Venetian Sunset – Easy Olive Garden Copycat

This Olive Garden Venetian Sunset is a pretty layered drink with sparkling wine, pineapple juice, and grenadine — super light, fruity, and refreshing. It looks fancy (like you tried), but honestly takes like two minutes. Great for when you want something low-effort but still impressive.

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Quick Summary

• Prep time: 5 mins
• Cook time: 0 mins
• Flavor: Fruity, fizzy, not too sweet
• Great for: Brunches, chill hangs, fake fancy moments

Why I Like This Recipe

I just wanted a drink that didn’t feel like I was pouring juice into a wine glass and pretending it was “a vibe.” This one? It looks like effort. But it’s mostly juice and bubbles and a little pour trick. Tastes great, looks kinda stunning, and doesn’t ask much of me. Win-win.

Ingredients

• 8 oz Asti (or any sweet sparkling wine)
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• ½ oz grenadine
• 1 orange slice
• 1 maraschino cherry
• Ice (enough to fill half a tall glass)

How To Make Venetian Sunset

• Add ice: Fill your glass about halfway — any tall, clear one works. You want to see the layers.
• Add Asti and juice: Pour the sparkling wine first, then the pineapple juice. Try not to splash too much.
• Layer the grenadine: Grab a spoon, hold it over the glass, and sloooowly pour the grenadine over the back. It should gently sink without mixing.
• Don’t stir: Seriously, don’t. Let the color settle and do its thing.
• Garnish and serve: Top with an orange slice and a cherry. Done.

Tips for Success

• Use chilled pineapple juice — keeps the drink cold and helps the layering.
• Pour grenadine super slow over a spoon for that sunset look.
• Tall, clear glasses show off the layers best.
• Freshly opened sparkling wine makes a difference — flat bubbles = flat vibe.
• Don’t stir it — I know it’s tempting. Just let it do its pretty thing.

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Honestly, not worth storing. The bubbles go flat, and the look disappears. Make it fresh.
• Freezer: Nope.
• Reheat: ..It’s a cold drink, friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need Asti or can I use Prosecco?
  Asti’s sweeter and closer to the OG. Prosecco works too, just make sure it’s not bone-dry or it’ll taste kinda off.
• Can I make it non-alcoholic?
  Yep. Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or Sprite and swap the grenadine as-is. Still pretty. Still tasty.
• Why did my layers mix?
  Might’ve poured too fast, or the juice wasn’t cold. Try again with a steady hand and a spoon.
• Can I batch this for a party?
  Sort of. You can pre-mix the wine and juice, but the grenadine layering has to happen per glass.
• What kind of glass should I use?
  A tall, clear one — Collins or highball. The shape helps with the look.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

• Skipping the spoon trick: Don’t just dump the grenadine in. Use the back of a spoon and pour slowly or your drink will turn pinkish-orange instead of having that pretty gradient.
• Using warm juice: Warm juice and wine = flat bubbles + mixed layers. Chill your stuff first.
• Not using clear glass: I mean, you can, but the whole point is the look. If it’s in a mug, it’s just a bubbly juice.
• Stirring the drink: It’s instinct, I get it. But resist. It’s supposed to be layered.
• Old sparkling wine: If it’s been open for more than a few hours, toss it. You want that fizz — it makes the whole drink feel fresh.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 188 kcal
• Total Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 21mg
• Potassium: 280mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 1g

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