Pomegranate Ginger Mocktail

Tanya Eisenwasser

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A festive drink with beautiful color and a subtle ginger warmth. Great for celebrations or whenever you want something special.

Prep 10 min

Cook 2 min

Serves 2

Gluten-freeDairy-freeVegan

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh pomegranate juice (from about 2 pomegranates)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 cup sparkling water, chilled
• Pomegranate seeds for garnish
• Fresh mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Pomegranate Juice

1. If using fresh pomegranates, cut in half and juice using a citrus juicer, or remove seeds and blend briefly, then strain.
2. For store-bought juice, look for 100% pomegranate juice in a glass bottle with no additives.

Make the Ginger Base

1. In a small bowl, combine freshly grated ginger with maple syrup.
2. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the ginger flavor to infuse.
3. Strain out the ginger pieces if you prefer a smoother drink, or leave them in for more intensity.

Build the Drinks

1. Divide the pomegranate juice between two glasses.
2. Add half the ginger-maple mixture to each glass.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Add ice cubes to each glass.
5. Top with sparkling water.

Serve

1. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a mint sprig.
2. Serve immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

• Fresh juice is best. Pomegranate juice is lowest in histamine when freshly squeezed. Pre-bottled juice works but may have higher histamine levels due to processing and storage.
• Adjust the ginger. Start with less ginger if you're sensitive to spice, or add more if you love the warmth.
• Skip the sweetener. Pomegranate juice is naturally sweet. Taste before adding maple syrup.
• Make it ahead. Mix the pomegranate juice and ginger base ahead of time. Add sparkling water just before serving.

Why This Works

Pomegranate. Generally considered low in histamine. Some research suggests pomegranate may have mast cell stabilizing properties, though individual tolerance varies.

Ginger. Studies have found ginger extract may have antihistamine effects, and it's generally well tolerated by people with histamine intolerance. Fresh ginger is preferred over dried.

Fresh over processed. Using fresh pomegranate juice and fresh ginger keeps histamine levels as low as possible.

Storage

The juice base (without sparkling water) can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Add sparkling water just before serving. Pomegranate seeds can be stored separately in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.