This festive Winter Berry Refresher combines cranberry, pomegranate, lemon, and bubbles for an easy nonalcoholic drink perfect for winter gatherings.
It has just the right balance of sweet and tart flavors, while pomegranate seeds and a sprig of fresh rosemary give it a festive finish.
It’s a simple drink to make when you want something special without reaching for alcohol. Serve it at holiday gatherings, winter brunches, family dinners, or even as a pretty afternoon refreshment.
And since everyone loves having options, I’ve included an easy way to turn this winter refresher into a cocktail in the recipe notes.
Why You’ll Love This Winter Berry Refresher
- Easy to make. There’s no complicated preparation or special equipment required.
- Festive and pretty. The ruby-red color, pomegranate seeds, and fresh rosemary make this drink beautiful enough for a holiday table.
- Sweet and tart. Cranberry and pomegranate bring plenty of berry flavor, while lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness.
- Nonalcoholic. It’s a fun drink for kids and adults alike.
- Easy to customize. Adjust the sweetness or add your favorite garnishes to make it your own.
- Easy to turn into a cocktail. Add a little rosemary vodka to individual servings when desired.
Winter Berry Refresher with Cranberry & Pomegranate
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Ounce Pomegranate Juice
- ½ Ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 Ounce Cranberry Juice
- ½ Ounce Simple Syrup optional
- Lemon-Lime Soda enough to fill the glass
- Ice
- Pomegranate Seeds for garnish
- Sprig Fresh Rosemary for garnish
Instructions
How to Make a Winter Berry Refresher
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add enough ice to your cocktail shaker to properly chill the juices as you shake.Ice
- Pour in the pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, and fresh lemon juice. If you’d like a sweeter drink, add the simple syrup as well.1 Ounce Pomegranate Juice, ½ Ounce Fresh Lemon Juice, 1 Ounce Cranberry Juice, ½ Ounce Simple Syrup
- Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds, until the mixture is thoroughly chilled. Pour into a glass.
- Pour enough lemon-lime soda into the glass to fill. Give the drink a gentle stir to combine.Lemon-Lime Soda
- Sprinkle a few pomegranate seeds over the top and add a fresh rosemary sprig. Serve immediately while the drink is cold and bubbly.Pomegranate Seeds, Sprig Fresh Rosemary
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Tips for Making the Best Winter Berry Refresher
Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice gives the drink a brighter flavor. Taste before adding the simple syrup. Cranberry and pomegranate juices can vary in sweetness. You may find that you don’t need any additional sweetener. Don’t skip the ice. This drink is best served very cold.Add the soda last. The lemon-lime soda provides the carbonation, so adding it after shaking helps keep the drink bubbly. Make it pretty. The pomegranate seeds and rosemary are more than just decoration. The rosemary adds a subtle herbal aroma every time you take a sip.
How to Turn This Into a Cocktail
For an adult version, add 1 to 1½ ounces of rosemary vodka to each serving before topping with lemon-lime soda. If you don’t have rosemary vodka, regular vodka works just fine. You could also use a citrus-flavored vodka for another layer of flavor.Nutrition
Ingredients
Pomegranate juice: Pomegranate juice gives this drink its deep red color and slightly sweet, fruity flavor.
Cranberry juice: Cranberry juice adds a bright, tart berry flavor that pairs especially well with the pomegranate.
Fresh lemon juice: A little fresh lemon juice balances the sweetness and keeps the drink tasting fresh and refreshing.
Simple syrup: This is optional, depending on the sweetness of your juices and your personal preference. Start without it and add some if you’d like a sweeter drink.
Lemon-lime soda: This adds sweetness and plenty of bubbly carbonation. It also helps bring all the flavors together.
Ice: Chill the drink while shaking and serve it over plenty of ice.
Pomegranate seeds: A sprinkle of pomegranate arils makes a beautiful garnish and adds a little pop of color.
Fresh rosemary: A small rosemary sprig adds a lovely wintery aroma and makes the drink look especially festive.
Variations to Try
Make it sweeter
Add the optional simple syrup to taste. You can also add a little more lemon-lime soda for a sweeter, lighter drink.
Use sparkling water
For a less-sweet refresher, replace some or all of the lemon-lime soda with plain or lemon-flavored sparkling water.
Add orange
Add a small splash of fresh orange juice for a slightly sweeter citrus flavor. A thin orange slice also makes a pretty garnish.
Try lime
Replace the lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
Add frozen berries
Instead of serving with only ice, add a few frozen cranberries or berries to the glass. They’ll help keep the drink cold while adding another festive touch.
Make a pitcher
This recipe can easily be multiplied for a gathering. Combine the cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher ahead of time. Refrigerate until ready to serve, then add ice and lemon-lime soda just before serving.
I would not add the soda too far in advance when making a pitcher because it will lose its carbonation.
What to Serve With a Winter Berry Refresher
This drink would be lovely alongside so many winter and holiday foods. Try serving it with:
- Holiday brunch dishes
- Breakfast casseroles
- French toast or pancakes
- Charcuterie boards
- Cheese and crackers
- Appetizers and party snacks
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Holiday cookies and desserts
- Christmas dinner
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
You can mix the cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add ice and lemon-lime soda just before serving for the freshest flavor and best carbonation.
Can I make this without simple syrup?
Absolutely. Simple syrup is optional. Since the lemon-lime soda adds sweetness, you may find that the drink is sweet enough without it.
Can I use pomegranate arils from the store?
Yes. Fresh pomegranate arils are convenient for garnishing this drink. You only need a small amount for each serving.
Can I make this into a pitcher?
Yes. Multiply the juice ingredients based on the number of servings you’d like to make. Mix them together and refrigerate. Add the lemon-lime soda just before serving.
What can I use instead of lemon-lime soda?
Plain sparkling water, lemon sparkling water, or lime sparkling water can be used for a less-sweet drink.
Can I make this a cocktail?
Yes. Add 1 to 1½ ounces of rosemary vodka to each serving before adding the lemon-lime soda.
Winter Berry Refresher
Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, enjoying a quiet winter afternoon, or looking for a festive drink the whole family can enjoy, this Winter Berry Refresher is an easy choice.
The combination of tart cranberry, bright pomegranate, fresh lemon, and bubbly soda makes every sip refreshing, while the rosemary and pomegranate garnish give it a beautiful seasonal touch. Make a batch for your next gathering, or mix up a single glass whenever you’re in the mood for something a little special.
Easy Non-Alcoholic Party Drink