The Batida Sunrise combines Brazilian Cachaça with pineapple juice and grenadine to create a fruity, colorful long drink. Unlike the classic Tequila Sunrise, the Batida base – Cachaça with fruit juice – gives it a softer, more tropical character. The drink is built directly in the glass, with the grenadine slowly sinking to the bottom, creating the characteristic sunrise effect. Perfect for warm evenings when you want something special served quickly.
Here’s what you need for the Batida Sunrise
5 cl Cachaça
12 cl pineapple juice
1 cl grenadine
Ice cubes
Orange slice and cocktail cherry for garnish
This is what matters
The sunrise effect only works if the grenadine runs slowly down the side of the glass – don’t just pour it in. I hold a bar spoon at an angle against the ice and let the grenadine run down the back. It’s heavier than the rest and sinks on its own. If you stir the drink beforehand, you’ll ruin the color gradient. With pineapple juice, fresh is best: the difference compared to bottled juice is significant, especially in terms of acidity. Cachaça should be a white, unaged variety – oak-aged versions don’t pair well with pineapple.
Variations
- Batida Sunset — Replace the grenadine with 1 cl passion fruit syrup for a yellow-orange color gradient.
- Batida Sunrise with coconut water — Replace half of the pineapple juice with coconut water to make the drink lighter and less sweet.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use rum instead of Cachaça?
Yes, white rum works well but changes the character – Cachaça has a grassier, slightly sharp note, while rum is softer and sweeter. In that case, it’s technically not a Batida anymore.
Does it have to be grenadine?
For the classic sunrise effect, yes – grenadine has the right density and color. Alternatives like strawberry syrup or raspberry syrup work color-wise but are often thicker and don’t sink as cleanly.
How sweet is the drink?
It’s quite sweet due to the pineapple juice and grenadine. If you prefer it less sweet, you can replace part of the pineapple juice with fresh orange juice or add a splash of lime.
