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Easy Spiced Pomegranate Mule Mocktail Recipe

pomegranate mule mocktail - featured image

A quick and easy mocktail that combines tart pomegranate juice, warm spices, and crisp ginger beer for a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 large)
  • 4–5 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 3–4 whole cloves
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 ounces (1/4 cup) 100% pomegranate juice
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh lime juice (about 1 medium lime)
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) spiced simple syrup
  • 4–6 ounces (1/2 to 3/4 cup) ginger beer
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh pomegranate arils (for garnish, optional)
  • Lime wheels or wedges (for garnish, optional)
  • Fresh mint sprigs (for garnish, optional)
  • Cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the spiced simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, 4-5 lightly crushed cardamom pods, 3-4 whole cloves, and the sliced fresh ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Let it steep: Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture steep for 15-20 minutes. The longer it sits, the stronger the spice flavor.
  3. Strain the syrup: Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass measuring cup or jar. Discard the spices and ginger slices. Let the syrup cool to room temperature (or refrigerate for 10 minutes to speed up). Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  4. Prep your glasses: Fill mule mugs or glasses with ice cubes. For copper mugs, freeze for 10 minutes beforehand for a frosty effect.
  5. Build the mocktail: For each serving, add 2 ounces pomegranate juice, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, and 1 ounce spiced simple syrup to the glass. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Top with ginger beer: Pour 4-6 ounces ginger beer over the mixture. Start with less and add more to taste.
  7. Stir gently: Give everything one more gentle stir to combine, being careful not to lose carbonation.
  8. Garnish and serve: Add fresh pomegranate arils, a lime wheel, and a mint sprig if desired. Stick a cinnamon stick in the glass for stirring. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the steeping time—15 minutes minimum, 20 is better. Crush cardamom pods gently to avoid tiny seed fragments. Chill all ingredients in advance to reduce ice dilution. Stir the syrup before measuring as spices settle. For a spicier version, add a thin slice of fresh jalapeño to the syrup while steeping. For an herbal twist, muddle mint or rosemary in the glass before adding ice. For a low-sugar option, replace granulated sugar with honey or agave. For a lighter version, replace half the ginger beer with sparkling water. To make ahead, mix pomegranate juice, lime juice, and syrup in a pitcher up to 24 hours in advance; add ginger beer and ice just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: mocktail, pomegranate, mule, spiced, non-alcoholic, ginger beer, holiday drink, easy mocktail