Cranberry Pomegranate Kombucha Mocktail
To me this is a perfect winter holiday mocktail. It has the colors and smells of the holidays. Visually it is a deep red color with fleck of pomegranate throughout and fresh cranberries bobbing on top. A sprig of fresh rosemary adds a blaze of green which contrasts the drink perfectly.
When you first bring the cranberry pomegranate mocktail to your nose you’ll be hit by the invigorating aroma of fresh rosemary mingling beautifully with the tangy and slightly sweet scent of cranberry kombucha. The pomegranate arils add a touch of earthy sweetness to the drink’s aroma.
This Cranberry Pomegranate Kombucha Mocktail is a balance of sweet and tart, with just the right amount of heat from the habanero tincture to simulate the the slight burn you experience when drinking a cocktail. The rosemary lends a subtle herbal undertone that pairs wonderfully with the fruity notes of the kombucha and pomegranate arils.
What is a Kombucha mocktail?
A mocktail is similar to a cocktail, but without the alcohol. A Kombucha Mocktail features kombucha as a wash in the base of the mocktail.
There are several reasons people choose not to drink such as health, religious, or a personal preference. Kombucha mocktails are great option for those who want to enjoy a satisfying social beverage while abstaining from alcohol. Just because mocktails do not have alcohol doesn’t mean they have to be sweet, boring or unsatisfying.
Kombucha mocktails, in addition to being delicious and satisfying, also contain additional health benefits. Apart from omitting alcohol, additional benefits come from the probiotics and antioxidants in the kombucha, especially in fruit flavored kombuchas.
Click here to read more about how to make great mocktails.
Equipment to make a Cranberry Pomegranate Kombucha Mocktail
Cocktail Shaker: A cocktail shaker or mixing glass to quickly and thoroughly combine and chill the ingredients. I have a basic 2-tin one, an upgrade to an OXO Insulated one and recently bought an Elevated Craft Shaker during their Kickstarter campaign (affiliate links ↗).
Cocktail Glasses: Two cocktail glasses for serving your mocktails. For this recipe I used rocks glasses.
Ingredients to make a Cranberry Pomegranate Kombucha Mocktail
Cranberry Kombucha: Cranberry Kombucha forms the base of the drink and provides a delicious, effervescent foundation on which to build your mocktail.
Pomegranate Arils (seeds) – Pomegranates are typically described as having characteristics of sour, sweet, musty/earthy, fruity with an astringent (puckering) mouthfeel. They are very similar to cranberries–fairly tart with a bit of sweetness underneath.
Habanero Tincture: A habanero tincture, made from vodka or vinegar is used in mocktails to add a touch of heat which can create a similar sensation to the “burn” of alcohol. Habanero peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that stimulates the same nerves as alcohol, giving the drink a more complex and satisfying flavor profile. Here is the recipe to make a habanero tincture.
Rosemary Sprigs – as an ingredient and for garnish
Fresh Cranberries – for garnish
How to make a Cranberry Pomegranate Kombucha Mocktail
Muddle: Muddle the pomegranate arils and rosemary.
Mix and Chill: Mix the main ingredients with ice until thoroughly and chilled.
Fill: Divide the chilled mixture evenly between the ice-filled glasses.
Garnish: Garnish each glass with some fresh cranberries and a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Cranberry Pomegranate Kombucha Mocktail Recipe
Yield: 2 mocktails • Active time: 5 minutes • Total time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
16 oz cranberry kombucha
1 sprig rosemary, chopped, plus more for garnish
4-5 drops Habanero Tincture
1/8 cup pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
fresh cranberries (for garnish)
Ice for mixing and serving
Instructions:
Muddle: Divide the rosemary, pomegranate seeds and habanero tincture between 2 glasses and muddle using a cocktail muddler or wooden spoon
Prepare Glasses: Fill glasses with small ice cubes or crushed ice
Fill: Pour cranberry kombucha into each glass to fill, stir gently to combine
Garnish: Garnish each glass with a fresh cranberries and a sprig of fresh rosemary
Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks:
Smack the garnish: Good bartenders smack rosemary they are using as garnish to release the essential oils in the leaves, enhancing the aroma and flavor of the drink. The essential oils are concentrated in the tiny pockets on the surface of the leaves, and by smacking the leaves, these pockets are ruptured allowing the oils to be released into the drink.
Nutrition Information:
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Helping you learn to brew kombucha, find inspiration for new kombucha flavors and use kombucha to make kombucha mocktails
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