Saudi Champagne – A Refreshing Middle Eastern Mocktail

Saudi Champagne - A Refreshing Middle Eastern Mocktail - I remember when I first heard about Saudi Champagne many years ago. I was like..huh? But then I was told a little more and got to taste some too. Naturally, I was hooked. I was reminded about it recently, when I was on a trip to Yorkshire for a family event and they were selling the tinned variety by Kinza. There was a heatwave happening at the time, so we grabbed a few and chugged them down. It was refreshing, delicious, crisp and infused with the subtle flavour and sweetness of apple juice, fresh fruit and mint. All that and there's no alcohol in sight..yes please!

Saudi Champagne is a bubbly drink that celebrates tradition, hospitality, and joy, without compromising on flavour or freshness. It is ready to enjoy in 5 minutes or 20 minutes max if you let is sit for the flavours to mingle! It is great served with Middle Eastern recipes such as Lebanese Chicken Shawarma.

Why You'll Love This Drink

Fresh & Vibrant - It's packed with fruit and mint for a refreshing, cooling flavour.
Perfect for Entertaining - It looks stunning and comes together in under 10 minutes.
Naturally Sweet - Apple juice adds a natural sweetness without being overpowering.
Cultural Favourite - A popular drink in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf region, often served during special events.

What is Saudi Champagne?

Saudi Champagne is a mocktail (a non-alcoholic cocktail) that hails from Saudi Arabia where alcohol is forbidden.

Despite it's name, as mentioned Saudi Champagne is non alcoholic. This is a beloved Middle Eastern mocktail that combines sparkling water, apple juice, slices of apple, orange, lemon, and mint. Served over ice, it's light, effervescent, and ideal for warm weather or festive occasions.

It's also incredibly easy to make. There is no fancy equipment or hard to find ingredients here. Just a few simple components that come together to create something truly beautiful.

The most authentic version of the drink only has Apple Juice, Perrier (A carbonated mineral sparkling Water), fresh Mint, Red Apple Slices, Ice Cubes and Orange Slices. You can also add Lemon or Limes.

But a well known variation adds a lime/lemon fizzy drink such as Sprite, 7 Up or Supermaket own brands.

I have to admit, I really do struggle with some Mocktails. I find them overly (almost sickly) sweet (as well as over priced) but that is not the case with Saudi Champagne. Looks wise, it resembles Pimm's.

For religious reasons, I do not drink but this feels like it would be a great alternative to a sparkling wine.

This Saudi Arabian drink is served in restaurants that specialise in middle eastern cuisine (Lebanese, Yemeni and even Turkish) all over KSA. It can be served at dinner parties and gatherings or any special occasion such as Eid or Ramadan.

Ingredient Notes

The ingredients in this halal champagne are super simple and easily modifiable. For the full measurements, please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page:

I forgot to add the Sparkling Water in the pic above, so here it is below!

Sparkling Water - The original recipe uses sparkling water (Perrier is the preferred brand) but you can use any Sparkling water or club soda for some fizz. I don't add this all the time and prefer it with just Sprite.

Lemon/Lime Sparkling Drink - I like to add only this or more of this than sparkling Water. Use any Lime/Lemon fizzy Drink. You can skip it all together or play around with ratios and see what you prefer.

Apple juice - 100% Apple Juice that is chilled is the best option.

Apple - thinly sliced Apples for flavour. You can use Red or Green. Traditionally, Red Apples are used. These can be eaten afterwards or even along side a glass of champers.

Orange - cut into rounds or wedges.

Fresh Mint leaves - to brighten up the flavours. Optional.

Lemon or Lime slices (optional) - for a touch of citrus.

Ice cubes - because this drink is best served cold.

How to Make Saudi Champagne

This recipe is so simple, but it's all about the layering of flavours and presentation. Here's how to make it:

Step 1 - Add your fruit

In a large jug or pitcher, combine the sliced apple, orange, and a handful of fresh mint if using. Add Lemon, if using.

Step 2 - Pour in the liquids

Add chilled apple juice and sparkling water as well as the fizzy drink. Adjust to taste.

Step 3 - Let it infuse

Give it a stir. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes so the flavours can mingle.

Step 4 - Serve

Pour into glasses over ice (or add the ice to the jug). Garnish with more mint and fruit slices if you like.

Tip: If you want to make this ahead of time, prep the fruit and keep the fizzy liquids separate until just before serving to maintain the fizz.

Note - I like to use a clear Jug, so that all the fruits can be seen.

Tips and Tricks

• Always use fresh mint leaves - This really lifts the flavour of the drink and makes it refreshing. 
• Let the Juice sit for at least 10 - 15 minutes - This allows the flavours to mingle.
• Taste and adjust - This recipe has few ingredients and some of these are fruits. Often, fruit flavour depends on season so taste the drink and adjust accordingly. E.g. If it isn't sweet enough add some more of the Lemon/Lime Fizzy Drink.
• Play around with juice/drink/water ratios - I played around with these ratios a few times and my preference is to have more of the Lemon/Lime fizzy drink to sparkling Water. You may prefer it the other way around. Give it a go and see what you think. I often skip the sparkling water all together and just use a fizzy lemon/lime drink.
• Make Ahead - If you want to make this ahead of time, prep the fruit and add the juice. Keep the fizzy liquids separate until just before serving to maintain the fizz. Keep the juice refrigerated. Add the sparkling water and drink when serving. This will intensify all the flavours. If you want, you can even prepare the apple juice with the fruits overnight to intensify the infusions. 
• Show it off - I like to use a clear Jug, so that all the fruits can be seen.

Variation ideas

• You can substitute Sparkling Water with Soda Water.
• Add Lemon and Lime Slices. I do this often or add some Lemon Juice (about ¼ cup).
• Add other fruits. You could add other fruits such as Strawberries, Pomegranate or any other fruit that you enjoy.

How to serve

This mocktail is especially lovely during Ramadan for iftar, Eid celebrations, or summer garden parties. Serve in Champagne flutes (be sure to use something to sieve out the fruit), topped with additional Mint Leaves, alongside light bites or desserts such as:

• Samosas and Pastries
• Date and Nut Platters
• Chicken kebabs
• Mezze boards

Storage

Saudi Champagne is best consumed immediately, but can be stored in the fridge for up to a day.

More Middle Eastern Recipes

Lebanese Potato and Chicken Traybake with Lemon, Garlic Sauce - Djej w Batata


Mujadara - Lebanese Rice and Lentils with Caramelised Onions

Yemeni Lahsa - Creamy Cheesy Eggs

Lamb Zurbian - Yemeni Biryani with Lamb and Potatoes

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