Artificial Food Coloring Free Classic Pomegranate Mocktail
That deep ruby color comes entirely from real pomegranate juice — no dyes, no synthetic additives, just the fruit doing what it does best. So many store-bought mocktails and juice blends sneak in artificial colorings to punch up their appearance, which makes a homemade version like this one genuinely refreshing to sip without second-guessing the label. The flavor is bright and tart from fresh lime juice, balanced by a quick homemade simple syrup you can sweeten to your exact taste. Shaking everything over ice before topping with sparkling water gives it a properly chilled, lightly fizzy finish that feels festive without any fuss. Pomegranate arils and a lime wheel make it look stunning in the glass, but the drink honestly holds its own even without the garnish. It comes together in minutes and is elegant enough to serve at a dinner party or just enjoy on a quiet evening at home.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
For the simple syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
For the mocktail
- 1 cup 100% pomegranate juice, chilled
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 tbsp simple syrup, or more to taste
- 1 cup sparkling water, chilled
- ice cubes, as needed
For serving
- 2 tbsp pomegranate arils (optional)
- 2 lime wheels or wedges (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool for at least 10 minutes before using. (Extra syrup keeps refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks.)
- 2
Fill a cocktail shaker or large jar with a lid halfway with ice. Add the pomegranate juice, lime juice, and 2 tbsp of the cooled simple syrup. Seal and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
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