Ingredients
- 3 oz Viniq Original
- 2 oz Ginger Beer
Instructions
Prepare the Glass:
- Rim a chilled champagne flute with sugar.
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour 3 oz Viniq Original and 2 oz ginger beer into the glass.
Stir:
- Stir gently to combine.
Garnish:
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your All Eyes Cocktail.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The All eyes Cocktail is a contemporary creation, emerging after the introduction of Viniq, a shimmery liqueur launched in 2014. Given its simple two-ingredient structure, it was likely conceived as a promotional recipe by the brand or by early adopters looking to showcase Viniq’s unique visual effect. It is a modern party drink, not a classic with a long history.
This drink loosely sits in the ‘sparkling cocktail’ family, drawing parallels with drinks like the Kir Royale or a simple Mimosa due to its use of a flute and a fizzy component. However, it distinguishes itself by swapping traditional sparkling wine for a sweet, shimmery liqueur, resulting in a much sweeter and less dry profile than its relatives.
You would typically find or serve an All eyes Cocktail at a casual house party, a bachelorette celebration, or a themed event where visual novelty is appreciated. It is a conversation starter for its look, rather than a serious bar order. It fits well in environments where the vibe is light and fun, not pretentious.
What it tastes like
On the front, the All eyes Cocktail hits with the intense sweetness and fruitiness of Viniq, often described as a grape or mixed berry flavor, punctuated by its signature shimmer. The mid-palate introduces the spicy kick of ginger beer, providing a welcome contrast and cutting through some of the initial sweetness. The finish is relatively quick, leaving a lingering sweet, slightly spicy, and fruity aftertaste.
With 3 oz of Viniq Original (20% ABV) and 2 oz of non-alcoholic ginger beer, this drink clocks in around 12% ABV. This puts it in the range of a strong glass of wine or a relatively light cocktail. It is significantly less potent than a spirit-forward drink like an Old Fashioned, but still packs more punch than a standard beer.
The technique
Building this drink is straightforward. Begin by chilling your champagne flute and then applying a sugar rim; a fine sugar works best for a delicate edge. Next, pour the Viniq Original directly into the prepared glass, followed by the ginger beer. The key is to pour gently to minimize excessive foaming. A light, brief stir is all that is needed to combine the liquids without losing too much of the carbonation.
The most important technique for this drink is the gentle stir after combining the ingredients. Overzealous stirring will quickly flatten the ginger beer, turning a lively, effervescent drink into a dull, still one. A few swirls with a bar spoon are enough to integrate the Viniq and ginger beer while preserving the fizz, which is crucial for the drink’s texture and appeal.
Drink Buddy Exclusive
Tell us what's in your cabinet.
Our Cocktail Builder takes whatever bottles you've got and hands you every drink you can actually make tonight.
Open the Builder →Get the Drink Buddy newsletter
One drink, one tip, one Tuesday a month.
Plus the recipes we drop before they hit the site. Zero spam.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Viniq Original
- Use
- Stick with the original Viniq for the intended flavor and visual effect. Its unique shimmery quality and sweet, fruity profile (around 20% ABV) are central to the drink.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with standard fruit liqueurs without the shimmer. Brands like Hpnotiq or Pucker may offer similar fruit flavors but lack the signature visual appeal that defines this cocktail.
- Why
- Viniq is the star here. Its shimmering, iridescent quality is what makes the ‘All eyes’ name literal. Without it, you just have a sweet, fruity ginger beer mix, which misses the point entirely.
Ginger Beer
- Use
- Opt for a quality, spicy ginger beer. Brands like Fever-Tree, Gosling’s, or Q Mixers provide a robust ginger kick that balances the Viniq’s sweetness.
- Skip
- Avoid using ginger ale. It is typically much sweeter and lacks the potent, peppery ginger spice needed to cut through the liqueur. The drink will become cloyingly sweet.
- Why
- Ginger beer provides the necessary effervescence and a crucial spicy counterpoint to the very sweet Viniq. It prevents the drink from being one-note and adds a refreshing bite.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Berry Eyes
- A darker, fruitier shimmer.
- Substitute Viniq Original with Viniq Ruby for a redder hue and a more pronounced red berry flavor profile, maintaining the shimmer.
Golden Gaze
- Add a touch of citrus brightness.
- Introduce 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice or lime juice to the mix before stirring, providing a tart counterpoint to the sweetness.
Spiked Glimmer
- For a bit more kick.
- Add 0.5 oz of a neutral spirit like vodka or a light rum to increase the ABV without significantly altering the core flavor profile.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
While difficult to replicate the shimmer, a mix of a sweet grape liqueur (like Pucker Grape) and a touch of edible glitter could be attempted, though it will not be the same.
A spicy ginger ale could work in a pinch, but expect a sweeter drink with less ginger bite. Alternatively, use club soda with a dash of ginger syrup for some fizz and flavor.
A thin slice of lemon, a lime wheel, or even a few fresh berries can serve as a simple visual garnish.
A wine glass, a highball glass, or any tall, slender glass will work. Ensure it is chilled and rimmed if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a All eyes Cocktail?
The All eyes Cocktail contains Viniq Original, ginger beer, and is typically garnished with a lemon twist and a sugar rim.
What does Viniq Original taste like?
Viniq Original typically tastes like a sweet, fruity blend, often described as grape or mixed berry, with a smooth finish and a distinctive shimmery appearance.
Is the All eyes Cocktail strong?
No, it is a relatively low ABV drink, usually around 12%. It is comparable to a strong glass of wine, making it an easy-drinking option.
Why is it called ‘All eyes Cocktail’?
The name comes from Viniq’s unique shimmery, iridescent quality, which makes the drink visually striking and attention-grabbing.
Can I make this drink less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can use a less sweet, spicier ginger beer, or add a small amount of fresh lemon or lime juice.
Do I have to sugar the rim?
No, the sugar rim is optional. It adds a touch of extra sweetness and a decorative element, but the drink is fine without it.
What kind of ginger beer should I use?
For the best balance, choose a quality ginger beer that offers a good spicy kick to contrast with the sweet Viniq. Avoid overly sweet ginger ales.
Can I make a batch of All eyes Cocktail?
You can pre-mix the Viniq and chill it, but add the ginger beer and stir gently just before serving to preserve the carbonation.
More Like This
More drinks in the same family when the night calls for them.
