A quick, simple, and unique non-alcoholic mocktail with flavors of apple, mint, and lemon that will keep you refreshed all day.
Growing up in Saudi Arabia, one drink we’d always find on every restaurant menu was Saudi Champagne, and yes, we ordered it every single time. In fact, we looked forward to going to restaurants just to have it.
Now I know the name may come off as controversial to many, but being in Saudi Arabia, you’d never question if this drink had alcohol cause well, alcohol is fully banned in the country. So it was just a fun name adapted by restaurants to say that it’s a sparkling drink. But completely non-alcoholic.
Once I moved out of the country, I had to find a way to recreate it, because honestly, I’ve never tasted anything like it. And after a lot of research and advice from some locals, I finally found the perfect recipe, and it couldn’t be easier to make.
Let’s get into the details of the recipe.
PS: Looking for more fun non-alcoholic drink recipes? Check out this Middle-Eastern Lemon Mint!
How to make Saudi Champagne.
Making Saudi Champagne is really easy, but it’s all about the layering and a secret ingredient that gives it its unique flavor. Make sure to follow all these steps for the perfect glass.
Here are the steps for making Saudi Champagne.
- In a large jug or pitcher, place apple and orange slices, and loads of mint.
- Top the fruits with apple juice. It’s best to use a sparkling apple juice like Rauch, but if you can’t find one, plain apple juice would also work.
- Cover and let the juice sit with the fruits for a couple of hours in the fridge. This helps infuse the fruit flavors in the juice. Do not skip this step if you want maximum flavor.
- Before serving, top the juice with non-alcoholic (0%) malt beer (like Barbican or Holsten). This is our secret ingredient; the malt flavor adds a unique touch to the drink, so don’t replace it with another flavor. Finish with lemon soda and serve it ice cold.
Note: Letting the fruits infuse in the juice for a few hours will NOT create alcohol. The process of creating alcohol with fruits requires precise technique, equipment, and loads of time. So don’t worry about it!
This is one of those drinks that will keep everyone coming back for seconds, so make sure you make loads of it.
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Saudi Champagne
Equipment
- Large pitcher or jug
Ingredients
- 2 apples sliced into rings
- 2 oranges sliced into rings
- 1 bunch mint leaves
- 2 liters sparkling apple juice or plain apple juice
- 600 ml non-alcoholic malt beer 2 cans
- 600 ml lemon soda 2 cans
Instructions
- In a large jug or pitcher, add sliced apples, sliced oranges, and fresh mint leaves.
- Pour in the apple juice until the fruit is fully covered.
- Cover the jug and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the fruit and mint to flavor the juice.
- Just before serving, pour in chilled 0% malt beverage and lemon soda, stir gently, add ice if needed, and serve immediately while cold and fizzy.
Notes
- Don’t skip the chilling time: Letting the fruit sit in the juice helps develop a deeper, fresher flavor throughout the drink.
- Use lots of mint: The mint is key to the refreshing taste, so be generous.
- Add the fizzy ingredients last: Pour in the malt drink and soda right before serving so the drink stays bubbly.
- Keep everything cold: Chill all liquids beforehand for the best taste and texture without watering them down with too much ice.
- About the infusion: Soaking fruit in juice for a few hours does not create alcohol. Fermentation requires specific conditions, equipment, and a much longer time, so there’s nothing to worry about.
If you give this recipe a try, don’t forget to let me know how you liked it in the comments, and of course, share it with me on Instagram!
Until next time!
