Short drinks · Tequila

Astronaut Sunrise

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.

2.9Editors’ rating
Taste3
Balance2.9
Easy to make3.6
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  • GlassDouble rocks glass
  • TechniqueShaken
  • DifficultyEasy
  • Time3 min
  • StrengthMedium (approx. 13 % ABV)
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Astronaut Sunrise cocktail

Ingredients

1

Garnish: Orange slice and cherry · Ice: Ice cubes

Method

  1. Stir the Tang powder (if using) into the orange juice until dissolved.
  2. Add tequila, orange juice and grenadine to a shaker with ice.
  3. Shake for about 10 seconds.
  4. Strain into a double rocks glass over fresh ice.
  5. Garnish with a skewered orange slice and a cherry.

Watch it made

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.

Variations

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called Astronaut Sunrise?

The name refers to Tang, the orange drink powder famous for its use on NASA space missions.

Do I need Tang?

No. Without it, the drink is simply a shaken Tequila Sunrise, and still very good.

Which tequila is best?

A 100% agave blanco tequila for a clean, fresh agave flavour.

The perfect sound

Space rock and pop

Liftoff at dawn with a sunrise in the glass.

  1. Space OddityDavid Bowie Spotify YouTube
  2. Rocket ManElton John Spotify YouTube
  3. TelstarThe Tornados Spotify YouTube

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