Skip the green beer and say hello to a cocktail that actually makes you smile. The Emerald Sunrise is citrusy, festive, and magically delicious - whether you serve it layered for show or stirred up bright green for a crowd.
Jump to:
What's the Story on this Cocktail?
Forget the green beer. A few springs ago, Mr. B was mixing up a Tequila Sunrise in our kitchen - but instead of the usual grenadine, he reached for Blue Curaçao. When that tall glass turned brilliantly green, we just had to stop and stare. Add a slice of mandarin orange from our fruit bowl, and suddenly… there it was: the Irish flag in a glass. It felt like a wink from St. Patrick himself.
That little kitchen accident became our Emerald Sunrise - a bright, citrusy twist on a classic cocktail that somehow feels festive without trying too hard. In our house, it shows up two ways: layered, with those perfect green, white, and orange stripes for sipping slowly at the breakfast table, or stirred up bright green in a pitcher for the kind of cheerful, no-fuss crowd that gathers around our island every March 17th. One recipe, two personalities - and honestly, we can't decide which we love more.
What Is an Emerald Sunrise Cocktail?
The Emerald Sunrise is our cheeky, citrusy twist on a classic Tequila Sunrise - naturally green thanks to a splash of Blue Curaçao, and perfect for St. Patrick's Day. It's one of those rare drinks that can wear two hats: layered and elegant, showing off green, white, and orange stripes for sipping slowly, or mixed bright green in a pitcher for easy entertaining. Either way, it's festive, approachable, and yes… magically delicious.
Whether you're a cocktail newbie or a seasoned host, this drink is easy to make and a guaranteed conversation starter at any March 17th gathering.
Pro tip: The layered version looks incredible in a tall, clear glass, while the mixed version is perfect for pitchers and crowds.
Emerald Sunrise Ingredients
The ingredients for this cocktail are pretty simple and straight-forward.
- Tequila: We prefer 1800, but you do you.
- Orange juice: We always make this drink with premade orange juice, but freshly squeezed sounds like a great idea.
- Blue Curaçao: Curaçao is a liqueur flavored with the dried peel of the laraha citrus fruit, similar in flavor to an orange, and is grown on the island of Curaçao (hence the name). You don't need to go top shelf for this one.
- Garnishes: Mandarine orange slice or orange twist, and shamrocks.
How a Layered Cocktail Works (Optional Nerdy Fun)
The Science in a Sip
Layered cocktails look magical, but there's a little science behind it: specific gravity. That's just a fancy way of saying "how heavy a liquid is compared to water." Sugar and alcohol content decide whether a liquid floats or sinks.
In this cocktail:
• Blue Curaçao - 1.10 → the heaviest, sinks to the bottom
• Tequila - 0.94 → lighter, floats above the Blue Curaçao
• Orange juice - varies, so we mix it with tequila first to stabilize the middle layer
Layer by layer, with a wink:
• Blue → the sky above and ocean around the Emerald Isle
• Green → Ireland's rolling hills, and the first stripe of the Irish flag
• Orange → the third stripe on the Irish flag (and a nod to the ginger hair we may or may not have inherited)
Our favorite trick: Instead of the classic "pour over a spoon" method, we mix the tequila and orange juice first, then gently funnel the Blue Curaçao down a straw to the bottom. Gravity does the work, and your three layers stay put until you're ready to sip.
Pro tip: Chill your ingredients for cleaner layers and use a tall, clear glass - it makes your Emerald Sunrise look extra magical.
How to Make this St Patrick's Day Cocktail
Layered Version
- Pour the orange juice and tequila into a tall glass and give it a gentle stir.
- Grab a large straw (like the kind from a smoothie or bubble tea) and something with a narrow spout for controlled pouring.
- Place the straw into the tequila-orange juice mix so the bottom rests on the glass.
- Slowly pour the Blue Curaçao down the straw, letting it settle to the bottom. Don't worry - it sounds tricky, but gravity does all the work!
- Admire your perfectly green, white, and orange layers before sipping.
Mixed Version
If you'd rather skip the fancy layering, mix the orange juice, tequila, and Blue Curaçao in a pitcher. Serve over ice for a cheerful, bright green drink that's easy, festive, and perfect for a crowd.
Slowly pour the blue Curaçao into the straw, allowing it to settle to the bottom. This may sound difficult, but it is actually very easy. Gravity does all the work for you!
Tips for the Best Emerald Sunrise
- Want it lighter? - Just ease up on the tequila for a gentler sip without losing the magic.
- Chill your ingredients - Cold is your friend. It helps those layers stay separated and gorgeous.
- Pour slowly - No rushing! Let gravity do the work for that perfect Irish flag in a glass.
- Pick clear glasses - Show off the stripes. Everyone deserves to see your masterpiece.
- Want it sweeter? - A splash of lemon-lime soda adds a fun, fizzy kick.
FAQ
Yes! Shamrocks make a lovely garnish (so does sorrel, a "false shamrock").
Fun fact: Shamrocks have three leaves (not four) and were used by St. Patrick to illustrate the Holy Trinity. In our house, I tend a shamrock that's well over a decade old - proving shamrocks are as resilient as the Irish themselves.
Absolutely! Mix 3 parts orange juice with 1 part lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up) and add a few drops of blue food coloring. Easy, festive, and kid-friendly.
Layering relies on the different specific gravities of the liquids. If the ingredients are too warm or poured too quickly, the layers can blend. Chilled ingredients and slow pouring help keep them distinct.
Yes - use your favorite tequila and a similar orange liqueur if needed. Keep in mind, changing the liqueur's sugar content can affect layering.
Tall, clear glasses (like highballs or Collins glasses) show off the green, white, and orange layers beautifully. For the mixed version, any pitcher or cup works.
Very! Whether layered or mixed, the Emerald Sunrise is colorful, eye-catching, and conversation-starting - perfect for St. Patrick's Day gatherings.
More St Patrick's Day Recipes
Looking for even more ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style? From sweet treats to savory classics, these festive recipes are perfect for your table - or just for sneaking a little Irish luck into your kitchen.
- Nana's Irish Soda Bread
- Brown Sugar & Mustard Glazed Corned Beef
- Irish Boxty Recipe (Traditional Potato Pancakes)
- St. Patrick's Layered Jello (Colors of the Irish Flag)
- Layered Rainbow Jello (Vintage Ribbon Salad Recipe)
- Best Classic Shepherd's Pie (Cottage Pie)
- Classic Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Emerald Sunrise (Festive St Patrick's Day Cocktail)
Equipment
- 1 large straw (for layered version only)
Ingredients
For each drink:
- 1½ ounces 1800 Tequila
- 1½ ounces blue Curaçao
- 5 ounces orange juice
Instructions
Layered Version
- Pour the orange juice and tequila into a tall glass and give it a gentle stir.
- Grab a large straw (smoothie or bubble tea style) and something with a narrow spout for controlled pouring.
- Place the straw in the glass so the bottom rests on the base.Slowly pour the Blue Curaçao down the straw, letting it settle at the bottom. Don't worry - gravity does the work!
- Enjoy your perfectly layered green, white, and orange cocktail before sipping.
- Enjoy your perfectly layered green, white, and orange cocktail before sipping.
Mixed Version
- If you prefer a simpler approach, mix the orange juice, tequila, and Blue Curaçao in a pitcher.
- Serve over ice for a bright, festive green drink that's perfect for a crowd. Still magically delicious!
Notes
Tips for the Best Emerald Sunrise
- Chill your ingredients. Cold is your friend. It helps those layers stay separated and gorgeous.
- Pour slowly. No rushing! Let gravity do the work for that perfect Irish flag in a glass.
- Pick clear glasses. Show off the stripes. Everyone deserves to see your masterpiece.
- Want it sweeter? A splash of lemon-lime soda adds a fun, fizzy kick.
- Want it lighter? Just ease up on the tequila for a gentler sip without losing the magic.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Love it? Pin it! If you love this Emerald Sunrise recipe, be sure to save it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go!
Did you like this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below in the comments section! You can also stay in touch with us by following us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Gayle says
There is an alcohol-free blue curacao syrup for a mocktail.
I'm trying this at our mocktail party today.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Renée B. says
I had no idea! Thank you for the tip! ☘️
Daniel says
I like this drink, but using the same proportions provided, I filled about half of my wine glass (standard size), while the photo shows the glass filled more substantially. Also, my green is a little more blue from the curaçao, but that could be due to branding differences, or organge juice differences. Good drink though.
Renée B. says
Glad you are enjoying it, and thanks for the constructive input. The orange juice you use can definitely have a big impact on the outcome. I'll try to add specific brands in a future update.
Sara says
Oh my! A new favourite, my friends and I loved this drink!!
Holley says
I'm loving this cocktail!! I don't like beer so this is right up my alley! Yum!
Gina says
This is such a fun cocktail. Not only is it pretty to look at but also so tasty. I will be saving this recipe to make again for St. Patrick's Day!
Carrie Robinson says
This is such a pretty cocktail! The perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day next month. 🙂
Angela says
Love this cocktail! Super simple to make the presentation is perfect. Will definitely be sipping these for St Patrick's Day!
Susan Moran says
Fabulous recipe, everybody loved it last year and we plan to make more this St Paddy's Day!
Liz says
I wonder how it would be with champagne? A spin-off of a mimosa? Anyone ever try?
Renée ♥ says
Sounds like someone should check that out and let us know!
Amy Scott says
I love it! Thank you for the mention!
Renée ♥ says
You are most welcome, Amy. I love your post, and I'm looking forward to reading more from you!
Erin says
So festive!! I also love that you could make this non-alcoholic! I wouldn't have thought of doing that but that's a great idea. Happy St Patrick's Day, Renee!
Renée ♥ says
I have a lot of friends (and readers!) who avoid alcohol, so offering them an option is something I always try to keep in mind.
Brettni Brumfield says
Perfect for St. Patrick's Day! Yum!
Marlynn [UrbanBlissLife] says
Wow! This cocktail is gorgeous! I would most definitely choose this delicious drink over green beer any day. Pinned and adding it to my Yummly collection!
Renée ♥ says
From a master mixologist like you, that's a great compliment! 🙂 Thanks so much, Marlynn!
Maggie Unzueta says
I had to pin this. Love a good cocktail!
Pech says
This looks gorgeous, 1000x better than green beer and love the name too!! Great invention Mr B!
Renée ♥ says
Thanks, Pech. (Mr B did the mixing, but I thought of the name!)
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
What a beautiful cocktail this is!!! The color is just fabulous. I'll take this over a green beer 100% of the time!
Catherine says
As a general rule, I stay away from cocktails that are a fluorescent hue. (Pretty sure that served me well in college.) But I'd make an exception for this! It's gorgeous.
Renée ♥ says
I'm with you, Catherine - I'm not usually a fan of artificially-colored anything, but this one made me smile. 🙂
Kayla says
Yummmm! I think I'll bring this to my St. Patrick's dinner, xo!
Jennifer | Simply Sturgis says
Yummy! Tequila Sunrises are my Favorite! I will DEFINATELY have to try this version!