The Marin County bartending community is mourning the loss of a true cocktail pioneer whose creation became a cultural phenomenon far beyond the shores of Sausalito. Robert “Bobby” Lozoff, who alongside colleague Billy Rice invented the now-ubiquitous tequila sunrise cocktail while working at the Trident restaurant in the early 1970s, passed away on April 14, 2025, at age 77.
His simple yet visually stunning drink would go on to inspire rock stars, filmmakers, and countless imbibers around the world. Marin County’s place in cocktail history was cemented by his creation.
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A Sausalito Creation That Conquered the World
Long before craft cocktails became a staple across Mill Valley and San Rafael bars, Lozoff was perfecting his artistry behind the bar at the iconic Trident restaurant. The waterfront establishment, with its spectacular views of Richardson Bay and San Francisco, provided the perfect backdrop for innovation.
From Marin County to Rock and Roll History
The tequila sunrise’s journey from local favorite to international sensation began when Lozoff served the vibrantly layered drink to none other than Mick Jagger. The Rolling Stones frontman was so impressed that guitarist Keith Richards nicknamed their 1972 tour the “cocaine and tequila sunrise tour.”
This celebrity endorsement launched the Sausalito-born cocktail into the stratosphere of pop culture. The drink’s influence spread far beyond Marin County, inspiring the Eagles to release their hit song “Tequila Sunrise” in 1973.
The cocktail’s cultural footprint expanded further with a 1988 movie sharing its name. It even inspired Harley-Davidson’s official “tequila sunrise” motorcycle color scheme, bringing a touch of Marin’s creativity to highways across America.
The Man Behind the Mixture
Despite creating one of the world’s most recognized cocktails, friends noted that Lozoff remained remarkably humble about his contribution to mixology history. After his tenure in Sausalito ended in 1976, Lozoff traded the foggy mornings of the Tiburon peninsula for Hawaiian sunshine.
He helped establish the Blue Max nightclub before pivoting to a career in technology.
Preserving a Piece of Marin’s Cultural Heritage
Recognizing the historical significance of the tequila sunrise, the Marin History Museum partnered with the Trident restaurant earlier this year. Together, they installed a commemorative marker honoring Lozoff and Rice’s creation.
Unfortunately, Lozoff was unable to attend the ceremony in Sausalito. The event drew cocktail enthusiasts from Corte Madera, Fairfax, and beyond.
For those looking to recreate Lozoff’s masterpiece at home in Novato or Larkspur, his preferred recipe included:
These quality ingredients were the hallmark of Lozoff’s approach to bartending. His attention to detail helped elevate the drinking culture throughout Marin County.
Here is the source article for this story: Bobby Lozoff, bartender who created tequila sunrise at Marin restaurant, dies at 77
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