I created this pomegranate cinnamon mocktail one chilly evening when I was craving something special yet nourishing, and it's become my go-to for everything from cozy nights in to elegant entertaining.
The deep ruby color catches everyone's eye, while the balanced flavors of tart pomegranate, aromatic cinnamon, bright orange, and a touch of maple syrup create a drink that feels truly special.
Best of all, this mocktail is packed with antioxidants and can actually help you relax and sleep better! Whether you choose the still or sparkling version, I promise this will become your new favorite alcohol-free indulgence.
Why I Love This
- Naturally Functional: This isn't just any mocktail—it's a functional beverage packed with health benefits! Pomegranate juice contains magnesium to promote relaxation and stress reduction, while cinnamon naturally increases serotonin and melatonin levels for better sleep quality.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Both pomegranate and cinnamon are loaded with antioxidants, making this mocktail as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor Profile: The warming cinnamon beautifully complements the tart pomegranate, while orange adds brightness and maple brings subtle sweetness—creating a perfectly harmonized symphony of flavors.
- Visually Stunning: The deep ruby color creates an impressive presentation that's perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to something special.
- Seasonal Versatility: While gorgeous year-round, this mocktail shines during fall and winter gatherings, especially as a non-alcoholic option for holiday celebrations.
- Customizable: Easily adjust sweetness levels and make it still or sparkling to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
I carefully selected these ingredients to create a perfectly balanced mocktail that's both delicious and beneficial. The pomegranate juice provides a rich, tart base and powerful antioxidants, while cinnamon adds warming notes and helps promote relaxation. Orange juice brightens the drink with a hint of citrus, and maple syrup rounds everything out with subtle sweetness.
These flavors naturally complement each other while creating a mocktail that's not only tasty but also supports your wellbeing. It's the perfect combination of flavor and function.
- 4 oz pomegranate juice (100% pure, preferably organic)
- 2 oz cinnamon tea (homemade or from tea bags)
- 1 oz fresh orange juice (freshly squeezed provides superior flavor)
- ½ oz maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- ⅓ cup soda water (optional, for sparkling version)
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker: Essential for properly mixing the ingredients and incorporating the flavors. A Boston shaker or cobbler shaker works best, but a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid makes an excellent substitute.
- Jigger or Measuring Tool: For precise measurements that ensure perfect flavor balance. A standard jigger usually has a 1 oz and 2 oz measure, but standard measuring spoons or cups work too.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Helps create a smoother drink by filtering out any small particles when pouring into your glass (especially useful when using homemade cinnamon tea with whole spices).
- Glassware: Rocks glasses or short tumblers are ideal for showcasing the gorgeous color and garnishes. Gold-rimmed glasses add an extra touch of elegance.
- Citrus Juicer: For extracting fresh orange juice if using (recommended for best flavor).
- Small Saucepan: Only needed if making homemade cinnamon tea from scratch.
How To Make
- First, prepare your cinnamon tea by steeping 2 cinnamon tea bags in 8 oz hot water for 10 minutes, then cool it in the refrigerator. If you prefer homemade, break 2 cinnamon sticks into pieces, simmer in 1 cup water for 10 minutes, strain and cool.
- Pour the pomegranate juice, cooled cinnamon tea, orange juice, and maple syrup into your shaker with a few ice cubes. Secure the lid and shake well for about 15 seconds until everything is mixed and chilled.
- Fill your glass halfway with fresh ice and pour the mixture over it. If you want a sparkling version, top with soda water and give it a gentle stir.
- Add your garnishes - a cinnamon stick, some pomegranate seeds, and an orange slice make it look beautiful and add extra flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing, antioxidant-rich mocktail!
Substitutions
- Pomegranate Juice: Cranberry juice makes an excellent substitute with a similar tart profile. Tart cherry juice is another antioxidant-rich alternative.
- Cinnamon Tea: Replace with 1 oz of cinnamon syrup (available commercially or homemade) for a sweeter version. Chai tea can also work for a more complex spice profile.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute with honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water), agave nectar, or simple syrup. For sugar-free versions, use monkfruit sweetener or stevia to taste.
- Orange Juice: Blood orange juice adds dramatic color and slightly different flavor notes. Mandarin or clementine juice provides a sweeter citrus element.
- Soda Water: Substitute with ginger ale for added spice notes, or use tonic water for a more complex bitter-sweet balance.
Pro Tips
Intensify the Cinnamon: For a stronger cinnamon flavor, use 2-3 tea bags instead of one, or let homemade cinnamon tea steep for up to an hour off the heat.
Rim Your Glass: For an elegant presentation and flavor enhancement, rim the glass with a mixture of fine sugar and ground cinnamon.
Chill Everything: For the most refreshing result, ensure both the pomegranate juice and cinnamon tea are thoroughly chilled before mixing.
Make Ahead: The base mixture (without soda water) can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making this perfect for planned gatherings.
Ice Matters: Use large ice cubes for serving to slow dilution and maintain flavor integrity.
Garnish Fresh: Add pomegranate arils just before serving to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
FAQ
Yes! The base mixture (without soda water) can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add ice and soda water (if using) just before serving.
Reduce or omit the maple syrup entirely, and consider using freshly squeezed orange juice rather than store-bought, which often contains added sugars.
Yes! Muddle 3-4 tablespoons of fresh pomegranate arils in your shaker before adding other ingredients for a fresher flavor and more texture. You'll still need to add some juice or additional liquid to achieve the right consistency.
Generally yes! The ingredients are natural and non-alcoholic. Pomegranate juice may offer beneficial antioxidants, but as with any dietary concerns during pregnancy, consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Add a small slice of fresh ginger to the shaker before mixing, or include a pinch of ground cardamom or cloves to the cinnamon tea as it steeps.
Absolutely! This makes an excellent warm winter mocktail. Simply heat the pomegranate juice, cinnamon tea, orange juice, and maple syrup in a saucepan (don't boil), omit the ice and soda water, and serve in a heat-resistant mug with the garnishes.
Score the pomegranate around its equator and break it open. Submerge each half in a bowl of water and gently separate the arils from the white membrane. The arils will sink to the bottom while the membrane floats.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pomegranate Cinnamon Mocktail
Ingredients
- 4 oz pomegranate juice 100% pure, preferably organic
- 2 oz cinnamon tea homemade or from tea bags
- 1 oz fresh orange juice freshly squeezed provides superior flavor
- ½ oz maple syrup adjust to taste
- ⅓ cup soda water optional, for sparkling version
For Garnish (Optional but Recommended)
- Cinnamon sticks
- Fresh pomegranate arils
- Dehydrated orange or lemon slices
- Star anise for extra visual appeal and subtle flavor enhancement
Instructions
- First, prepare your cinnamon tea by steeping 2 cinnamon tea bags in 8 oz hot water for 10 minutes, then cool it in the refrigerator. If you prefer homemade, break 2 cinnamon sticks into pieces, simmer in 1 cup water for 10 minutes, strain and cool.
- Pour the pomegranate juice, cooled cinnamon tea, orange juice, and maple syrup into your shaker with a few ice cubes. Secure the lid and shake well for about 15 seconds until everything is mixed and chilled.
- Fill your glass halfway with fresh ice and pour the mixture over it. If you want a sparkling version, top with soda water and give it a gentle stir.
- Add your garnishes - a cinnamon stick, some pomegranate seeds, and an orange slice make it look beautiful and add extra flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing, antioxidant-rich mocktail!
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