Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Viniq Ruby
- 1.5 oz Citrus Vodka
- .75 oz Lemon Juice
- .5 oz Triple Sec
Instructions
Combine:
- Pour the citrus vodka, lemon juice, and triple sec into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake:
- Shake well to mix and chill the ingredients.
Strain:
- Strain the mixture into a martini glass.
Garnish:
- Lay a lemon wheel on top of the drink.
Pour:
- Slowly pour the Viniq Ruby over the lemon wheel.
Serve:
- Enjoy your refreshing and sweet Ruby Drop Cocktail.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Viniq Ruby itself is a relatively new player in the liqueur game, hitting the market in the mid-2010s. This suggests the Ruby Drop Cocktail is a contemporary creation, likely born in home bars or casual venues looking to showcase the liqueur’s unique shimmer and flavor. It’s not a classic with a storied past, but rather a modern take on a sweet vodka drink.
This cocktail sits comfortably in the vodka sour family, much like a Lemon Drop or a Cosmopolitan. What sets the Ruby Drop apart is the Viniq Ruby, which brings a distinct fruity sweetness, a lower ABV than most base spirits, and that signature pearlescent shimmer. It’s a sweeter, less tart cousin to its sour relatives, with a visual twist.
You’d typically find or serve a Ruby Drop Cocktail at a lively lounge, a casual bar, or a home party where guests appreciate a visually striking and approachable drink. It’s a good fit for celebrations or anytime you want something a bit special without needing a master mixologist on staff.
What it tastes like
The Ruby Drop Cocktail hits you first with a bright, sweet, and tart citrus burst from the lemon juice and citrus vodka. This quickly transitions to the rich, berry-like sweetness of the Viniq Ruby, which dominates the mid-palate. The finish is smooth and sweet, with lingering notes of red fruit and a subtle orange hint from the triple sec, leaving a pleasant, refreshing aftertaste.
With 1.5 oz of 40% ABV citrus vodka, 1.5 oz of 20% ABV Viniq Ruby, and 0.5 oz of 30% ABV triple sec, this drink clocks in around 25% alcohol by volume. That makes it significantly stronger than a standard beer, comparable to a strong glass of wine, and on par with many classic cocktails served up. It’s a potent sipper, so pace yourself.
The technique
Building this drink starts with chilling your martini glass. Combine the citrus vodka, lemon juice, and triple sec in a shaker with ice. Give it a good, hard shake until the shaker is frosty cold, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and properly chilled. Strain this vibrant mixture into your pre-chilled martini glass. The final touch is to carefully lay a lemon wheel on the surface of the drink, then slowly pour the Viniq Ruby over the lemon wheel. This creates the distinct layered effect and allows the shimmer to disperse beautifully.
The most important technique here is the slow pour of the Viniq Ruby over the lemon wheel. This isn’t just for show; it’s how you achieve the signature ‘drop’ and the visual layering that makes the drink. If you just dump the Viniq straight in, it will mix too quickly, losing the gradient effect and the captivating shimmer that defines the Ruby Drop. Take your time with that last step for maximum impact.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Viniq Ruby
- Use
- Viniq Ruby is essential. It’s a shimmery liqueur, typically 20% ABV, with a sweet, fruity, red berry flavor. No other product quite matches its visual effect.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with grenadine or a standard red fruit liqueur like raspberry or strawberry. While they provide color and sweetness, they lack the signature pearlescent shimmer that gives the Ruby Drop its name and unique appeal.
- Why
- Viniq Ruby is the namesake and the visual star of this cocktail. It provides the primary sweet, fruity notes and, crucially, the mesmerizing, swirling shimmer that makes the drink stand out.
Citrus Vodka
- Use
- Any quality citrus-flavored vodka works well here. Brands like Absolut Citron, Ketel One Citroen, or Grey Goose Le Citron are solid choices, typically 40% ABV.
- Skip
- Avoid using unflavored vodka unless absolutely necessary. The citrus notes from the vodka are meant to complement and deepen the fresh lemon juice, adding a layer of complexity that plain vodka won’t provide.
- Why
- Citrus vodka is load-bearing because it reinforces the bright, zesty character of the drink. It provides a foundational layer of citrus that supports the fresh lemon juice and balances the sweetness of the Viniq and triple sec.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Sparkling Ruby Drop
- Add some fizz for a lighter touch.
- After straining the shaken mixture into a coupe, top with 2 oz of chilled Prosecco or club soda before adding the Viniq Ruby. This adds effervescence and lightens the drink.
Ruby Drop Sour
- For those who prefer less sweetness.
- Reduce the Viniq Ruby to 1 oz and increase the lemon juice to 1 oz. This shifts the balance towards a more tart, classic sour profile while retaining the signature shimmer.
Gin Ruby Drop
- A botanical twist on the original.
- Swap the citrus vodka for a good quality citrus-forward gin. The botanical notes will add an intriguing layer of complexity, making it a more sophisticated, less sweet option.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
You can use a red fruit liqueur like raspberry or strawberry liqueur, but add a tiny pinch of edible pearl dust or glitter to mimic the shimmer. The flavor will be similar, but the visual effect won’t be identical.
Use regular vodka and increase the lemon juice by 0.25 oz, or add a larger lemon peel twist to express more oils into the drink.
Cointreau or Grand Marnier are excellent substitutes, though they might add a slightly more refined orange note. If you only have simple syrup, use 0.25 oz and add a dash of orange bitters or a strip of orange peel to the shaker.
A coupe glass works perfectly. A small wine glass or even a rocks glass can also be used in a pinch, though the presentation won’t be quite as elegant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Ruby Drop Cocktail?
A Ruby Drop Cocktail contains Viniq Ruby, citrus vodka, fresh lemon juice, and triple sec.
Is Viniq Ruby an alcoholic drink?
Yes, Viniq Ruby is an alcoholic liqueur, typically around 20% ABV.
What does Viniq Ruby taste like?
Viniq Ruby has a sweet, fruity flavor profile, often described as a blend of red berries, with a smooth finish.
Why is it called a Ruby Drop?
It’s called a Ruby Drop because of the Viniq Ruby liqueur, which gives the drink its distinctive ruby red color and shimmery appearance, often ‘dropping’ through the drink when poured slowly.
Can I make a Ruby Drop without Viniq?
You can make a similar drink without Viniq, but it won’t be a true Ruby Drop. You’d need to substitute with another red fruit liqueur and would lose the signature shimmer.
What kind of vodka should I use?
Any good quality citrus-flavored vodka is ideal. Brands like Absolut Citron or Ketel One Citroen are popular choices.
Is this a sweet drink?
Yes, the Ruby Drop Cocktail is definitely on the sweeter side, balanced by the tartness of the lemon juice.
How do I get the layered effect?
To achieve the layered effect, slowly pour the Viniq Ruby over a lemon wheel placed on the surface of the drink after the other ingredients have been strained into the glass.
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