Rome is heating up! On June 24, Drink Kong—a mecca for mixology—opened its doors for the launch event of the hottest flavor of the summer: Orsini Soda Spicy Watermelon, the limited-edition drink defining summer 2026. The evening brought together innovation, mixology, and ambiance at one of the most iconic spots on the international cocktail scene. The event highlighted the product, its versatility, and the creative interpretations crafted by exceptional guest bartenders.
When summer soda meets one of the world’s best bars
The event took place at Drink Kong in Rome, an international landmark and a regular fixture among the World’s 50 Best Bars—the ideal setting to showcase the culture of Orsini Soda Spicy Watermelon. In a space with a bold character, featuring subdued lighting and a sophisticated aesthetic, the soda’s bright red color blended naturally with the surroundings, harmonizing perfectly with its visual identity.
Between sips, the evening took on its own spontaneous rhythm: glasses passed from hand to hand, first tastes met with curiosity, people gathered around the bar, and that lively buzz that accompanies successful events. Guests and enthusiasts let the energy of the venue guide the experience, turning the presentation into an unforgettable moment.
The faces that have represented Orsini Soda Spicy Watermelon
Setting the pace for the night were four bartenders who are instantly recognizable on the Italian scene.
Paolo Sanna, the voice of Banana Republic in Rome, presented an elegant and straightforward interpretation, built on balance and precision, with a touch that highlighted the ingredients without overdoing it.
Doriano Mancusi, from Porto 51 in Ischia, is one of the most recognizable figures in the island’s and Mediterranean mixology scene. He has reimagined cocktail culture with a more distinctive and narrative style, blending classic elements with contemporary touches, while paying particular attention to the structure of the drink.
Diego Melorio, of Quanto Basta in Lecce, is known for his creative and theatrical approach to wine. He has developed a more lively and experimental style, focusing on contrasts, textures, and the aesthetics of taste—yet his work remains clear and balanced.
Welcoming them as host was Patrick Pistolesi of Drink Kong, one of the most internationally celebrated bartenders and the driving force behind the bar that hosted the event; He embodied the very essence of the Drink Kong style: impeccable craftsmanship, aromatic depth, and a commitment to form that always aims to leave a lasting impression.
Four performers, four different sensibilities, a single vision: to tell the story of Orsini Soda Spicy Watermelon through the personalities of those who transform the glass into language.
The product presentation: four brands, four recipes
Spicy Watermelon was presented to the public in the way that best represents it: in a glass. Each of the four bartenders created an original interpretation of the soda, giving life to a tasting experience that showcased the product better than any description could.
THE RECIPE by Paolo Sanna has created a warm and vibrant experience, in which tequila or mezcal, Spicy Honey Mix, and lemon come together with soda in a well-balanced interplay of flavors.
PALOMONE has reimagined the Paloma with a deeper, more multifaceted twist, featuring tequila, mezcal, grapefruit, and bitter syrup, lime juice, a smoked salt rim, and a crisp finish of Orsini Soda Spicy Watermelon.
STR/HEAT by Diego Melorio—be bold: Bombay Sapphire with orange marmalade, Arama Peach Tea Liqueur, lemon juice, Rich Syrup, egg white, Frizzy Pazzy, and Orsini Soda Spicy Watermelon, for a dramatic, crackling finish.
MIRAGE Created by Patrick Pistolesi, this cocktail offered the most essential and refined interpretation, in which Picaflor Mezcal, Dry Vermouth, Kong Cordial, and Grapefruit Bitters harmonize with Spicy Watermelon in a clean, contemporary balance that is fully consistent with the Drink Kong style.
Four different ideas, one common goal: to showcase a soda designed to add character to cocktails and leave its mark on the Italian summer of 2026.
The Product: Put to the Test at the Counter
At Drink Kong, Orsini Soda Spicy Watermelon is no longer just a novelty to talk about—it has become a tool to be used.
The credit goes to its well-structured profile: the sweetness of watermelon that opens the sip, the citrusy freshness that balances it, and the spicy finish that emerges at the end and provides that tension usually achieved only through complex preparations. This is exactly what a bartender looks for in an ingredient: the ability to add character without stealing the show.
With Spicy Watermelon, Orsini Soda reaffirms its commitment to premium soft drinks designed for professional mixology. The soda is crafted to offer balance, character, and a distinctive flavor profile that complements a variety of ingredients while retaining its recognizable summery and spicy character.
The event at Drink Kong was therefore not just a product launch, but a true gathering of brands, bartenders, and contemporary drinking culture. During an evening crafted with balance and intensity, Orsini Soda Spicy Watermelon found its most natural role: that of the star of the summer.
