Barley Free Honey Pomegranate Sparkling Cooler
This sparkling cooler is the kind of drink that looks like it came from a fancy brunch menu but comes together with just a handful of real, wholesome ingredients. The base is a lush honey-mint syrup — made by gently dissolving honey with water and letting fresh mint steep until fragrant — which adds a floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with tart, jewel-bright pomegranate juice. A slow pour of chilled sparkling water brings the whole thing to life with a satisfying fizz. For anyone navigating grain sensitivities, drinks can be a surprisingly tricky category, since flavored syrups and pre-made mixers sometimes sneak in unexpected additives. Here, everything is made from scratch — honey, fresh mint, real pomegranate, and sparkling water — so you know exactly what's in your glass. Garnished with a sprig of mint and a handful of ruby-red arils, it's as gorgeous to look at as it is to sip. Whether you're serving it at a gathering or just treating yourself on a slow afternoon, this cooler delivers serious wow factor with minimal effort.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
For the honey syrup
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup water
- 2 sprigs fresh mint
For the cooler
- 1 cup fresh pomegranate juice (from 1 large pomegranate, seeds pressed)
- 1 ½ cups sparkling water, chilled
- 1 cup ice cubes
For serving
- 2 sprigs fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
- 2 tbsp pomegranate arils, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the honey and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the honey fully dissolves, about 2 minutes. Add the 2 mint sprigs, remove from heat, and let steep for 10 minutes until fragrant. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and discard the mint. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes.
- 2
To juice the pomegranate, cut it in half and press each half firmly on a citrus juicer, or press the arils through a fine-mesh strainer with the back of a spoon, until you have 1 cup of juice. Discard the solids.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!