Nothing quite says celebration like a fizzy, fruity drink that feels both special and refreshing. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe—it’s packed with vibrant flavors and sparkling charm, perfect for holiday parties or cozy evenings with friends.

Two clear glasses filled with dark red liquid are placed on a white marbled surface. The front glass shows layers starting with the red drink, floating dark red pomegranate seeds, a thin slice of bright orange, a slice of light green apple, and a sprig of fresh green rosemary, all inside the glass near the rim. The second glass in the background also has similar fruit slices and pomegranate seeds in the dark red liquid. Scattered pomegranate seeds and a small rosemary branch lie beside the glasses on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made plenty of festive drinks, but this sangria mocktail always impresses. It’s bursting with real fruit, isn’t too sweet, and you get that delicious fizz from ginger ale that makes every sip feel lively. It’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and grown-ups, which is a total win at any party.

Simple yet elegant: A few fresh fruits and juices come together to create a vibrant, layered flavor.
Refreshing fizz: The ginger ale adds the perfect sparkling touch that lifts the entire drink.
Kid and adult friendly: No alcohol, no problem—everyone gets to enjoy a festive toast.
Make-ahead convenience: It chills beautifully so you can prep it well before your guests arrive.

Two short clear glasses each filled with dark red drink with visible round pomegranate seeds at the bottom. Both glasses have a slice of orange and a slice of green lemon floating near the top, one glass has a small green herb sprig. A few loose pomegranate seeds are scattered on a white round marble board under the glasses. Behind the glasses is a tall clear glass pitcher filled halfway with the same dark red drink. To the right side on the board is a bright orange slice placed on the surface. All on a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here has a role in building that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and sparkling. Plus, all the fresh fruit adds beautiful colors and textures that invite everyone to dig right in—don’t overlook the visual appeal when you serve this.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red pomegranate arils, a whole small bright orange sliced into thin wedges arranged neatly beside a few yellow lemon wedges, a crisp Granny Smith apple cut into small green pieces, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of dark red pomegranate juice, another small white bowl with golden apple juice, and a larger white ceramic bowl containing fizzy ginger ale with visible bubbles, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

No-sugar-added pomegranate juice: The star of the show with its deep, tangy flavor and beautiful ruby hue.
Apple juice: Sweetens naturally and adds a smooth base that pairs so well with the pomegranate.
Orange slices: Bring a citrus brightness and a tiny punch of sweetness.
Lemon slices: Provide zest and a little tartness to balance the juices.
Granny Smith apple pieces: Crunchy and crisp, giving the drink texture and a fresh fruit pop.
Pomegranate arils or fresh cranberries: I love these because they’re both festive and look like little jewels floating in the glass.
Ginger ale (or ginger beer, Sprite, sparkling water): This final fizzing touch makes the mocktail feel celebratory and light on the palate.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Now, here’s the fun part—you can tweak this Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe to suit your style. Sometimes, I like to swap out the apple juice for pear juice when I’m craving something a little different, and it still works beautifully. The idea is to make it your signature party sip.

Variation: I once added a splash of fresh lime juice for extra zing, and it instantly turned into a zesty twist that everyone loved.
Seasonal swap: Try substituting cranberries for pomegranate arils if you want a slightly tarter note or to use what’s in season.
Spice it up: Adding a cinnamon stick or a sprig of fresh rosemary while it chills gives it a cozy, festive vibe perfect for winter gatherings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe

Step 1: Gather and prep fresh fruits

Start by washing your fruits. Thinly slice a small orange and a lemon—this not only looks pretty in your pitcher but releases all those citrus oils and juice into the drink. Dice the Granny Smith apple into small chunks so they’re easy to scoop out later. Don’t skip this prep; it makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix the juices with fruit in a large pitcher

Pour the pomegranate juice and apple juice into your biggest pitcher. Add the slices of orange, lemon, apple chunks, and sprinkle in the pomegranate arils (or cranberries). Stir it gently to combine everything without bruising the fruit too much. Pro tip: Use a long spoon so you can reach every corner and stir evenly.

Step 3: Refrigerate to meld the flavors

Cover the pitcher and pop it in the fridge for anywhere between 45 minutes and 4 hours. I generally aim for about an hour so you get great flavor infusion but still fresh fruit texture. The resting time is what makes this mocktail stand out—a quick mix won’t have nearly as much depth.

Step 4: Top off with bubbly and serve

Just before serving, pour your ginger ale (or ginger beer, or sparkling water) over the chilled juice and fruits. Stir gently to combine. I love serving this over ice in individual glasses to keep it cold and refreshing. Add garnishes like fresh fruit slices, a rosemary sprig, or even a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling festive!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe dozens of times and learned a few little tricks that really make it shine. These tips might save you from common pitfalls and help you impress your guests without stress.

Fresh is best: Using fresh fruit rather than juice concentrates for the fruit bits gives your drink a brightness that cans just can’t match.
Don’t skip chilling: Let the juices and fruits mingle in the fridge for at least 45 minutes—this is when the magic happens and the flavors become harmonious.
Gently stir: When adding the fizzy ginger ale, stir carefully to keep the bubbles alive—nobody wants a flat mocktail!
Avoid over-slicing: Thick slices hold their texture better and don’t get mushy fast, so slice the fruit just thin enough to release flavor without turning to mush.

How to Serve Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe

Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top my glasses with a few pomegranate arils for that jewel-like sparkle and a small sprig of rosemary because it smells wonderful and gives a pretty contrast to the reds. When it's cold outside, I sometimes add a cinnamon stick—it doubles as a stirrer and adds a warm spice note that guests always comment on.

Side Dishes

This mocktail pairs wonderfully with light appetizers—think prosciutto-wrapped melon, spiced nuts, or even a cheese platter with sharp cheddars and creamy brie. The fruity, fizzy notes cut through rich, salty flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I love serving the mocktail in clear mason jars or stemless wine glasses rimmed with a bit of sugar or crushed candy canes. Adding edible flowers or a float of fresh herbs takes it up a notch visually, making your drink table look so festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, just cover the pitcher tightly and keep it refrigerated. It tastes best within 24 hours, but the fresh fruit might start to soften after that. I usually enjoy the leftover sangria mocktail the next day chilled and just slightly less fizzy.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing this mocktail because the fresh fruit and carbonation don’t hold up well. Instead, I recommend prepping all the juices and chopped fruits ahead, then chilling and adding ginger ale just before serving for that best sparkle and texture.

Reheating

This drink is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t ideal. However, if you’re craving something warm and festive, you might warm the apple and pomegranate juices separately with a cinnamon stick for a cozy twist, leaving out the ginger ale altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other fruit juices in this Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe?

Absolutely! While pomegranate and apple juices give a lovely balance of tart and sweet, you can experiment with cranberry, pear, or even a splash of pineapple juice to suit your taste and seasonal availability.

How long should I let the sangria mocktail chill?

I'd recommend chilling it for at least 45 minutes to an hour. The longer you let it sit (up to 4 hours), the more the flavors meld together, but after that the fresh fruit might start to get soggy.

Can I make this sangria mocktail ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead since it chills well and the flavors deepen over time. Just add the ginger ale right before serving to keep that lovely sparkle.

What’s the best garnish for serving this mocktail?

I like garnishing with pomegranate arils, fresh fruit slices, and rosemary sprigs. For colder months, adding a cinnamon stick is a nice touch—it adds both aroma and visual interest!

Final Thoughts

Making this Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe has become a joyful ritual for me during the holidays—it’s effortless, colorful, and everyone always asks for seconds. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it bring a splash of sparkle and warmth to your celebrations just like it has for me. Cheers to sipping something special with the people you love!