How to Serve Saudi Champagne

I like serving this in a large clear jug so you can see all the colourful fruit. It looks particularly pretty when you add a few extra mint leaves just before serving. For individual servings, use tall glasses or champagne flutes. If using narrow glasses, you may want to strain out the fruit first. It works particularly well alongside:

• Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
• Chicken kebabs
• Samosas and savoury pastries
• Mezze boards
• Date and nut platters

It's also a lovely drink to serve at Ramadan iftar or alongside an Eid spread.

Tips and Tricks

Use chilled ingredients - Cold apple juice and fizzy drinks help keep everything refreshing without relying on too much ice. Give the fruit time to infuse - Around 10–15 minutes is enough to bring the flavours together. You can leave the apple juice and fruit in the fridge for longer if preparing ahead. Adjust the fizz - I prefer more lemon-lime fizzy drink than sparkling water. You might prefer a lighter version with more sparkling water and less fizzy drink. Taste before serving - The sweetness of apple juice and fresh fruit can vary. Taste the drink and adjust the lemon, fizzy drink or sparkling water as needed. Use a clear jug - This isn't essential, but I love being able to see the slices of fruit and mint through the glass.

Variations

Use soda water - Swap the sparkling water for soda water, or leave it out altogether. Add more citrus - Add extra lemon or lime slices, or stir in a little lemon juice. I sometimes add around ¼ cup of lemon juice. Try different fruit - Strawberries and pomegranate seeds are lovely additions. You can experiment with other fruit, although apple and orange give the drink its familiar flavour. Make it less sweet - Reduce the amount of lemon-lime fizzy drink and use more sparkling water instead.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prepare the fruit and apple juice ahead of time. Add the sliced fruit and mint to the apple juice, cover and refrigerate until needed. You can even leave this mixture overnight to allow the flavours to develop. Keep the sparkling water and lemon-lime fizzy drink separate until just before serving. This helps the drink retain its fizz. Once everything has been mixed, Saudi Champagne is best enjoyed straight away. Any leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to one day, although the fizz will gradually disappear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Saudi Champagne?

The name refers to its bubbly, celebratory appearance. Saudi Champagne is a non-alcoholic fruit drink and does not contain champagne or any other alcohol.

Is Saudi Champagne alcoholic?

No. It is an alcohol-free drink made with apple juice, fizzy drinks, fresh fruit and, sometimes, mint.

What does Saudi Champagne taste like?

It is fruity, lightly sweet and fizzy, with apple and citrus flavours. The mint adds freshness, while the lemon-lime fizzy drink gives it extra sweetness and bubbles.

Can I make Saudi Champagne without sparkling water?

Yes. I often leave out the sparkling water and use lemon-lime fizzy drink instead. You can also use soda water or adjust the quantities to your taste.

Can I make Saudi Champagne ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the fruit and apple juice in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Add the sparkling water and lemon-lime fizzy drink just before serving so the drink stays fizzy.

What fruit can I add to Saudi Champagne?

Apple and orange are the usual choices. You can also add lemon, lime, strawberries or pomegranate seeds.

How long does Saudi Champagne last?

It is best served immediately after mixing. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to one day, but the drink will lose some of its fizz.