Description
Tequila Sunrise Cupcakes are colorful citrus cupcakes inspired by the classic tequila sunrise cocktail. Fresh orange juice, tequila, and sweet grenadine create a bright fruity flavor, while a two tone buttercream swirl mimics the sunrise effect. These festive cupcakes are perfect for Cinco de Mayo parties, summer gatherings, or any celebration that needs a vibrant dessert.
Ingredients
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons sour cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
3 egg whites
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons tequila
2 tablespoons milk
3/4 cup salted butter for frosting
1/2 cup shortening
5 cups confectioners sugar
1 tablespoon tequila for frosting
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest for frosting
2 teaspoons fresh squeezed orange juice for frosting
5 teaspoons grenadine
Orange gel icing color optional
12 to 14 cherries for garnish optional
12 to 14 orange quarter slices for garnish optional
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together for about 3 to 4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
3. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and orange zest until evenly combined.
4. Add egg whites in two additions, mixing well after each and scraping the bowl as needed.
5. In a separate bowl whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. In another container combine orange juice, tequila, and milk.
7. Add half of the dry mixture to the batter and mix until incorporated.
8. Pour in the liquid mixture and mix again until smooth.
9. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
10. Fill cupcake liners slightly over halfway with batter.
11. Bake for about 15 to 17 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs.
12. Cool briefly in the pan then transfer cupcakes to a rack to cool completely.
13. For the frosting beat butter and shortening until smooth and creamy.
14. Add part of the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
15. Mix in tequila, orange zest, and orange juice.
16. Add remaining powdered sugar and beat until fluffy and smooth.
17. Divide frosting if desired and mix grenadine into part of it to create a cherry colored frosting while keeping another portion orange flavored.
18. Place the two frostings into separate piping bags and pipe together to create a two tone swirl on cooled cupcakes.
19. Top each cupcake with a cherry and a small orange slice if desired.
Notes
Cupcakes are inspired by the tequila sunrise cocktail which combines orange juice tequila and grenadine.
Fresh orange juice and orange zest give the cupcakes a bright citrus flavor.
Frosting can be divided into orange and cherry flavors to create a swirled sunrise look.
Grenadine naturally provides pink color and cherry flavor to the frosting.
Orange gel food coloring can be added for a stronger orange tone but is optional.
Using two piping bags placed inside a larger bag helps keep frosting colors separate while piping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 446
- Sugar: 47.4 g
- Sodium: 182.7 mg
- Fat: 23.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58.3 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 2.7 g
- Cholesterol: 41.4 mg