Olive Garden Venetian Sunset
The Olive Garden Venetian Sunset is a stunning, tropical drink that perfectly balances the sweetness of fruit juices with a vibrant, multi-layered appearance. Inspired by the colors of a Venetian sunset, this cocktail is made with orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and grenadine. You can enjoy it as a non-alcoholic mocktail or make it an adult drink by adding rum or vodka. Whether you're entertaining guests or indulging in a quiet evening, this recipe is sure to impress with its refreshing taste and beautiful presentation.
Equipment
- 1 Tall glass (Hurricane or Highball) – 4 glasses
- 1 Spoon (for layering) – 1 spoon
- 1 Measuring cup – 1 unit
- 1 Jigger (for alcohol measurement, optional) – 1 unit
- 1 Stirring straw (optional) – 4 straws
Ingredients
- 1 cup 240 ml Orange Juice
- 1/2 cup 120 ml Pineapple Juice
- 1/2 cup 120 ml Cranberry Juice
- 1 tbsp 15 ml Grenadine
- 1 oz 30 ml Rum or Vodka (optional, for alcoholic version)
- 1 Maraschino Cherry for garnish
- 1 Orange Slice for garnish
- Ice as needed
Instructions
Prepare Your Glass
- Choose a tall glass, such as a hurricane or highball glass, and fill it with ice to chill.
Layer the Juices
- Begin by pouring orange juice into the glass. Next, add pineapple juice slowly, pouring it over the back of a spoon to create a separate layer.
Add Cranberry Juice
- Slowly pour cranberry juice over the back of a spoon to create another layer above the pineapple juice.
Create the Sunset Effect
- Drizzle grenadine into the glass slowly, allowing it to sink to the bottom and create a beautiful red hue.
Optional: Add Alcohol
- If you’re making an alcoholic version, carefully add rum or vodka to the drink, ensuring that it doesn’t disturb the layers too much.
Garnish and Serve
- Add a maraschino cherry on top, and garnish with an orange slice on the rim of the glass. Serve immediately with a straw for easy sipping.
Notes
- Layering Tip: For the best results, pour the juices slowly over the back of a spoon to maintain the layers. This technique ensures that each juice floats on top of the other for that stunning, sunset look.
- Customizable Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet drink, adjust the amount of grenadine or use unsweetened cranberry juice.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: This recipe is just as delightful without alcohol. Simply omit the rum or vodka for a refreshing mocktail everyone can enjoy.
- Juice Freshness: Using freshly squeezed juices will give the drink a fresher, more vibrant taste compared to store-bought versions.