Olive Garden Sicilian Sunset Recipe

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a refreshing, citrusy drink that reminds you of an Italian sunset. One of my favorite summer refreshments, especially for family gatherings or quiet evenings on the porch, is Olive Garden’s Sicilian Sunset. It has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, which makes it stand out from the rest.

Whether you’ve had it at Olive Garden or you’re discovering it for the first time, this drink will easily become one of your go-to beverages. Today, I’m going to make the copycat version of the Olive Garden Sicilian Sunset recipe right in your own kitchen.

The combination of prickly pear lemonade, pineapple juice, and a splash of vodka makes this drink incredibly unique. The blend of flavors gives off tropical vibes with a hint of tanginess that everyone will love.

With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this flavorful cocktail drink that will transport you to a sunny Sicilian coast in no time.

How To Make The Olive Garden Sicilian Sunset

The Olive Garden Sicilian Sunset is a perfect Italian cocktail drink made with prickly pear lemonade, pineapple juice, and vodka. It’s a refreshing summer beverage that offers a tropical twist with a sweet and tangy kick.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Prickly Pear Lemonade
• 1 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz New Amsterdam Vodka
• Ice Cubes
• Lemon Slice (for garnish)
• Fresh Mint Leaves (optional, for garnish)

Making Instructions

Step 01: Prepare Your Glass

Start by filling a tall glass with ice cubes. This will keep your drink refreshingly cool while adding a lovely chill to the ingredients as they blend together.

Step 02: Mix Them

Now take a shaker, pour the prickly pear lemonade, pineapple juice, and New Amsterdam vodka. Give it a good shake to mix all the flavors together. If you don’t have a shaker, you can stir the ingredients directly in the glass using a long spoon.

Step 03: Pour and Serve

Pour the mixture over the ice-filled glass and stir it lightly to combine all the flavors.

Step 04: Garnish & Enjoy

Finish your drink with a lemon slice on the rim of the glass, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a sprig of fresh mint to enhance the aroma and presentation. Your homemade Olive Garden Sicilian Sunset is ready. Sip and savor the balance of sweet, tangy, and tropical flavors.

Recipe Tips

• Prickly Pear Lemonade: If you can’t find prickly pear lemonade, you can substitute it with regular lemonade and add a splash of prickly pear syrup or puree. It won’t affect the overall taste too much, but you’ll still get that lovely pink color.
• Vodka Substitute: While New Amsterdam vodka is recommended, any quality vodka will do the trick. You can also adjust the amount of vodka based on how strong you want the drink to be.
• Chilling the Ingredients: For a more refreshing experience, make sure all your ingredients are chilled before mixing. This way, you can enjoy your drink without needing to add too much ice, which can dilute the flavors.
• Sweetness Level: If you like your drink on the sweeter side, you can add a splash of simple syrup or extra pineapple juice.
• Mocktail Version: If you’re making a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka and replace it with sparkling water for a fizzy, refreshing twist.

Garnishing Options

• Lemon or Lime Wedges: A citrus wedge on the rim not only adds a bright, zesty element to your drink but also enhances its visual appeal.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Adding fresh mint gives the drink a pop of green and adds a refreshing aroma with every sip.
• Edible Flowers: For a more elegant presentation, consider garnishing with edible flowers like pansies or hibiscus. They add a burst of color and sophistication to your drink.
• Crushed Ice: Serve the drink over crushed ice to give it a fun, slushy texture, perfect for hot days.

Comparing to Other Olive Garden Drinks

While Olive Garden offers a variety of signature drinks, the Sicilian Sunset stands out due to its unique flavor combination. Unlike the Italian Margarita, which leans heavily into citrus and tequila flavors, or the Peach Bellini, which has a sweeter, bubbly profile, the Sicilian Sunset strikes a perfect balance between tart, tropical, and sweet.

• Italian Margarita: This classic drink is tequila-based and has a much sharper citrus flavor compared to the softer, fruitier notes of the Sicilian Sunset.
• Bellini Peach-Raspberry Iced Tea: A non-alcoholic option that is sweet and floral, but lacks the alcoholic kick and tropical flavors found in the Sicilian Sunset.
• Strawberry Limoncello Margarita: The Strawberry Limoncello Margarita offers a refreshing, summery twist with its blend of limoncello, tequila, and strawberries. While it shares a bright, citrus profile with the Sicilian Sunset, the strawberry flavor adds a distinct sweetness, and the tequila base gives it a stronger, earthier edge compared to the softer, tropical notes of the Sicilian Sunset.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Appetizers: Serve this drink with light appetizers like bruschetta, fried calamari, or cheese platters. The citrusy and tangy flavors will cut through the richness of these dishes and balance the palate.
• Perfect for BBQs and Picnics: This drink is a fantastic addition to summer barbecues and picnics. Its fruity and refreshing profile will be a hit with grilled dishes like chicken skewers, shrimp, or vegetable kabobs.
• A Great Pre-Dinner Drink: Serve this cocktail as an aperitif before a pasta or seafood dinner. It sets a refreshing tone and stimulates the appetite before a hearty meal.

Continue to Content

Olive Garden Sicilian Sunset Recipe

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This Olive Garden Sicilian Sunset recipe is a refreshing, easy-to-make cocktail that blends prickly pear lemonade, pineapple juice, and vodka. This delicious drink has a tropical, fruity flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this colorful and vibrant beverage at home.

Print

Ingredients

• 2 oz Prickly Pear Lemonade
• 1 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz New Amsterdam Vodka
• Ice Cubes
• Lemon Slice (for garnish)
• Fresh Mint Leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Start by filling a tall glass with ice cubes
2. Now take a shaker, pour the prickly pear lemonade, pineapple juice, and New Amsterdam vodka. Give it a good shake to mix all the flavors together. If you don’t have a shaker, you can stir the ingredients directly in the glass using a long spoon.
3. Pour the mixture over the ice-filled glass and stir it lightly to combine all the flavors.
4. Finish your drink with a lemon slice on the rim of the glass, and if you're feeling fancy, add a sprig of fresh mint to enhance the aroma and presentation.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 Person
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 170Sodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 17gSugar: 16gSugar Alcohols: 14g

The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.

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Conclusion

The Olive Garden Sicilian Sunset recipe is a delightful mix of tropical flavors and tangy lemonade, making it a perfect beverage for any season. 

What I love most about this drink is it’s simple enough to make for any casual get-together but also sophisticated enough for a special celebration. With just a few easy-to-find ingredients, you can recreate Olive Garden’s Sicilian Sunset Cocktail.

So, the next time you crave a drink that transports you to the sunny shores of Sicily, you know exactly what to do. Cheers to good times and refreshing drinks.