Mocktails have grown in popularity during the last few years as consumers continue to seek out healthier lifestyles. We recently talked with Chris Disney, managing partner of Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen, about the restaurant’s new mocktail offerings, which include Blueberry Thyme, Blue Elderflower, Ginger Immune Boost and Tropical Punch. He gave us the recipe for Tropical Punch and offered some great advice about how to make a mocktail shine.
What’s the secret to making a good mocktail?
It’s important to use high quality ingredients that aren’t packed with processed sugars. When we’re creating new mocktails, we always make sure they drink clean and refreshing.
What do you like about the Tropical Punch?
I enjoy the refreshing flavors of the juices with the effervescence from the San Pellegrino – it makes a really nice summer mocktail to sip. It’s also a beautiful drink to look at!
Is this easy to make at home?
This is very easy to make at home. The most obscure ingredient to find would be the vanilla simple syrup which can be bought online or specialty stores like Total Wine. We make ours in-house using a vanilla bean paste from Nielsen-Massey. It’s actually quite easy to make your own simple syrup at home. Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until sugar is dissolved, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool completely. Simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Any tips or tricks?
Ice can make a big difference in the drinking experience. If you have nugget ice or an ice ball for mocktails, they can enhance the experience for sure. Play around with fresh garnishes of herbs, fruits, rinds and even spices such as cinnamon sticks to brighten the beverage.
Picazzo’s Tropical Punch Mocktail Recipe
0.5 oz. orange juice
0.5 oz. vanilla simple syrup
0.5 oz. pineapple juice
1 can Melograno & Arancia San Pellegrino
Mix all ingredients into a mixing glass over ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a Collins cocktail glass (tall tumbler) over ice, fill the glass with Melograno & Arancia San Pellegrino, garnish with an orange peel and enjoy.
