Description

This vibrant cocktail captures the iconic visual gradient of the classic sunrise without the high sugar content of orange juice or commercial grenadine. By utilizing a homemade sugar-free syrup and a citrus-forward base, you get a refreshing, visually stunning drink that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. It is crisp, tangy, and satisfyingly sweet.

Ingredients

Scale

For the DIY Sugar-Free “Grenadine”

½ cup water (120 ml)
¼ cup granulated erythritol sweetener (e.g., Lakanto or Swerve) (48 g)
10 drops unsweetened pomegranate concentrate (or ¼ tsp pomegranate extract)
5–8 drops red food coloring (adjust for desired intensity)

For the Cocktail

4 cups crushed or cubed ice
½ cup silver tequila (120 ml)
1 tbsp fresh lime juice (15 ml)
4 cups sugar-free orange flavored drink (e.g., Diet Orange Soda or sugar-free liquid water enhancer prepared with water) (960 ml) (Note: Check labels strictly; avoid powdered mixes containing maltodextrin or hidden carbs)
4 small orange slices (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Simmer the syrup: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the ½ cup water and ¼ cup granulated erythritol. Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil vigorously) and cook for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sweetener is fully dissolved. Important: Do not reduce the liquid by half as you would with sugar, as this can cause the erythritol to recrystallize upon cooling. Caution: Hot sugar-free syrup can cause severe burns; handle with care. Remove from heat.
Color and test density: Stir in the 10 drops pomegranate concentrate and 5–8 drops red food coloring. Perform a quick check: drop a small bead of syrup into a glass of cold water; it should sink immediately to the bottom. Troubleshooting: If the drop floats or disperses, the syrup is not dense enough for your specific mixer; return to heat and dissolve another 1–2 tablespoons of erythritol to increase weight. Allow the red syrup to cool completely to room temperature (about 30 minutes) before using.
Prepare the base: Set out four tall highball glasses. Distribute the ½ cup silver tequila and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice evenly among the four glasses (about 2 tablespoons of tequila per glass).
Add ice and mixer: Fill the glasses to the top with crushed ice. Slowly pour the sugar-free orange drink into each glass over the ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Do not stir if using soda, as this preserves the carbonation and prevents the layers from mixing prematurely.
Create the sunrise effect: Carefully pour about 1 tablespoon of the cooled red syrup into each glass. To ensure perfect separation, pour the syrup very slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the surface of the drink. The heavy syrup will sink to the bottom, creating the signature red-to-orange gradient.
Garnish and serve: Place a small orange slice on the rim of each glass and serve immediately.

Notes

Why it works: The erythritol syrup is designed to be denser (heavier) than the alcohol and orange base. This specific gravity difference is what forces the red liquid to the bottom.
Key success warnings:
- Avoid crystallization: Unlike sugar syrup, boiling erythritol too long makes it unstable. Keep the simmer gentle and brief—just enough to dissolve.
- Preserve the fizz: Pouring the soda last and avoiding stirring keeps the drink sparkling and crisp.
- The Spoon Technique: Pouring directly into the center of the glass creates turbulence. Using the back of a spoon disperses the entry force, allowing the syrup to slide down the side gently.
Safety & Allergy:
- Alcohol: Please consume responsibly. Do not serve to minors.
- Hot Liquids: Use caution when transferring the hot syrup to a cooling container.
- Red Dye: This recipe uses synthetic red food dye. If sensitive, substitute with beet-based natural coloring.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Drink | Cal: 75 | Net Carbs: 1g | Fat: 0g | Protein: 0g | Total Carbs: 13g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 0g, Sugar Alcohols: 12g) | Sodium: 15mg Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on standard 80-proof tequila and a zero-calorie mixer. The total carbohydrate count is primarily derived from erythritol (sugar alcohol), which has a minimal impact on net carbs. Values may vary depending on the specific brand of orange mixer used.

Nutrition information is calculated using third-party databases and is provided as a courtesy. Since values vary by brand and produce, we suggest calculating them yourself for the most accurate results.