Looking for a cocktail that’s as stunning as it is flavorful? Meet the Sunset Sting—a vibrant drink that combines sweet, tangy, and just a little fiery spice for an unforgettable sip. With its beautiful layers resembling a sunset, it’s perfect for gatherings, date nights, or just treating yourself to something special.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Visually stunning: The gradient from deep orange to red makes it Instagram-worthy.
- Balanced flavors: Sweetness from fruit juice, tang from citrus, and a subtle kick from the spice.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness or heat to your preference.
Ingredients
Here’s a glimpse at what goes into this magical drink:
- Fresh orange juice (for that bright citrus base)
- Pineapple juice (to add tropical sweetness)
- Grenadine (for the gorgeous red hue)
- A splash of chili-infused simple syrup (for the “sting”)
- Tequila or vodka (optional, for the boozy twist)
Full ingredient details and quantities are listed below in the recipe card!
Directions
- Start with a glass filled with ice.
- Pour in the orange juice and pineapple juice, filling about ¾ of the glass.
- Gently drizzle grenadine down the inside of the glass—it’ll sink and create the sunset effect.
- Add a splash of chili-infused simple syrup for a touch of heat.
- Stir gently to keep the layers intact and garnish with a slice of orange or a chili pepper for flair.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- To make chili-infused syrup, simmer equal parts sugar and water with sliced chili peppers, then strain and cool.
- Serve immediately after layering to maintain the striking appearance.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap out grenadine for pomegranate juice for a more subtle sweetness.
- Use ginger syrup instead of chili syrup for a warm, spicy twist.
- Make it a mocktail by skipping the alcohol—just as delicious!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
The Sunset Sting is ideal for:
- Poolside evenings or sunset viewing parties.
- Spicy snacks like nachos, jalapeño poppers, or chips with guacamole.
- Desserts like mango sorbet or chili-chocolate truffles.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: This drink is best made fresh, but you can prep the juices and chili syrup in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Not needed, as it’s served chilled.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Just skip the alcohol and enjoy a refreshing, family-friendly drink.
Q: What if I don’t like spicy drinks?
Omit the chili syrup or replace it with a splash of honey syrup for a sweeter take.
Q: Can I batch this for a party?
Yes! Mix the orange juice, pineapple juice, and chili syrup in a pitcher. Pour over ice and add grenadine to each glass individually for the sunset effect.
Q: What’s the best glass to serve this in?
A tall glass like a highball or hurricane glass works best to show off the gradient.
Conclusion
The Sunset Sting is a drink that delivers on all fronts—flavor, aesthetics, and a bit of a fiery twist. It’s the perfect way to elevate any occasion and bring a touch of magic to your glass. So go ahead, channel those golden hour vibes, and sip your way to sunset bliss!
Print
Sunset Sting
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Contemporary Fusion
Description
A visually striking cocktail that combines the warm colors of sunset with a spicy kick. This sophisticated drink balances sweet tropical flavors with a peppery heat that leaves a pleasant tingle, creating a memorable drinking experience that’s both beautiful and bold.
Ingredients
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz mango juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz passion fruit syrup
- 2–3 thin jalapeño slices (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- Club soda to top
- Ice cubes
For garnish:
-
- Jalapeño slice
- Orange wheel
- Edible flower (optional)
- Tajín rim (optional)
Instructions
- If desired, rim a tall glass with lime juice and Tajín.
- In a shaker, gently muddle jalapeño slices with passion fruit syrup.
- Add ice, tequila, mango juice, and lime juice to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice.
- Double strain the mixture into the glass to remove jalapeño pieces.
- Slowly pour grenadine down the side of the glass to create a sunset effect.
- Top with a splash of club soda.
- Garnish with a jalapeño slice, orange wheel, and edible flower if using.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on desired heat level
- For extra heat, leave some muddled jalapeño in the drink
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace tequila with additional mango juice and a dash of hot sauce
- Can be made less spicy by removing jalapeño seeds before muddling
- For a sweeter version, increase passion fruit syrup
- Fresh mango can be muddled instead of using juice
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (approximately 7 oz)
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 5mg