This bright Pomegranate Ginger Sparkler Mocktail is bubbly, tangy, and refreshingly spicy — perfect for holidays, brunch, or any celebration. I tested it twice using homemade ginger syrup to balance the tart pomegranate and fizzy sparkle. It looks elegant in a flute but comes together in 5 minutes with everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
- 1 cup pomegranate juice (240 ml)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (60 ml)
- 3 Tbsp ginger syrup (see note)
- 2 cups chilled sparkling water or ginger ale (480 ml)
- Crushed ice
- Optional garnish: pomegranate arils, lime slices, or rosemary sprigs
Ginger syrup (makes about ½ cup):
- ½ cup water (120 ml)
- ½ cup sugar (100 g)
- 2 Tbsp fresh grated ginger
Simmer 5 minutes; strain and cool.
Swaps & Notes
| Need | Swap | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-free | N/A | Naturally dairy-free. |
| Gluten-free | N/A | Naturally gluten-free. |
| No alcohol/pork | Replace ginger ale with sparkling water + extra ginger syrup | Keeps it completely alcohol-free. |
| Sugar-light | Use stevia syrup or monk fruit syrup | Adjust to taste; sweetness level varies. |
| Party pitcher | Double or triple recipe | Assemble right before serving to keep bubbles crisp. |
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Make ginger syrup: Combine water, sugar, and grated ginger. Simmer 5 min; strain and chill.
- Mix base: In a large pitcher, combine pomegranate juice, lime juice, and ginger syrup.
- Serve: Fill glasses with crushed ice, pour ¾ full with juice mix, and top with sparkling water. Garnish and enjoy immediately.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Chill all ingredients before mixing for maximum fizz.
- For stronger spice, steep ginger syrup longer.
- Add a splash of orange juice for a softer citrus note.
- Garnish with mint or rosemary for aroma.
- For kids’ parties, serve in plastic flutes with sugared rims.
- Make ahead: Mix the non-sparkling base up to 24 hours ahead; add bubbles at serving time.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with light appetizers like cucumber sandwiches or hummus platters.
- Serve at brunch beside pancakes or fruit salad.
- Offer as a festive welcome drink at baby showers or winter gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate base: Up to 2 days in a sealed jar.
Freeze syrup: Up to 3 months in ice-cube trays.
Reheat syrup (if solidified): Microwave 10–15 sec until pourable.
Food safety: Always add carbonated liquid just before serving to avoid fermentation.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use store-bought ginger beer instead of ginger syrup?
A1: Yes. Use equal parts pomegranate juice and ginger beer, omit sparkling water, and skip added syrup.
Q2: How can I make it sugar-free?
A2: Swap in stevia or monk fruit syrup; start with half the amount and adjust to taste.
Q3: Can I batch this for 20 people?
A3: Multiply all ingredients by 5, mix juice base ahead, and pour sparkling water right before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 85 | Carbs: 22 g | Sugar: 19 g | Fat: 0 g | Protein: 0 g