The Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks premium range of tonic waters and fruit beverages add a fresh new twist to the cocktail scene, both for the professional mixologist and the home cocktail enthusiast. Cassandra Eichhoff of the European Bartender School recently collaborated with Sanpellegrino to develop eleven cocktail recipes highlighting the versatility of the range as mixers, rather than just refreshing non-alcoholic drinks. “They have lovely natural flavours, the Essenza flavoured waters are lower in sugar content and calories, the full range has enough mix to make more than one drink from a can,” says Cassandra. “We hope to inspire fellow bartenders to get creative for the upcoming festive season.”
The traditional range of Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks include natural flavours that have the authentic taste of citrus fruits, blood orange, white grapefruit, orange, lemon, and a pomegranate and orange blend. This adds a freshness to the cocktails they mix with and as Cassandra discovered when experimenting, they are very versatile. “Apart from being a great mixer and having a different range of flavours, the sugar content of the Sanpellegrino range is fairly low,” she says. “Not only is it healthier, but this also allows us, bartenders, more room to play when it comes to flavour pairings and balancing the cocktails.”
The Sanpellegrino Tonica Citrus and Tonica Oakwood Extract, which launched in South Africa in September, are ideal for summer G&Ts and cocktails, as Ania Odyniecka, National Sales and Marketing Manager for S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna in South Africa, explains, “S.Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water is synonymous with a fine bubble and the same can be said for our tonic waters – this allows one to enjoy a few more G&Ts as the mixers aren’t heavily carbonated.” Cassandra used Sanpellegrino Tonica Citrus, a refreshing blend of different citrus fruits, to create a Whisky Tonic (recipe below), and the woody notes of Sanpellegrino Tonica Oakwood Extract, a unique flavour profile, worked well for an Oakwood Bourbon, rich in complex flavour with ginger, lemon juice and Angostura® bitters, designed with pre-dinner cocktails in mind.
This holiday is the ideal time to start experimenting with your own cocktails, have fun celebrating with friends and family at home and really get festive with your drink choices. Cassandra suggests starting with a simple highball drink, “Combine your favourite spirit with your favourite Sanpellegrino mixer and a fresh garnish such as citrus and herbs (mint, basil or rosemary are great options). Thereafter, try making your own syrups or cordials. It may take more time, but the flavour experience is simply priceless!”
Enjoy these brand new Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks inspired cocktail recipes selected for being easy to make at home. Then stock up on your favourite spirits, so that you are lockdown-proof for the festive season.
Try these Festive Recipes:
Agatha’s Poison
- Tart and fresh with crisp notes of tropical fruit.
- Ingredients
- 25ml vodka
- 25ml peach liqueur
- 10ml fresh lime juice
- Sanpellegrino Melograno & Arancia (pomegranate and orange) to fill
- Lime wedge to garnish
Add the first three ingredients to a highball glass together with ice cubes. Top up with Sanpellegrino Melograno & Arancia. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Whisky Tonic
- Refreshing with subtle notes of vanilla, wood, and warm spices.
- Ingredients
- 50ml blended Scotch whisky
- 25ml green apple syrup
- 10ml fresh lime juice
- Sanpellegrino Tonica Citrus to fill
- Mint sprig to garnish
Add the first three ingredients to a highball glass. Add ice cubes and mix. Top with Sanpellegrino Tonica Citrus. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
Il Fiore
- Crisp with floral notes that mix well with tequila.
- Ingredients
- 35ml Blanco tequila
- 30ml elderflower syrup
- 25ml fresh lime juice
- S.Pellegrino Essenza Lemon & Lemon Zest to fill
- Edible flower and lemon zest to garnish
Add the first three ingredients to a shaker. Shake and strain into a highball glass over cubed ice. Top with S.Pellegrino Essenza Lemon & Lemon Zest. Garnish with lemon zest and an edible flower.
For home delivery convenience shop online in South Africa at www.italiandelionline.co.za
