Mississippi Sunrise

September 28, 2022

Chances are, you’ve heard of or even enjoyed a Tequila Sunrise. The Tequila Sunrise is a classic cocktail with a mysterious history. No one is exactly sure where or how it was first concocted, but the most likely story is that it was created in Mexico. The classic Tequila Sunrise combines tequila (preferably Mexican), orange juice, and grenadine colorfully layered in a highball glass for a  refreshing and sweet drink.  

My twist on the classic Tequila Sunrise cocktail is this Mississippi Sunrise, which makes use of another Mexican ingredient – Corona beer. Unlike the Tequila Sunrise, which showcases the effects of layering the tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, the Mississippi Sunrise is stirred together before serving. Once combined, you’ll find that the beer elevates the drink to another level, resulting in a slightly bubbly and not-too-sweet cocktail. What could be more refreshing on a hot, Mississippi day?    

The Ingredients 

The beauty of the Mississippi Sunrise is not only found in its deep coral color, but also in the simplicity of the recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:  

• Ice. The amount of ice used is entirely up to you. I recommend using enough to fill your tall beer mug at least halfway. You’ll want to use just enough ice to keep your cocktail cold without watering it down. 
• Tequila. Use your favorite tequila. My advice, however, is to stick with either a traditional or a silver tequila here. Save the very expensive, top shelf and/or aged tequila for sipping. Personally, I enjoy Corralejo Silver Tequila in my Mississippi Sunrise. If you’d like to use more than the 1.5 oz called for, I won’t tell anyone! 
• Beer. Beer is what makes my Mississippi Sunrise stand out from a Tequila Sunrise. I recommend using a 7oz bottle of Corona, but I wouldn’t blame you if you added a little more than that to top off your mug.  
• Orange juice. Orange juice is a traditional ingredient in a Tequila Sunrise. I use it in the Mississippi Sunrise because it tastes great and helps you get your vitamins while you imbibe!  
• Grenadine. Grenadine is yet another traditional ingredient in a Tequila Sunrise. Grenadine is a syrup traditionally made from pomegranates but may also be made from blackcurrant and other fruit juices. If you enjoy making your own grenadine, I suggest trying it in this Mississippi Sunrise. I used Rose’s Grenadine when developing this recipe, as it is one of the most commonly available brands of grenadine. 
• Lime Juice. A little lime juice helps to make the orange juice and beer “pop” in this drink. Cut a small lime into wedges and/or wheels, squeezing a bit into your drink and adding some as a fun garnish.   

The Process for Making a Mississippi Sunrise 

The Mississippi Sunrise cocktail comes together in 5 minutes.  

I like to start off with a frosty, pre-chilled beer mug straight from my freezer. Be sure to use a tall or large mug that is approximately 22oz or so. This allows you to add enough ice along while holding the contents of the cocktail. 

First think you’ll do is add ice to the mug, filling it about 2/3rds up.  Next, pour in the beer, followed by the tequila, the grenadine, and then the orange juice.  

At that point, you can top off the glass with more beer and a squeeze or two of lime. Stir it up, then garnish with a lime wheel or two.  

Enjoy and remember to drink responsibly.  

For detailed instructions, watch my video and read the recipe card at the bottom of this post.   

How to Enjoy a Mississippi Sunrise 

If you’ve got 5 minutes, you’ve got time to make a Mississippi Sunrise. Once you’ve made your Mississippi Sunrise, here are some ways you can appreciate it: 

• At your next Super Bowl party. Provide the Mississippi Sunrise ingredients along with the printed recipe and have your guests mix them on demand. Serve with chips and my Smoked Chili Cheese Queso or my Jalapeño Popper Cheese Dip. 
• While smoking something tasty. Have one to beat the heat while tending your smoker. 
• On Taco Tuesday. Serve up a round of Mississippi Sunrises alongside tacos made from my Easy Pulled Pork recipe. 
• While watching a sunset. You don’t even have to be in Mississippi. 
• Whenever! Any time you’d like to kick back with a refreshing adult beverage is a good time for a Mississippi Sunset. 

 Recipe Video: Watch Here

 Equipment and Tools 

Tall beer mug or beer stein (22oz or larger, preferably chilled in advance), long-handled spoon (like a bar spoon or iced tea spoon), or a long straw for mixing  

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