Gelatin Free Paleo Tequila Sunrise

Total time25 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.9

(28)

That iconic layered cocktail gets a clean, wholesome upgrade here, and the result is just as stunning in the glass as the original. The magic comes from a quick homemade pomegranate-honey syrup — just pure pomegranate juice and honey simmered together — which sinks beautifully through the fresh-squeezed orange juice to create that gorgeous sunrise gradient. No artificial dyes, no mystery syrups, and nothing derived from animal by-products like gelatin hiding in a store-bought grenadine. Many commercial grenadine syrups contain additives or stabilizers that can be surprisingly tricky to vet, so making your own two-ingredient version is both smarter and tastier. A good blanco tequila made from 100% agave keeps things clean and bright, letting the citrus and pomegranate really shine. Pour slowly over the back of a bar spoon and you'll get that dramatic layered look without any stirring — it's genuinely satisfying to watch it settle. Serve it over ice with an orange slice and you've got a cocktail that looks like it came from a fancy brunch spot, made entirely in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

2 servings

For the pomegranate-honey syrup

¼ cup pomegranate juice, 100% pure
1 tbsp honey

For the cocktail

3 oz blanco tequila (100% agave)
1 cup fresh orange juice (from about 3 medium oranges)
ice cubes, as needed

For serving

2 orange slices, for garnish (optional)
2 maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1
Combine the pomegranate juice and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the honey fully dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for at least 10 minutes until it reaches room temperature — it will thicken slightly as it cools.
2
Fill two highball glasses with ice cubes. Pour 1.5 oz of tequila into each glass, then divide the fresh orange juice evenly between the two glasses and stir briefly to combine.

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