Sparkling Pomegranate & Cranberry Refresher
Experience the delightful effervescence of our Sparkling Pomegranate & Cranberry Refresher, a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage perfect for any occasion! Inspired by Giada De Laurentiis' Everyday Italian, this drink combines the luscious flavors of unsweetened pomegranate and cranberry juices, enhanced by the sweetness of simple syrup. Topped with sparkling water for that fizz, and beautifully garnished with fresh lime slices and mint, this drink is as fabulous to look at as it is to taste. Ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or simply to enjoy on a sunny afternoon, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and provide a refreshing sip without the alcohol.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ice
1 cup
Simple syrup
1 ½ cups (Premade)
Unsweetened pomegranate juice
1 ¼ cups (Chilled)
Unsweetened cranberry juice
1 cup (Chilled)
Sparkling water
1 (25 1/3 fluid ounce) bottle (Chilled)
Limes
2 (Thinly sliced)
Fresh mint
1 bunch (For garnish)
Pomegranate seeds
½ cup (Optional)
Instructions
1
Prepare simple syrup by combining water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool. This can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
2
In a large punch bowl, add 1 cup of ice.
3
Pour in the pre-made simple syrup, chilled unsweetened pomegranate juice, and unsweetened cranberry juice into the bowl. Stir the mixture well to combine the flavors.
4
Slowly pour in the chilled sparkling water, allowing it to blend gracefully with the juice mixture.
5
To serve from the punch bowl, garnish with thinly sliced limes, vibrant mint sprigs, and optionally, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for an extra touch of elegance.
6
For individual servings, alternatively prepare the mixture in a 6 to 8 cup capacity pitcher. Distribute pomegranate seeds evenly among 12 champagne flutes, add a lime slice and a mint sprig to each glass, then pour the bellini mixture into the prepared glasses and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sparkling Pomegranate & Cranberry Refresher?
It is a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage that combines unsweetened pomegranate and cranberry juices with simple syrup and sparkling water.
Is this drink alcoholic?
No, this is a non-alcoholic beverage designed as a refreshing cocktail alternative.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This drink was inspired by Giada De Laurentiis' Everyday Italian.
How do I make the simple syrup for this recipe?
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before use.
Can I make the simple syrup in advance?
Yes, the simple syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
What type of pomegranate juice should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of chilled unsweetened pomegranate juice.
What type of cranberry juice is best for this refresher?
You should use 1 cup of chilled unsweetened cranberry juice.
How much simple syrup is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of premade simple syrup.
When should I add the sparkling water?
Slowly pour in the chilled sparkling water after you have mixed the simple syrup and juices in the punch bowl or pitcher.
What size bottle of sparkling water is required?
You will need one 25 1/3 fluid ounce bottle of chilled sparkling water.
What are the recommended garnishes for this drink?
The drink is garnished with thinly sliced limes, vibrant mint sprigs, and optionally, pomegranate seeds.
How many limes do I need for the recipe?
You will need 2 limes, which should be thinly sliced for garnish.
How much fresh mint is required?
The recipe calls for 1 bunch of fresh mint for garnishing.
Are pomegranate seeds a required ingredient?
No, the 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds is an optional garnish used for an extra touch of elegance.
How much ice should I use in a punch bowl?
Add 1 cup of ice to the large punch bowl before pouring in the other ingredients.
Can I serve this drink in individual glasses instead of a punch bowl?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture in a pitcher and serve it in 12 champagne flutes.
How do I prepare individual servings in champagne flutes?
Distribute pomegranate seeds, a lime slice, and a mint sprig into each glass, then pour in the mixture and enjoy immediately.
What is the capacity of the pitcher needed for individual servings?
A pitcher with a 6 to 8 cup capacity is recommended.
Should the juices be chilled before mixing?
Yes, both the pomegranate juice and cranberry juice should be chilled before preparation.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or parties as it can be served from a punch bowl or divided into 12 glasses.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients, including the optional pomegranate seeds.
What provides the effervescence in this drink?
The sparkling water provides the fizz and delightful effervescence.
What kind of occasions is this drink best for?
It is perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply for enjoying on a sunny afternoon.
Does the recipe include any alcohol?
No, it is specifically described as a non-alcoholic refresher and a cocktail alternative.
How do I ensure the flavors are well combined?
Stir the mixture well after adding the juices and simple syrup to the ice, before adding the sparkling water.
Can I use sweetened juices?
The recipe specifically recommends unsweetened pomegranate and cranberry juices to balance the sweetness of the simple syrup.
Is the mint just for show?
The mint is used as a garnish to make the drink vibrant and beautiful, while adding a fresh aroma.
How much pomegranate seeds should I use for garnish?
You can use 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds for the whole batch or distribute them among individual glasses.
Is this drink considered a 'Bellini'?
The instructions refer to the final mixture as a 'bellini mixture' when serving in champagne flutes, though it is non-alcoholic.
How many servings does this recipe make when using champagne flutes?
The instructions suggest it can be distributed among 12 champagne flutes.