San Pellegrino soft drinks are sparkling, fruit-flavored beverages from Italy, made with carbonated water and real fruit juices. They are beloved for their bright, refreshing taste and elegant bubbles, making them perfect for both everyday sipping and special occasions. This guide shows you how to turn these classic sodas into five simple, delicious mocktails that are as beautiful as they are easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 can (330 ml) San Pellegrino Aranciata (orange)
- 1 can (330 ml) San Pellegrino Limonata (lemon)
- 1 can (330 ml) San Pellegrino Pompelmo (grapefruit)
- 1 can (330 ml) San Pellegrino Clementina (clementine)
- 1 can (330 ml) San Pellegrino Antica Clementina (bitter orange & clementine) – optional, or use any flavor you like
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh herbs: rosemary sprigs, basil leaves, mint leaves
- Fruit slices: orange, lemon, grapefruit, clementine
- Edible flowers (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the glasses: Choose 5 tall glasses (or wine glasses). Add 3-4 ice cubes to each. For a fancy touch, rub a citrus slice around the rim and dip in sugar.
- Make the Citrus Base (for each glass): In a small pitcher, combine the fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well. This is your sweet-tart base that balances the fizzy sodas.
- Build the first mocktail (Aranciata Spritz): In the first glass, pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the citrus base. Top with the entire can of Aranciata. Stir gently. Garnish with an orange slice and a rosemary sprig.
- Build the second mocktail (Limonata Cooler): In the second glass, pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the citrus base. Add the entire can of Limonata. Stir. Garnish with a lemon slice and a few mint leaves.
- Build the third mocktail (Pompelmo Sunset): In the third glass, pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the citrus base. Add the entire can of Pompelmo. Stir gently. Garnish with a grapefruit slice and a basil leaf.
- Build the fourth mocktail (Clementina Fizz): In the fourth glass, pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the citrus base. Add the entire can of Clementina. Stir. Garnish with a clementine slice and a small sprig of mint.
- Build the fifth mocktail (Antica Aperitivo): In the fifth glass, pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the citrus base. Add the entire can of Antica Clementina (or your chosen flavor). Stir. Garnish with an orange twist and an edible flower if using.
- Serve immediately: Each drink is best enjoyed right away while the bubbles are lively. Provide a long spoon for stirring.
Tips
- Chill everything: Make sure the San Pellegrino cans and the juices are well-chilled before you start. This keeps the drinks cold without diluting them too quickly with ice.
- Adjust sweetness: The simple syrup is easy to adjust. Start with less and add more to taste. If you prefer a tarter drink, skip the syrup altogether.
- Don’t stir too hard: Stir gently to combine the flavors without flattening the bubbles. A gentle swirl is enough.
- Use fresh juice: Fresh-squeezed orange and lemon juice make a noticeable difference. Bottled juice can be used, but it will taste less bright.
- Make it a pitcher: For a party, multiply the recipe by the number of guests. Combine the citrus base and the soda in a large pitcher, add ice, and stir gently. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
These mocktails are perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, baby showers, or any summer gathering. Serve them alongside light appetizers like bruschetta, caprese skewers, or a cheese board. They also pair beautifully with seafood dishes, grilled chicken, or a fresh green salad. For a festive touch, serve them in champagne flutes with a sugar rim.
Variations
- Berry Blush: Muddle a few fresh raspberries or strawberries in the bottom of the glass before adding the citrus base and soda. This adds a lovely pink color and fruity flavor.
- Ginger Spice: Add a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced, to the citrus base. Let it infuse for 10 minutes before using. This adds a warming kick.
- Herbal Garden: Instead of the citrus base, use a simple thyme or lavender syrup. Combine 1/2 cup (120 ml) water, 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar, and 2 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 tablespoon dried lavender. Simmer for 5 minutes, strain, and cool.
- Non-Alcoholic Aperol Spritz: For a more bitter, complex flavor, use the Antica Clementina flavor and add a splash of tonic water (about 2 tablespoons / 30 ml) to the glass before topping with soda.
Storage and Reheating
These drinks are best consumed immediately after making. The citrus base (the mixture of fresh juices and simple syrup) can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Do not mix the soda with the base until you are ready to serve, as the bubbles will dissipate. Unopened San Pellegrino cans can be stored at room temperature for up to a year, but once opened, they should be consumed within a few hours. Leftover simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any flavor of San Pellegrino? Absolutely. The recipe works with any flavor you like. Try the Blood Orange, Pomegranate, or the new Lemon & Mint flavors. Just adjust the garnish to match.
What can I use instead of simple syrup? You can use honey or agave syrup dissolved in a little warm water. Or, use a flavored syrup like vanilla or elderflower. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make these into cocktails? Yes, these are perfect bases for cocktails. Add 1.5 oz (45 ml) of vodka, gin, or prosecco to each glass for an adult version. Remember to drink responsibly and only if you are of legal drinking age.
How do I make a sugar rim? Run a citrus slice around the rim of the glass, then dip the rim into a plate of sugar. Let it dry for a minute before adding the ice and drink.
Can I use diet or zero-sugar San Pellegrino? Yes, the recipe works with any variant. The taste will be slightly different, but the method is the same.
Why is my drink flat? This usually happens if the soda was warm, the glass was not chilled, or you stirred too vigorously. Always use cold ingredients and stir gently.
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