Olive Garden isn’t just famous for breadsticks and pasta, their diverse drink menu offers something for every taste and budget. From signature Italian-inspired cocktails to refreshing non-alcoholic beverages, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Olive Garden’s drink offerings, including current prices, nutritional considerations, and recipes to recreate your favorites at home.
Signature Cocktails That Define Italian-American Dining
Olive Garden’s signature cocktails blend traditional Italian flavors with American favorites, creating unique drinks that perfectly complement their menu.
Italian Margarita – $8.99
This isn’t your typical margarita. Olive Garden’s signature drink combines tequila, triple sec, and amaretto for a distinctly Italian twist. The amaretto adds a sweet almond flavor that sets it apart from traditional margaritas, creating a perfect balance of citrus and nutty notes.
Berry Sangria – $8.99
A refreshing blend of rosé wine, mixed berries, and citrus fruits creates this crowd-pleasing sangria. The combination offers a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, making it an ideal choice for sharing or enjoying with lighter dishes.
Peach Bellini – $7.99
This traditional Italian cocktail combines Prosecco with peach purée and a splash of raspberry syrup. Served in an elegant champagne flute, it’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to add a touch of sophistication to your meal.
Lemon Cream Cake Martini – $8.99
For those with a sweet tooth, this dessert-inspired martini features vanilla vodka, Limoncello, and cream. It tastes like liquid lemon cake and makes an excellent after-dinner treat.
Moscato Peach Wine Smoothie – $8.79
This unique frozen drink blends Moscato wine with peach purée, creating a refreshing and creamy beverage that bridges the gap between cocktail and dessert.
Wine Selection: From House Favorites to Premium Bottles
Olive Garden offers an extensive wine selection featuring both domestic and Italian varietals.
House Wine Options – $6.50 – $9.00
Available in red, white, and rosé varieties, Olive Garden’s house wines provide excellent value. The selection typically includes:
- Chianti for red wine lovers seeking authentic Italian flavor
- Pinot Grigio as a crisp, light white wine option
- Rosé for those preferring something between red and white
The house wines are carefully selected to pair well with Italian cuisine while remaining budget-friendly for casual dining.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Refreshing Options for Everyone
Specialty Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Italian Lemon Ice – $4.49: A refreshing palate cleanser with authentic Italian flavors
- Caffè Latte – $4.99: Made with espresso and steamed milk, topped with light foam
- Raspberry Lemonade – $3.99: Fresh-squeezed lemonade enhanced with raspberry syrup
- Fresh Brewed Iced Tea – $2.99: Classic iced tea served with lemon wedges
Popular Soft Drink Options
Olive Garden offers all standard soft drink varieties, including Coca-Cola products, and specialty Italian sodas that add an authentic touch to your dining experience.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Offerings
Current Seasonal Favorites
- Blue Capri: A tropical blend of Blue Chair Bay coconut rum, Blue Curacao, and pineapple juice
- Strawberry Limoncello Margarita: Combines Mi Campo Blanco tequila with Caravella limoncello for a sweet, citrusy experience
- Sicilian Sunset: Features prickly pear lemonade, pineapple juice, and New Amsterdam vodka
Winter Seasonal Options
During colder months, Olive Garden typically introduces warming beverages like spiced teas and specialty coffee drinks that complement heartier menu items.
Nutritional Information and Healthier Choices
While specific nutritional data isn’t readily available for all Olive Garden drinks, here are some general guidelines:
Lower Calorie Options
- Fresh brewed iced tea (unsweetened)
- Italian Lemon Ice (lower alcohol content option)
- House wines (typically 120-150 calories per 5 oz serving)
Higher Calorie Considerations
- Cream-based cocktails like the Lemon Cream Cake Martini
- Frozen drinks with fruit purées
- Sweet cocktails with multiple liqueurs
For specific nutritional information, guests can request details from their server or contact Olive Garden’s customer service directly.
DIY Recipes: Recreate Olive Garden Favorites at Home
Homemade Italian Margarita
Ingredients:
- 1¼ oz tequila
- ½ oz amaretto
- ½ oz triple sec
- 4 oz sweet and sour mix
- Ice
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add tequila, amaretto, triple sec, and sweet and sour mix
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds
- Strain into an ice-filled glass
- Garnish with lime wedge
Pro Tip: Use high-quality amaretto for the best flavor profile.
DIY Berry Sangria
Ingredients:
- 6 oz rosé wine
- 2 oz mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 oz fresh citrus juice
- ½ oz simple syrup (optional)
- Ice
- Citrus slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle berries in a wine glass to release juices
- Add rosé wine, citrus juice, and simple syrup
- Stir gently to combine
- Fill glass with ice
- Garnish with citrus slices
- Let flavors meld for 5 minutes before serving
Homemade Peach Bellini
Ingredients:
- 3 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
- 2 oz peach purée
- ½ oz raspberry syrup
- Fresh peach slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine peach purée and raspberry syrup in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a champagne flute.
- Top with Prosecco or sparkling wine.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a fresh peach slice and serve immediately.
Classic Italian Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz orange juice
- ½ oz amaretto liqueur
- Salt for rimming
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim a glass with salt and set aside.
- Fill a shaker with ice and add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, orange juice, and amaretto liqueur.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
