Barsys
The Desert Sunrise
About
The Desert Sunrise is a celebration of light, color, and effortless refreshment. Inspired by the glowing skies of early morning deserts and the easy rhythm of highball cocktails, this drink brings together Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, fresh grapefruit, and pineapple juice, all lifted with crisp club soda. The result is a radiant, fruit-forward cocktail that feels warm, vibrant, and endlessly drinkable.
Grapefruit adds brightness and a subtle bitterness, pineapple brings soft sweetness and body, and Cointreau ties everything together with clean orange-citrus clarity. The blanco tequila grounds the drink with earthy agave notes, keeping the fruit from tipping into sweetness. Served tall over ice, The Desert Sunrise is refreshing without being thin and flavorful without feeling heavy - a true golden-hour highball that works from daytime sipping to early evening gatherings.
Shaken or Stirred? Neither. This cocktail is built directly in the glass to preserve its sparkle and clarity.
What You'll Need
- 2 oz Casamigos Blanco Tequila
- 1 oz Cointreau
- 1 oz Grapefruit Juice
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice
- Club Soda (to top)
Optional Garnish: Orange slice & pineapple leaf
Pro Tip: Chill your juices beforehand - cold ingredients keep the drink crisp and prevent quick dilution.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 1 minute
Skill Level: Easygoing
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Build tequila, Cointreau, grapefruit juice, and pineapple juice over the ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice and pineapple leaf.
Using Barsys 360 Cocktail Machine?
Barsys 360 Cocktail Machine is perfect for vibrant highballs like The Desert Sunrise. Load tequila, Cointreau, grapefruit juice, and pineapple juice into the machine and let it dispense a perfectly balanced base directly into the glass. Add ice, top with soda, garnish, and serve. Fast, consistent, and ideal when you’re making multiple drinks without slowing the moment.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
Highballs rely on balance more than power - too much juice flattens the drink, too much liqueur makes it sweet, and too much tequila overwhelms the fruit. Barsys 360 ensures every component lands in perfect proportion, keeping the Desert Sunrise light, bright, and consistently refreshing from the first glass to the last.
Sip Setting
Made for golden-hour moments - rooftop views, poolside lounges, desert sunsets, or early evening gatherings when the light is warm and the vibe is relaxed.
Garnish Game
An orange slice brings citrus aroma, while a pineapple leaf adds height and drama. For a refined touch, try a thin dehydrated orange wheel paired with a trimmed pineapple crown.
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FAQs
Can I use tonic instead of club soda?
You can, but it adds bitterness and shifts the balance.
Can I make it sweeter?
Increase pineapple slightly or add a splash of agave.
Can this be batched?
Yes - batch everything except soda. Add it per glass.
Can I use reposado tequila?
Yes - it adds warmth and depth but reduces brightness.
Is this good for daytime drinking?
Absolutely - it’s designed to be light and refreshing.