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Festive Holiday Mocktail

This sparkling mocktail combines fresh cranberries, pomegranate juice, and aromatic rosemary to create a vibrant, festive drink. Muddling and mixing these ingredients with lime juice and sparkling water results in a crisp, colorful beverage with a bubbly finish. Perfect for celebrating the season without alcohol, it offers a refreshing and visually appealing experience.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Holiday
Calories: 50
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries fresh cranberries for muddling and garnish
  • 1 cup pomegranate juice pomegranate juice
  • 2 sprigs rosemary fresh rosemary for muddling and garnish
  • 1 lime lime for fresh lime juice
  • 2 cups sparkling water sparkling water chilled, for bubbles and fizz
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey or agave honey or agave optional, for sweetness
  • Ice cubes ice enough to fill glasses

Equipment

  • Muddler
  • Shaker
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Chilled glasses

Method
 

  1. Chill your glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes to keep the mocktail refreshingly cold and visually appealing.
  2. Gather all your ingredients and tools: cranberries, rosemary, pomegranate juice, lime, sparkling water, honey or agave, muddler, shaker, fine-mesh strainer, and glasses.
  3. Place a few fresh cranberries into the muddler and gently press to crush them, releasing their tart juices and bright color. Add a sprig of rosemary and lightly muddle for about 5 seconds to release aromatic oils.
  4. Pour in the pomegranate juice into the shaker, followed by a splash of sparkling water. Squeeze in the juice of the lime, adding a bright, zesty note. If desired, add a teaspoon of honey or agave for extra sweetness.
  5. Seal the shaker tightly and shake gently for about 10 seconds until everything is well mixed and chilled, with a slight fizz from the sparkling water.
  6. Place a handful of ice cubes into each chilled glass, then strain the mocktail mixture through the fine-mesh strainer into the glasses to remove pulp and muddled bits, resulting in a smooth, sparkling drink.
  7. Garnish each glass with a few fresh cranberries, a slice of lime, and a sprig of rosemary for a festive, colorful presentation.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy the bubbly, aromatic, and beautifully vibrant mocktail, perfect for holiday celebrations or any joyful gathering.

Notes

Adjust sweetness to taste with honey or agave. For a more intense rosemary flavor, let the muddled herbs sit for a few minutes before straining. Always taste and tweak acidity or sweetness before serving.