Pompelmocello Soda [The Two Cellos Remix]

Refreshing Italian-inspired grapefruit liqueur soda with bright citrus notes and gentle effervescence. This sophisticated sparkling drink combines homemade pompelmo (grapefruit) syrup with sparkling water for an elegant aperitivo that captures the essence of Mediterranean summer evenings.

Makes

Serves 4

Total Time

20 min (15 min prep)

Ingredients

Pompelmo Syrup:
1 cup (240ml) fresh ruby red grapefruit juice
1/2 cup (120ml) filtered water
1/3 cup (80ml) raw honey
2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp (15ml) grapefruit zest
2 sprigs fresh thyme
Pinch of sea salt

For Serving:
3 cups (720ml) sparkling water, chilled
Ice cubes
Fresh grapefruit slices
Fresh thyme sprigs
Lemon twists (optional)

Optional Upgrade:
2-3 tbsp (30-45ml) quality vodka or gin per serving

Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)

Fresh Grapefruit Juice: High in vitamin C and antioxidants that support immune function and may help reduce inflammation in the digestive system. Raw Honey: Contains beneficial enzymes and acts as a prebiotic to support healthy gut bacteria growth. Fresh Thyme: Contains compounds that may support digestive health and have antimicrobial properties beneficial for gut microbiome balance. Lemon Juice: Natural citric acid aids digestion and supports healthy stomach acid production for better nutrient absorption. Sparkling Water: Proper hydration is essential for all digestive processes and helps maintain healthy gut barrier function. Grapefruit Zest: Contains beneficial citrus oils and fiber that support digestive health and provide natural detoxification compounds.

Remix Options

Citrus Variations: Use pink grapefruit for milder flavor, blood orange for complexity, or a mix of grapefruit and orange for balanced sweetness. Herb Infusions: Try fresh rosemary, basil, or mint instead of thyme for different aromatic profiles and Mediterranean vibes. Sweetener Alternatives: Replace honey with pure maple syrup, coconut nectar, or monk fruit syrup for different flavor notes. Sparkling Options: Use different mineral waters for varying bubble intensity and mineral profiles, or mix with prosecco for celebratory version. Seasonal Twists: Add fresh cranberry juice in winter, blood orange in fall, or elderflower cordial in spring for seasonal variations. Mocktail Garnishes: Rim glasses with sea salt and grapefruit zest, add candied grapefruit peel, or freeze herbs in ice cubes for elegant presentation.

Good To Know

Fresh Juice Essential: Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for best flavor and nutritional benefits – bottled juice lacks the bright, vibrant taste this drink needs. Syrup Storage: The pompelmo syrup keeps refrigerated up to 1 week and actually improves in flavor as herbs infuse over time. Zest Technique: Only zest the colored part of grapefruit peel – white pith underneath adds bitter flavor that can overpower the delicate balance. Carbonation Care: Add sparkling water just before serving and stir gently to maintain maximum fizz and prevent drink from going flat. Serving Temperature: Serve ice-cold for most refreshing experience – chill all ingredients beforehand for best results without diluting with too much ice. Italian Heritage: Pompelmo is Italian for grapefruit, and this drink captures the essence of Italian aperitivo culture with sophisticated bitter-sweet balance. Balance Perfection: The ideal ratio is 1 part syrup to 3-4 parts sparkling water, but adjust to personal preference for sweetness and intensity.

steps

Juice:

Juice fresh grapefruits to get 1 cup juice. Strain out seeds but keep some pulp for texture. Zest 1 tbsp of peel, avoiding white pith.

Simmer:

In small saucepan, combine grapefruit juice, water, honey, lemon juice, zest, thyme sprigs, and sea salt. Bring to gentle simmer over medium heat.

Reduce:

Reduce heat to low and simmer 8-10 minutes until mixture thickens slightly and reduces by about one-third. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Strain:

Remove from heat and let cool 5 minutes. Strain syrup through fine-mesh sieve, pressing solids to extract maximum flavor. Discard solids.

Chill:

Transfer syrup to clean jar and refrigerate until completely cool, at least 30 minutes. Syrup will continue to thicken as it cools.

Mix:

To serve, add 2-3 tbsp pompelmo syrup to each glass filled with ice. Top with 3/4 cup chilled sparkling water and stir gently.

Garnish:

Garnish with fresh grapefruit slices, thyme sprigs, and lemon twist if desired. Serve immediately while maximally carbonated and refreshing.