Pin It I discovered this drink on a hiking trip where we stopped at a mountain lodge just as the sun broke through the clouds. The barista made something similar, and I was captivated by how the layers seemed to capture that exact moment—the white mist below, the gold and red sky above. Back in my kitchen, I became obsessed with recreating it, and after a few attempts at getting the grenadine to behave, this version emerged. It's become my go-to for weekend brunches, not because it's fancy, but because it genuinely tastes like a moment worth savoring.
My partner walked in while I was testing this recipe for the third time, saw the glasses lined up like a science experiment, and laughed so hard I nearly dropped the grenadine. But when the layers finally settled into that perfect gradient, they actually asked me to make it again the next morning. That's when I knew this drink had crossed from 'thing I'm tinkering with' to 'thing people actually want to drink at my house.'
Ingredients
- Coconut milk: The foundation of the whole drink—make sure you shake the can well first, or you'll get watery liquid and thick cream separating unevenly.
- Coconut water: This lightens the coconut layer so it doesn't feel heavy, and it mixes beautifully with the milk without curdling.
- Simple syrup: Your sweetness control—I learned to taste this layer before pouring it, because grenadine adds its own sugar and you don't want it cloying.
- Orange juice: Freshly squeezed makes a visible difference in both flavor and how cleanly it floats; bottled works but the layer might blur slightly.
- Grenadine syrup: The star of the show—this is what creates that stunning sunrise effect, sinking then rising to stain the orange layer red.
- Ice cubes: Fill the glass generously so the layers have something stable to rest on, and they keep everything chilled.
- Orange slices and mint: These aren't just decoration; the mint leaf releases a whisper of freshness when you sip, and the orange slice makes it feel intentional and complete.
Instructions
- Chill and fill:
- Pack those glasses with ice like you're building a small fortress—the more ice, the better it supports the layers and keeps everything cold.
- Mix the coconut base:
- Stir the coconut milk, coconut water, and simple syrup together until it looks uniform and creamy, with no streaks of white.
- Pour the white layer:
- Pour this mixture slowly over the ice in each glass, watching it settle into that gorgeous snowy white base that looks like morning mist.
- Float the orange juice:
- Here's where patience matters: pour the orange juice over the back of a spoon so it hits the coconut layer gently and floats rather than sinking and mixing. If it layers cleanly, you'll see a golden band form.
- Create the sunrise:
- Drizzle the grenadine slowly down the inside edge of the glass—it will sink at first, then rise through the orange juice, creating that breathtaking red sunrise effect at the top.
- Finish and serve:
- Tuck an orange slice onto the rim and nestle a mint sprig into the ice, then serve immediately while the layers are still distinct and the drink is ice-cold.
Pin It 
A friend visiting from out of town took one look at these drinks and immediately asked for the recipe, saying it was too beautiful to be as simple as it actually was. That moment reminded me that sometimes the most satisfying things to make are the ones that look like pure magic but feel completely manageable.
The Layering Secret
Layering drinks is really about understanding weight and temperature—denser liquids sink, lighter ones float, and cold drinks behave differently than warm ones. The grenadine is the heaviest ingredient, coconut milk is creamy and relatively light, and orange juice sits in the middle. The trick isn't magic; it's respecting how these ingredients naturally want to move. Once you understand that, you can layer almost anything and make it look intentional and beautiful.
Making It Your Own
This drink is more flexible than it might seem at first glance. You can swap the orange juice for mango, passion fruit, or even pomegranate juice if you want different sunset colors, or replace the simple syrup with honey or agave for subtle flavor shifts. The structure stays the same, but each variation tastes like a different memory of sunrise light.
When to Serve This
This mocktail feels perfect for lazy weekend brunches, festive occasions where you want something special but not complicated, or those mornings when you just want to sit still and watch the light change. It's also completely appropriate for a summer dinner party where some guests might prefer not to drink alcohol but still want something that feels celebratory and thoughtful.
- Make a batch of simple syrup the night before so you're not rushing in the morning.
- Set up your glasses and ice ahead of time if you're making these for guests, so you can focus on the layering moment without scrambling.
- Serve these immediately after making them—they're most stunning when the layers are crisp and distinct, not blurred together.
Pin It This drink taught me that sometimes the most memorable things to make are the simple ones that tell a story through color and layers rather than complexity. Every time I make it, that mountain lodge moment comes back, and I get to share it with someone new.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How is the layered effect achieved?
The layers form by slowly pouring orange juice over the coconut milk base, then gently adding grenadine which sinks and rises to create a gradient.
- → Can this drink be made alcoholic?
Yes, adding 30 ml of white rum to the coconut mixture creates a spirited variant of the drink.
- → What alternatives are there for grenadine?
Pomegranate syrup can be used instead of grenadine for a less sweet and tangier top layer.
- → Is this suitable for special diets?
Yes, it’s vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be vegan if using vegan-friendly grenadine.
- → What garnishes enhance the drink?
Orange slices and fresh mint sprigs add aroma and visual appeal to the layered drink.