Cranberry Mocktail with Pomegranate and Mint

Light, refreshing, festive, and fun, this Cranberry Mocktail is suitable for all of the guests at your holiday gathering. With a combination of cranberry and pomegranate juice, club soda, and a hint of lime, these mocktails are garnished with fresh mint. They’re simply delicious!

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This cranberry mocktail is like Christmas in a cup! It’s so light and refreshing, yet festive and beautiful at the same time.

I like to make this on Christmas Eve when I host my dad and brother before we leave for Christmas Eve services. I want to serve something that is in the spirit of the season, but also something that will still make it safe for us to drive to church and back!

This drink is always a hit! It’s not too sweet, not too tart, but just the perfect combination of bubbly and fun!

It’s perfect for holiday parties, a pre Thanksgiving drink to serve to your guests, or something special to enjoy with your family.

I love mocktails because everyone can enjoy them, the kids, adults, and your friends and family that refrain from alcohol. If you’re looking for a summer drink, try my watermelon mocktail!

Why You’ll Love these Cranberry Mocktails…

• Light and refreshing
• Low Calorie (only 53 calories per serving!)
• Suitable for kids and adults.
• Makes a beautiful and festive punch for your holiday gathering.
• Simple and quick to make!

Ingredients

For the Drink:

• Cranberry Pomegranate Juice-I used the Ocean Spray Cranberry Pomegranate Juice, however, if you can’t find this you can either use a combination of cranberry juice and pomegranate juice, or just stick with cranberry juice!
• Club Soda gives this drink some carbonation, and balances out the sweetness of the juice.
• Lime Juice-I use fresh limes. You’ll need about 3 limes to get enough juice, and 1 additional lime to use as a garnish for your drinks.

Garnishes:

• Mint Leaves these add a minty fresh flavor to this mocktail, and also make a beautiful and festive garnish with the combination of green and red!
• Lime, use one lime cut into wedges or disks.
• Pomegranate Seeds to sprinkle on top of each drink.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries to add to the top of the drink and pitcher for added festive flare!

Tools and Equipment

• Pitcher or Punch Bowl, to combine all of the ingredients together.
• A juicer is helpful when squeezing the juice out of the limes, but not necessary!

How to Make a Cranberry Mocktail – Step by Step

Step 1: Add cranberry and pomegranate juice to a pitcher. Add club soda. Stir to combine.

Step 2: Squeeze the juice of three limes Add the juice to the pitcher. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Add 2-3 cups of ice, fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and mint leaves. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Fill individual cups with ice. Pour in mocktail. Top with a few fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, wedge of lime, and a sprig of mint. Enjoy!

Top Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Mocktail

• Use fresh cranberries and pomegranate seeds to add that gorgeous festive feel to each drink.
• Be sure to use club soda, not tonic water. Tonic water has added sugar, and there is no need for added sugar since you’re using juice.
• Prepare the pitcher just before you’re ready to serve, and add the ice at the last minute. The ice will melt and water down the drink. Or add the ice to each cup as you make so that it doesn’t become too watered down.
• Use fresh lime juice, using a juicer will help you get all of the juice out of each lime.

Variations

• Can’t find cranberry pomegranate juice? Use a combination of cranberry and pomegranate juice. I suggest 2 cups of cranberry and 1 cup of pomegranante.
• No limes? Use freshly squeezed orange juice instead. It will add a bit more sweetness instead of the tartness of lime, but cranberries and oranges make the perfect pair!
• Play around with your own favorite garnishes. I choose a fresh mint sprig to add a touch of green, but you could add a sprig of thyme or even rosemary for a slightly herbal flavor!

Cranberry Mocktail FAQs

Is cranberry juice and cranberry cocktail the same thing?

Cranberries on their own are quite tart, similar to limes. When you buy Cranberry Juice that says it is 100% juice, it is typically combined with the juice of other fruit such as apple, grape of cherry.

However, if you purchase cranberry juice that does not claim it’s 100% juice, it is likely combined with corn syrup to make it sweet. This is usually called Cranberry Cocktail.

I recommend using either 100% cranberry juice, although it is most likely combined with other juices, but the sugars are natural, whereas the sugars in cranberry cocktail are not.

What is a mocktail?

A mocktail is a visually pleasing non-alcoholic drink. They were created as an alternative to the typical cocktail for parties, so that they would suitable for everyone to drink and enjoy.

How to Serve

Fill a cup with ice. I used stemless wineglasses, but you could also serve this in a high ball glass. Garnish with the suggested lime, mint, cranberry, and pomegranate seeds, or get creative!

How to Store and Keep

If you have leftovers store in the refrigerator. You can transfer your pitcher directly to the refrigerator and cover with saran wrap to keep it fresh.

Since this drink is carbonated it will lose some of its fizz after a few hours. It is best to enjoy this drink right away, but it will keep for 1-2 days in the refrigerator, it just won’t be as fizzy! Be sure to store it without the added ice so it doesn’t get watered down.

If you’re looking for something cool and healthy to start your day, give my favorite 9 Plant-Based Smoothie recipes a try!

Check out these other festive holiday recipes!

• Vegan Hot Chocolate with Peppermint
• Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Vegan Apple Cake
• Vegan Christmas Cookies

If you’ve tried this Cranberry Mocktail, please rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more plant-based family recipes your whole family will enjoy!