Legendary Sausalito Bartender Behind the Modern Tequila Sunrise—and the Rolling Stones’ Favorite Drink—Has Died

Robert “Bobby” Lozoff, the bartender credited with inventing the modern Tequila Sunrise in the early 1970s at The Trident in Sausalito, has passed away at the age of 77. Lozoff died earlier this month in Hawaii; the cause of death has not been disclosed.

Lozoff, along with fellow bartender Billy Rice, crafted the now-famous version of the Tequila Sunrise — a mix of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine — at The Trident, a hotspot for celebrities and musicians at the time. Their creation replaced the earlier version of the drink, which used soda, lime juice, and crème de cassis.

The cocktail’s rise to fame came after Lozoff served it to a member of the Rolling Stones during a party at the bar in 1972. Whether it was Mick Jagger or Keith Richards, the drink immediately caught the band’s attention. They loved its simplicity and vibrant look — so much so that they brought it with them on their U.S. tour that year. That tour would later be dubbed the “Cocaine and Tequila Sunrise” tour, with the drink gaining popularity worldwide thanks to the Stones.

Despite his place in cocktail history, Lozoff wasn’t particularly focused on fame. Columnist Jeff Burkhart, who interviewed him several times, said Lozoff preferred to reflect on the good times he had at The Trident rather than dwell on his drink’s global fame. “It was a fun time, and I have no regrets,” he once said.

A 2023 plaque from the Marin History Museum honors the creation of the famous drink at The Trident.

Here’s Lozoff’s original recipe, as shared by The Trident:

• 1 part Jose Cuervo Especial Silver

• 2 parts orange juice

• 1 teaspoon grenadine

Pour the tequila and orange juice over ice, then gently add grenadine for that signature ombré effect — and, as The Trident notes, “enjoy in a way the Rolling Stones would approve of.”