Alpine Sunrise layered drink (Print View)

A refreshing layered blend of coconut milk and orange juice with a vivid red sunrise top.

# Components:

→ Coconut Layer

01 - 5 fl oz coconut milk, well shaken
02 - 1.7 fl oz coconut water
03 - 1 tbsp simple syrup, or to taste
04 - Ice cubes

→ Sunrise Layer

05 - 3.4 fl oz freshly squeezed orange juice
06 - 2 tbsp grenadine syrup

→ Garnish

07 - Orange slices
08 - Fresh mint sprigs (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes.
02 - Combine coconut milk, coconut water, and simple syrup in a shaker or jug; stir until smooth.
03 - Distribute the coconut mixture evenly into each glass to form the white base layer.
04 - Slowly pour orange juice over the back of a spoon onto the coconut base, allowing a gentle gradient to form.
05 - Carefully drizzle grenadine syrup along the inside edge of each glass; it will sink then rise to create the sunrise effect.
06 - Add an orange slice and fresh mint sprig on each glass; serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like something a fancy brunch spot would charge twenty dollars for, yet takes ten minutes and looks even better when you make it yourself.
  • The layers stay separate if you're patient and gentle—there's something deeply satisfying about nailing the technique.
  • It's naturally dairy-free and gluten-free without tasting like a compromise, and feels celebratory rather than restrictive.
02 -
  • The grenadine will absolutely sink if you don't use a spoon to slow the orange juice pour—rushing this step flattens all your careful layering into a muddy color.
  • Temperature matters more than you'd think; if your grenadine is room temperature and your ice is melting, the layers blur together instead of creating that stunning gradient.
03 -
  • Use a bar spoon or even the back of a regular spoon held steady—this simple tool is the difference between a layered masterpiece and a muddy mixture.
  • Chill your glasses for five minutes before building; cold glassware keeps the layers sharper and the drink colder longer.
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