Bobby Lozoff, Creator of Tequila Sunrise, Dies at 77

The Rolling Stones are credited with first popularizing the Tequila Sunrise cocktail, not the Eagles. Sadly, the man behind this iconic drink, San Francisco bartender Robert ‘Bobby’ Lozoff, has passed away at the age of 77.

In 1969, at a private party for The Rolling Stones at The Trident restaurant in Sausalito, Bobby Lozoff created the Tequila Sunrise. This event took place after the tragic Altamont Speedway concert that resulted in three deaths, organized by promoter Bill Graham. It was on this night that Keith Richards requested a margarita from the bar, and Lozoff introduced him to the Tequila Sunrise instead.

The simplicity of the Tequila Sunrise made it an ideal drink for touring. A combination of Tequila, orange juice, and Grenadine was all it took to create one. Keith Richards enjoyed it so much that the band’s 1972 tour was nicknamed the ‘Cocaine and Tequila Sunrise’ tour. This popularity eventually inspired Don Henley and Glenn Frey of the Eagles to write their classic song ‘Tequila Sunrise’.

The Trident restaurant, where the cocktail was invented, was a hotspot for rock stars owned by The Kingston Trio at the time. Regulars included music legends like David Crosby and Janis Joplin. Lozoff, who started pouring drinks there at 21, eventually moved to Hawaii in 1976.

For those interested in making a Tequila Sunrise at home, Lozoff’s recipe is straightforward. The cocktail requires fresh orange juice, silver Tequila, Grenadine syrup, and a garnish of half an orange wheel. It’s a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that has stood the test of time.

The legacy of the Tequila Sunrise lives on through its association with rock stars and iconic bands like The Rolling Stones and the Eagles. Though it may have originated with the former, the drink’s impact on popular culture cannot be denied. Cheers to the memory of Bobby Lozoff and the classic cocktail he gave the world.