Easy, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Friendsgiving, or any holiday gathering, this bright pomegranate punch looks beautiful on the table and tastes like a celebration in a glass. Serve it as a refreshing mocktail or add spirits for an adult version—both are delightful.
Erica’s Notes
When I say “punch,” I’m not talking about the overly sweet, sherbet-filled bowls of childhood church socials. This is a lighter, more sophisticated pitcher-style drink that I can make for a crowd. Guests serve themselves, so I’m not stuck mixing individual drinks all night.
I often make a smaller batch for my kids when they ask for “a special drink” at dinner. With lots of sparkling water and 100% fruit juice, it feels festive without the heavy sugar of some traditional punches.
The combination of pomegranate, apple, and citrus gives this punch a holiday vibe that complements any spread—whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas brunch. I usually make a big batch, serve half as a mocktail, and spike the other half with triple sec and vodka for the adults. It’s simple, versatile, and always a hit.
What You’ll Need to Make Pomegranate Punch
- Pomegranate juice: Choose a 100% pomegranate juice like POM for a bold, true pomegranate flavor.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled 100% lime juice (not from concentrate) works in a pinch.
- Sparkling cider or ginger ale: A bottle of sparkling apple cider (Martinelli’s) or ginger ale adds sweetness and body; opt for lower-sugar options like Olipop if preferred.
- Sparkling water: Club soda, seltzer, or flavored sparkling water will all work—use what you enjoy.
- Fresh fruit and herbs: Orange wedges, lime and lemon slices, pomegranate arils, and sprigs of rosemary for garnish and aroma.
- Optional alcohol: Vodka, gin, or silver tequila with a splash of triple sec or another orange liqueur. You can also swap the sparkling water for sparkling wine for an adult version.
How to Make This Pomegranate Punch
Add the pomegranate juice, lime juice, sliced oranges, sliced limes, and rosemary sprigs to a large pitcher or punch bowl.
Stir gently and press the fruit and rosemary with a spoon to release their oils and juices.
If serving immediately, add the sparkling cider (or ginger ale) and the sparkling water, then stir again.
If you want to prep in advance, mix the juice, citrus, and rosemary, refrigerate the base, and add the bubbly elements just before serving to preserve fizz and freshness.
Serve over ice or crushed ice, garnished with pomegranate arils, lime slices, and a sprig of rosemary.
FAQ
Yes. Combine the juices, fruit slices, and rosemary in advance, but wait to add the sparkling cider and sparkling water until just before serving to keep the drink fizzy.
Vodka, gin, or silver tequila pair well, and a splash of triple sec enhances the citrus notes. Alternatively, use sparkling wine instead of sparkling water for a boozy version.
Absolutely—ginger ale, ginger beer, or any sparkling juice works. Crisp apple sodas like Olipop are another tasty option.
Serve these with your holiday punch:
Thanksgiving turkey
Epic mashed potatoes
Lemon butter green beans
Honey-roasted vegetables
Kale and apple slaw
Here’s your sign to serve this festive drink at your next party—cheers!
If you try this recipe and enjoy it, please leave a comment and star rating below. For more behind-the-scenes and everyday food content, find Erica on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or YouTube.
Refreshing Pomegranate Punch
5 from 1 review
- Author: Erica
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A sparkling, light, and refreshing pomegranate punch perfect for the holidays. Simple to prepare as a mocktail or easy to spike for an adult version.
Ingredients
- 32 oz pomegranate juice
- 1–2 mandarin oranges, sliced
- 1–2 limes, sliced
- 6–8 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 (25 oz) bottle sparkling cider or ginger ale
- 1 (32 oz) bottle sparkling water or club soda
- To serve: ice, pomegranate arils, lime slices, rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the orange slices, lime slices, rosemary, pomegranate juice, and lime juice. Stir and gently muddle the fruit and rosemary to release flavors.
- If serving immediately, add the sparkling cider and sparkling water and stir. If preparing ahead, refrigerate the base and add the bubbly ingredients just before serving.
- Serve over ice and garnish with pomegranate arils, lime slices, and rosemary sprigs.
Notes
To make an alcoholic version: add 2 cups vodka, gin, or silver tequila and 1/2 cup triple sec.
Other non-alcoholic drinks you’ll love:
Blood orange spritzer
Refreshing mango mocktail
Smashed blackberry mocktail
Coconut water mocktail