Tequila Sunrise

A Tequila Sunrise combines tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup — a mix that hits gout from two angles at once. The alcohol in tequila is a distilled spirit, and any alcohol increases uric acid production while reducing how efficiently your kidneys clear urate from the body. Even moderate amounts can noticeably raise serum uric acid within hours. The orange juice adds natural fructose, and the grenadine typically contributes high-fructose corn syrup; both forms of fructose drive uric acid generation through accelerated purine turnover in the liver. Combining alcohol with fructose is considered an especially potent trigger, since the two pathways stack on each other.

Practical guidance

For people with gout, even a single Tequila Sunrise is a risky choice, and regular consumption is strongly discouraged. If you do choose to drink on a special occasion, the safest approach is to skip this cocktail entirely and opt for something with far less sugar and alcohol — or better yet, stick with water and unsweetened beverages. During a flare, avoid alcohol altogether, as it can prolong symptoms and interfere with recovery. Stay well hydrated if you drink, and note that every component of this drink works against uric acid control despite containing no organ meats or shellfish. For most people managing gout, this is a drink to admire on the menu rather than order.