns the classic Sunrise into an even coral-orange drink with a light froth. A spoon of Tang, the orange drink powder famous from early space flights, adds a nostalgic, extra-tangy orange kick.
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Stir the Tang powder (if using) into the orange juice until dissolved.
Add tequila, orange juice and grenadine to a shaker with ice.
Shake for about 10 seconds.
Strain into a double rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a skewered orange slice and a cherry.
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Astronaut Sunrise
Taste
Juicy, tangy orange with a peppery agave note and a light pomegranate sweetness. Smooth, fruity and medium strength.
History and origin
The Astronaut Sunrise is a modern variation of the Tequila Sunrise. Its name comes from Tang, the powdered orange drink that became associated with the American space programme after it was taken on NASA missions in the 1960s. Adding a little of the powder intensifies the orange flavour and gives the drink a playful retro story.
No creator or date is documented for this twist. Unlike the classic Sunrise, where grenadine is poured last to sink and create a red layer, the Astronaut Sunrise is shaken so the colours blend. Using homemade grenadine made from real pomegranate juice keeps it from becoming too sweet.
Bartender tips
Homemade grenadine is easy: warm equal parts pomegranate juice and sugar until dissolved, cool and keep refrigerated.
Tang is sweet; if you use it, reduce the grenadine slightly.
For the classic layered look, build it over ice and pour the grenadine last instead of shaking.