The Astronaut Sunrise is a playful and nostalgic cocktail that incorporates Tang, the iconic orange-flavored drink powder famously associated with NASA’s space missions in the 1960s. This beverage is a fun homage to the excitement and fascination of the Space Age era, blending Tang with other ingredients to create a refreshing and vibrant drink with a unique and lively flavor.
This drink has been around for several years now, but it still feels fresh and new with its combination of sweet and sour flavors. The best part about this cocktail? It looks as good as it tastes!
The way the ingredients are layered in the glass creates an ombre effect that will draw your eyes in before you even take your first sip. And when you do? You’ll be delighted by its smooth, balanced taste. Whether served at home or at a bar, this contemporary cocktail is sure to make any occasion special!
Astronaut Sunrise Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 4 ounces Tang (prepared)
- .5 ounces grenadine syrup
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in vodka and Tang orange drink.
- Gently stir the ingredients until they are well combined.
- Top off your cocktail with the grenadine syrup to add sweetness and color to your drink! Watch it sink to the bottom to create the sunrise effect.
- Garnish with an orange slice or maraschino cherry for presentation (optional).
Glassware
Typical or usual glassware used for Astronaut Sunrise cocktails is a highball glass. The highball is great for recipes that contain more soda and juice than alcohol like the classic Astronaut Sunrise.
Flavors
The Astronaut Sunrise cocktail offers a bright and effervescent flavor profile. The Tang orange drink powder provides a sweet, tangy, and slightly artificial orange taste, reminiscent of the space-age fascination. The vodka adds a subtle kick, while the lime juice brings a touch of tartness and acidity to balance the sweetness.
Overall, the Astronaut Sunrise is a fun and colorful cocktail that harkens back to a time of space exploration enthusiasm and can be enjoyed at themed parties or casual gatherings.
3 Tips for Making Your Astronaut Sunrise
- Use a high-quality vodka for the best flavor.
- Pre-mix and chill the Tang for easier drink mixing.
- Add grenadine syrup at the end to add sweetness and color to your drink, watch it sink to the bottom to create the sunrise effect.