A non-alcoholic Sparkling Pomegranate Juice — perfect for holiday entertaining!
How To Prepare a Pomegranate
Preparing a pomegranate can seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you can easily enjoy the sweet and tangy arils (seeds) inside. Here is one method to prepare a pomegranate:
- Cut off the top of the pomegranate, about 1/4-inch from the crown.
- Score the pomegranate along the natural segments, being careful not to cut too deep.
- Hold the pomegranate over a bowl of water, and break open the scored segments by gently pressing on the skin. The juicy arils will fall into the bowl of water.
- Discard any white membrane or pieces of pith that float to the surface.
- Drain the arils through a fine-mesh sieve.
Quick Tip
Another method is to cut the pomegranate in half and then hit the back of the pomegranate with a wooden spoon to release the arils. This method is called the “thumping method.”
Whichever method you choose, it’s important to note that the juice from the pomegranate can stain clothing and surfaces, so be sure to wear an apron and work on a surface that can handle staining.
More beverages:
- Sparkling Blackberry Lemonade
- Punch Recipe
- Peach Lemonade
- Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade
- Sherbet Punch
Sparkling Pomegranate Juice
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pomegranate arils
- 2-3 limes
- 3/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup white, granulated sugar + 1/4 cup for rimming glasses
- 2 and 1/3 cups unsweetened cranberry pomegranate juice
- 24 ounces sparkling water or club soda
- Lots of crushed or cubed ice
Instructions
- PREP: Deseed a pomegranate to get 3/4 cup pomegranate arils. Thinly slice 2-3 limes.
- MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together the water and 3/4 cup white sugar until the sugar is integrated and completely dissolved. (You don’t have to bring it to a simmer or boil; simply heat until the liquid is clear and all sugar is dissolved, if you pinch some of the mixture with fingers it should feel smooth; if it feels gritty it's not quite done.) Remove from heat and then cool completely. This can be made a week in advance!
- COMBINE: Fill a large pitcher halfway with ice. Pour in completely cooled simple syrup. Add in the unsweetened cranberry-pomegranate juice. Add in the club soda or sparkling water. Stir together in the pitcher. Add in the sliced limes and pomegranate arils.
- OPTIONAL GLASS RIM: If desired, rim your glasses in sugar! Dip the top of the glass into a bowl filled with water and then into a bowl filled with sugar. Pour the drink into the sugar rimmed glasses. Add a slice of lime if desired.
- ENJOY: Enjoy immediately. (To make ahead, combine everything except the ice and sparkling water/soda. Add ice and sparkling water/soda right before serving.)
This sounds good but where’s the alcohol?
Hey Sonja, no alcohol in this drink! 🙂 Feel free to adjust the recipe however you’d like!
thanks for sharing the recipe.