Cranberry Mocktail with Pomegranate and Mint Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Mocktail is a refreshing and festive drink that’s perfect for any occasion. With a delightful balance of tart cranberries and zesty lemons, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and enjoyable for all ages.
Ingredients
- 3 lemons (juiced)
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cups cranberry juice (sugar-free)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice (sugar-free)
- 1/2 cup water
- 10 mint leaves (optional)
- 5 cups club soda
- Ice
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
- Mint leaves (for garnish)
- Lemons (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup of fresh cranberries and the mint leaves to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, until the cranberries soften.
- Step 3: Turn off the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely. Once cooled, discard the mint leaves and cranberries, then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth to remove any solids.
- Step 4: Pour the cranberry simple syrup into a large pitcher. Add 5 cups of club soda and whisk gently to combine.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, and sliced lemons. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 6: When ready to serve, stir the mocktail well. Serve it over ice, garnished with fresh mint leaves and extra cranberries for a festive touch.
- Optional: To create a boozy version, add about 200 ml of vodka to the pitcher before chilling.
Tips & Variations
- For extra sparkle, use sparkling mineral water instead of club soda.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar depending on your taste.
- Try garnishing with orange slices or rosemary sprigs for a different twist.
- If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can be used in the syrup preparation.
Storage
Store any leftover mocktail in a sealed pitcher or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving again. For best flavor and fizz, add club soda fresh when serving if storing the syrup separately.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this mocktail ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cranberry simple syrup and mix the mocktail a few hours ahead. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator and add ice just before serving.
Is there an alcoholic version of this recipe?
Yes, you can add about 200 ml of vodka to the mixture to make a boozy cranberry cocktail. Adjust the amount to your preference and serve chilled.
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Cranberry Mocktail with Pomegranate and Mint Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Cranberry Mocktail is a vibrant and fruity beverage perfect for any occasion. Made with a homemade cranberry simple syrup combining fresh cranberries, lemon juice, and pomegranate juice, then mixed with club soda and garnished with fresh fruit and mint, it’s a delightful non-alcoholic drink. For those who prefer a spirited twist, vodka can also be added for a boozy version.
Ingredients
Cranberry Simple Syrup
- 3 lemons, juiced
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cups cranberry juice (sugar-free)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice (sugar-free)
- 1/2 cup water
- 10 mint leaves (optional)
Mocktail
- 5 cups club soda
- Ice, as needed
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- Mint leaves, for garnish
- Lemons, sliced, for garnish
Boozy Version (Optional)
- 200 ml vodka
Instructions
- Make the Cranberry Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and white granulated sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Cook the Cranberries: Add the fresh cranberries and mint leaves to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the cranberries soften.
- Cool and Strain: Turn off the heat and allow the syrup mixture to cool completely. Once cooled, discard the mint leaves and cranberries. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth to remove any solids, resulting in a smooth cranberry simple syrup.
- Prepare the Mocktail: In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry simple syrup with about 5 cups of chilled club soda. Whisk gently to combine.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Stir in 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds, and lemon slices to the pitcher for added flavor and garnish. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for a few hours to meld flavors.
- Optional Boozy Version: For an alcoholic version, stir in 200 ml of vodka into the chilled mocktail mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve the Mocktail: Before serving, give the mocktail a gentle stir. Serve over ice cubes with additional cranberries and fresh mint leaves as garnish. Enjoy this refreshing and festive drink!
Notes
- The cranberry simple syrup can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference or substitute with a natural sweetener.
- For a sparkling twist, ensure the club soda is chilled before mixing.
- Mint leaves are optional but add a refreshing aroma and flavor.
- For a non-alcoholic party-friendly drink, omit the vodka and serve as is.
- Fresh cranberries and pomegranate seeds add texture and vibrant color to the drink.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cranberry mocktail, non-alcoholic drink, cranberry simple syrup, festive beverage, summer drink
