Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Mocktailnon_alcoholic5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Easy
Why: 5 ingredients, uses syrup
Best for: Low / No Alcohol, Summer
Ingredients
CitrusSweetenerMixerGarnish
- 5.0 ozOrange JuiceCitrus
- 2.0 ozSparkling WaterMixer
- 0.5 ozGrenadineSweetener
- 1CherryGarnish
- 1 sliceOrangeCitrus
How to Make It
TopGarnish
- Fill highball glass with ice.
- Pour orange juice and top with sparkling water.TopTopping adds length, bubbles, dilution or sweetness near the end.
- Add grenadine slowly to sink to bottom.
- Garnish with cherry and orange.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Make it more grown-upAdd complexity with citrus peel, herbs, tea, spice, ginger, tonic-style bitterness or a sharper garnish.
Balance sweetnessIf it tastes too sweet, add acidity. If it tastes too sharp, add fruit, syrup or a softer mixer.
Make it party-readyUse a chilled glass, garnish, bubbles and plenty of ice so the drink feels deliberate.Keep it alcohol-freeExplore more zero-ABV drink ideas.Swap notes
CitrusLemon is bright and sharp; lime is more floral and slightly sweeter; orange is softer and rounder; grapefruit adds bitter edge. They are not interchangeable — each changes the acidity and aroma of the drink. If you swap, adjust the sweetener to rebalance.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.BubblesSoda water is neutral and clean — it adds fizz without flavour. Tonic water is bitter and slightly sweet, which changes the balance noticeably. Ginger beer is spiced and punchy; ginger ale is milder and sweeter. These are not interchangeable — pick the one that suits the drink's flavour direction.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Virgin Sunrise?
- The Virgin Sunrise is a non-alcoholic cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It is a non-alcoholic drink. A standard serving contains approximately 132 calories.
- What does a Virgin Sunrise taste like?
- Virgin Sunrise has a flavour profile featuring Orange, Citrus, Sweet, Sparkling. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Virgin Sunrise?
- Virgin Sunrise is versatile — it pairs well with light snacks, seafood and mild cheeses. The best match depends on the dominant flavour in the specific recipe.
- How strong is a Virgin Sunrise?
- The Virgin Sunrise is alcohol-free. A standard serving contains approximately 132 calories. Calorie content varies based on the juices, syrups and mixers used.
- When is a Virgin Sunrise typically served?
- Virgin Sunrise is a popular choice for Low / No Alcohol, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Virgin Sunrise?
- If you enjoy Virgin Sunrise, explore other mocktails with a similar flavour profile using the filters on the mocktails page. Many classic cocktails also have non-alcoholic adaptations that share the same flavour balance.
- Can I make a Virgin Sunrise at home?
- Yes. The Virgin Sunrise uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Highball Glass. Use fresh juices and quality syrups for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare mocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find mocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Virgin Sunrise with other mocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.