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The Kentucky Sunrise recipe is a clever (and delicious!) offshoot of the more classic Tequila Sunrise recipe.
To make a Kentucky Sunrise you mix Bourbon, Orange Juice, and Grenadine and then enjoy the ride!
And enjoy the ride you will!
When I first tried this recipe I thought: there’s no way bourbon is going to mix well with orange juice. And boy, was I ever wrong! On paper, it shouldn’t work, but it just does.
Don’t believe me? Try it for yourselves!
Let’s get mixing! (Click here to jump directly to the recipe)
What is a Kentucky Sunrise?
As mentioned in the intro, the Kentucky Sunrise is a cool flex on the absolute classic: the Tequila Sunrise.
The only difference between the two is that it switches out Tequila for Bourbon.
So Why is it called a Kentucky Sunrise?
That’s a great question.
The answer isn’t as exciting as you might think: Bourbon is just closely associated with the South in the US, Kentucky inparticularly.
Since the base of the cocktail is Bourbon and the Grenadine and Orange Juice still handle the sunrise bit of the drink, Kentucky caught on.
So:
- Bourbon = Kentucky
- Grenadine + Orange Juice = sunrise
- Therefore, Bourbon + Grenadine + Orange Juice = Kentucky Sunrise
What Ingredients do you need to make a Kentucky Sunrise?
Before we get into the Kentucky Sunrise recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients we’ll need to make the drink.
(Or you can click here to jump directly to the recipe).
Bourbon
Bourbon is a type of Whiskey. It was created in America and is a barrel-aged distilled liquor that’s made primarily from corn.
The name Bourbon originates from the French Bourbon Dynasty, but how this type of American whiskey got that name is up for debate.
Major contenders include:
- Bourbon Street in New Orleans
- Bourbon County in Kentucky
…with the latter the reason why Bourbon is so closely connected to Kentucky.
Interestingly, by law, Bourbon sold in the US must be produced in the US, be made from at least 51% corn, and stored in a container of charred oak.
For Bourbon, we recommend:
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Orange Juice
Orange Juice is an essential ingredient for most bars and fridges all around the world. Why? As this delicious list of cocktails with Orange Juice will show you, it mixes well with virtually any form of alcohol.
Cocktails with Orange Juice and Vodka? Absolutely.
Cocktails with Orange Juice and Tequila? Naturally.
Cocktails with Orange Juice and Rum? Sure, why not?
And the list doesn’t end there.
For Orange Juice, we recommend:
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Grenadine
Grenadine is a non-alcoholic bar syrup that’s traditionally use to give a cocktail a red or pink tint and is made from pomegranate.
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Cocktails with Grenadine
Maraschino Cherries
Maraschino Cherries are preserved, sweetened cherries that regularly used as a garnish in a variety of different cocktails.
In short, they can make a cocktail pop.
For Maraschino Cherries, we recommend:
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How do You Garnish a Kentucky Sunrise?
I’ve found the best way to garnish a Kentucky Sunrise is to use a Maraschino Cherry and a slice of orange.
The slice of orange will enhance the orange juice flavours within the drink, whilst the cherry will help Grenadine enhance the exotic look.
What Cocktail Equipment do you need to make a Kentucky Sunrise?
Now, let’s take a look at the equipment you need for our Kentucky Sunrise recipe…
…or you can click here to jump directly to the Kentucky Sunrise recipe!
Bar Spoons
Bar Spoons are great for cocktails you’re suppose to stir, rather than shake in a cocktail shaker.
Sure, you can probably use any spoon to stir your drink but these bar spoons are the real deal. It’s the proper equipment to get the job right.
- They’re long enough to get to the bottom of any cocktail to allow you to properly stir.
- They have a twist spiral design that allows for a better grip.
- They’re made out of stainless steel, so they’re durable, corrosion resistant, and easy to clean.
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Highball Glasses
Highball Glasses are the most common glasses in the cocktail world. You can put most cocktails in there from The Long Island Iced Tea to a Bay Breeze.
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Kentucky Sunrise Recipe
Kentucky Sunrise
Tweet this Recipe
Share on FacebookIn another adaptation of a classic cocktail, the Kentucky Sunrise adapts the Tequila Sunrise into something quite unique.
Okay, it’s a much darker sunrise but the flavour is worth tasking the risk on this one.
Ingredients
Recipe
- Add Ice, Bourbon and Orange Juice to a Highball Glass.
- Stir with a Bar Spoon.
- Add Grenadine.
- Garnish with a Maraschino Cherries and a slice of orange.
How Many Calories are in a Kentucky Sunrise?
Now we know how to make a Kentucky Sunrise, let’s take a look at the damage it’ll do to our waistlines!
- Bourbon = 100 calories.
- Orange Juice = 47 calories
- Grenadine = 19 calories
So the total calories are: 166 calories per cocktail.
I don’t think that’s too bad for a cocktail as delicious as this!
Want More Cocktail Recipes?
Do you love our Kentucky Sunrise recipe, but want to try something a little different? We’ve got you covered!
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