Bright, bubbly, and naturally festive — that’s exactly what you get with this Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to bring fresh, seasonal flavors to your gatherings without any alcohol, making everyone feel part of the celebration.

Two clear glasses sit on a white marbled surface, each filled with a deep red liquid. Each glass holds slices of bright orange and light green fruit floating on top, along with small red pomegranate seeds scattered inside the drink and on the surface. One glass has a green rosemary sprig standing upright, adding a touch of texture. There are more pomegranate seeds scattered around the surface near the glasses, and a larger rosemary sprig lies flat beside one glass. The background is soft and out of focus. 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 genuinely love how this mocktail balances the tartness of pomegranate and citrus with the cozy sweetness of apple juice and fizzy ginger ale. It’s the kind of drink that instantly feels special but is so easy to whip up.

Fresh and vibrant flavor: Combining real fruit juices with fresh fruit pieces gives it brightness that boxed juices just can’t match.
Kid-friendly and inclusive: Perfect for holiday parties where some guests want festive drinks without alcohol.
Simple prep and versatile: No fancy tools required and you can easily switch up fruits or carbonation level for your taste.
Festive appearance: The ruby red pomegranate seeds and colorful fruit chunks make every glass look holiday-worthy.

A round white marble board holds a clear glass jug filled halfway with dark red liquid. In front of the jug are two clear glasses filled with the same dark red drink, each containing floating slices of orange and lemon, pomegranate seeds settled at the bottom, and a sprig of green rosemary in the glass closest to the camera. Loose pomegranate seeds are scattered on the marble board near the glasses, and a wedge of orange lies nearby. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface with bright, soft lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This mocktail shines because each ingredient adds something unique to the mix—whether it’s sweetness, tartness, fizz, or visual appeal. Choosing quality juices and fresh fruit is key, so your sangria will taste fresh and lively.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red pomegranate arils, a few thin bright orange slices arranged neatly, fresh lemon wedges in a simple white bowl, a small pile of crisp green Granny Smith apple pieces, a small white bowl holding golden apple juice, another small white bowl with rich ruby-red pomegranate juice, and a tall clear glass pitcher partially filled with bubbly pale golden ginger ale, all placed 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

Pomegranate juice: Brings tartness and a beautiful jewel-tone color that feels so festive.
Apple juice: Adds natural sweetness and a mellow depth that balances the tart pomegranate.
Orange slices: Provide citrus oils and bright notes when they sit in the juice.
Lemon slices: Boost the tang and freshness, keeping the flavors crisp.
Granny Smith apple pieces: Their tart crunch adds texture and a lovely green contrast in the glass.
Pomegranate arils (or cranberries): These little bursts of fruit look stunning and pop with flavor.
Ginger ale (or ginger beer, sprite, sparkling water): The fizz ties everything together with a refreshing sparkle and subtle spice.

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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

One of the best parts about this Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to fit your mood or occasion. I often swap fruits depending on the season or what’s fresh at the market.

Variation: I’ve made it with fresh cranberries instead of pomegranate arils for a slightly different tart pop, and it was equally festive and delicious.
Carbonation choice: If you prefer less sweetness, I switch the ginger ale for sparkling water, which keeps the fizz but lets the fruit flavors shine brighter.
Herbal twist: Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme into the pitcher brings a lovely herbal aroma that’s perfect for winter gatherings.

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

Step 1: Combine Your Juices and Fruit

Start by pouring the pomegranate juice and apple juice into a large pitcher. Then add your sliced orange, lemon, granny smith apple chunks, and pomegranate arils. I find cutting the fruit thin or into small pieces helps release more flavor and makes the fruit easier to enjoy when drinking.

Step 2: Let the Flavors Marry

Pop the pitcher in the fridge for at least 45 minutes, but honestly, if you let it chill for a couple hours or even up to 4, the flavors get so much deeper and better blended. This step is key — don’t skip it! I like to make this early in the day when I know guests will arrive in the evening.

Step 3: Add the Fizzy Finish

When you’re ready to serve, gently pour in the cold ginger ale. Give it a light stir so you don’t lose that delightful fizz. This final touch gives your mocktail sparkle and a ginger kick that wakes up the whole drink.

Step 4: Serve in Style

Pour your festive sangria mocktail into glasses filled with ice if you like. I almost always top mine with a few extra fresh fruit slices and a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick — it just looks so welcoming and festive.

Top Tip

From my experience, this mocktail is all about balancing flavors and timing. Here's what I’ve learned that makes a big difference when you’re making the Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe:

Use fresh, quality juices: The better the juice, the brighter and fresher your sangria will taste — I avoid anything from concentrate for this reason.
Don’t rush the chilling step: Allowing the mixture to sit for a few hours lets the fruit infuse fully, so your mocktail tastes more sophisticated.
Gently stir in carbonation: Adding the ginger ale too aggressively loses the bubbles fast — a careful stir keeps that fizz alive.
Fruit cuts matter: Slice fruit thin enough to release flavor but leave some chunkiness for texture to make the experience fun.

How to Serve Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe

Festive Pomegranate Sangria - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For garnish, I love topping these glasses with a few pomegranate seeds or cranberries for bursts of color and a sprig of fresh rosemary. Sometimes I add a thin cinnamon stick — it lends a cozy scent and looks fantastic. It’s those little finishes that turn simple into special.

Side Dishes

This mocktail pairs beautifully with light savory bites like spiced nuts, mini bruschettas, or a cheese platter featuring sharp and nutty cheeses. I often serve it alongside easy finger foods that don’t overpower the drink but complement its fruitiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a holiday brunch, I served this sangria mocktail in clear mason jars with colorful striped straws and festive cocktail picks holding fruit chunks. It was a hit and made everything feel casual yet festive. You can also freeze some fruit pieces ahead to use as ice cubes — that keeps the drink cold without watering it down!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the sangria and the fizzy ginger ale separate in the fridge. The juice mixture can sit for up to 2 days refrigerated. Add the ginger ale just before serving again to keep the fizz fresh. I’ve found the fruit stays tasty but may soften a bit over time, which is fine if you’re sipping slowly.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this mocktail because the fresh fruit and carbonation don’t freeze and thaw well. Instead, freeze fruit chunks ahead and use them as ice cubes for chilling without dilution.

Reheating

This is best served cold, so reheating isn't really applicable. If you want a warm holiday drink, I'd suggest a completely different recipe like mulled cider, but I love this sangria cold and sparkling every time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use cranberry juice instead of pomegranate juice?

Absolutely! Cranberry juice works perfectly and gives a similar tart flavor and vibrant color to the festive pomegranate sangria mocktail recipe. Just make sure it’s no-sugar-added or lightly sweetened for balance.

How far in advance can I prepare the sangria mocktail?

You can prepare the juice and fruit mix up to 4 hours ahead of time and refrigerate it. The longer it chills, the better the flavors marry. Add the ginger ale right before serving to maintain the fizz.

Can I make this recipe vegan and allergen-friendly?

Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan and free from common allergens. Just double-check that your ginger ale and juices don’t contain any additives that might be allergens.

What if I don’t have ginger ale on hand?

No worries! You can substitute ginger ale with ginger beer for more spice, sprite for a sweeter fizz, or sparkling water for a lighter touch. Each option brings a slightly different vibe to the festive pomegranate sangria mocktail recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Pomegranate Sangria Mocktail Recipe has become my go-to for holiday gatherings — it’s refreshing, eye-catching, and so easy to make ahead. Whether you're hosting friends, family, or a crowd with mixed drink preferences, this mocktail is a thoughtful, flavorful, and fun way to raise a glass together. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your celebrations, too!