Pomegranate Fizz Lime Wedge

The summer heat was brutal that afternoon, my AC had been humming overtime for days, and I was craving something festive without the hangover. I randomly grabbed a bottle of pomegranate juice from the back of my fridge, squeezed in whatever lime I had rolling around, and poured in some sparkling water that was probably meant for my husband's whiskey. That first sip—bright, tangy, fizzy—made me pause mid-kitchen cleanup and actually smile. Now it's the mocktail I whip up for everyone, whether they're avoiding alcohol or just want something pretty in their glass.

Last New Year's Eve, my sister announced she was doing Dry January early and looked genuinely sad watching everyone else toast with champagne. I made her a glass of this pomegranate fizz instead, garnished it with extra mint and pomegranate seeds, and she ended up refilling her glass three times. Now she texts me every time she makes it for friends, sending photos of her garnish experiments.

Ingredients

• Pomegranate juice: Unsweetened gives you the cleanest tart flavor, but I've used regular in a pinch—just taste before adding sweetener
• Fresh lime juice: Bottled stuff will make this taste flat, and honestly, you can taste the difference immediately
• Simple syrup or agave: Totally optional if you like things on the tart side, but agave dissolves instantly in cold drinks
• Sparkling water or club soda: Club soda has a slight salinity that works beautifully with pomegranate's natural sweetness
• Ice cubes: Plenty of them—dilution is your friend here, keeping it refreshing rather than syrupy
• Lime wedges and pomegranate arils: The garnish isn't just for looks; squeezing that extra lime wedge right before drinking wakes everything up

Instructions

Prep your glasses:

Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes while you mix everything else—starting with chilled glasses keeps the fizz going longer

Mix the base:

In a small pitcher, combine pomegranate juice, fresh lime juice, and sweetener if using, stirring until completely incorporated

Divide and conquer:

Pour that gorgeous ruby mixture evenly over the ice in both glasses

Add the magic:

Top each glass with sparkling water, pouring gently down the side to preserve as many bubbles as possible

Make it pretty:

Garnish with lime wedges, scatter some pomegranate seeds on top, and tuck in a mint sprig if you're feeling fancy

Serve immediately:

This drink waits for no one—the fizz is best right when you pour it, so get it into hands fast

Save

My three-year-old nephew demanded 'the red fancy drink' at a family dinner last month, and watching him carefully sip it like a grown-up, garnish and all, might be my favorite memory of this recipe. He kept saying it tickled his nose.

Perfecting Your Fizz Ratio

I learned the hard way that the pomegranate-to-sparkling-water ratio is personal preference. My husband likes his more juice-forward, while I want it light and bubbly. Start with equal parts and adjust from there—you can always add more sparkling water.

Batching for Crowds

For parties, mix the pomegranate juice, lime juice, and sweetener in a large pitcher ahead of time and keep it chilled. Add the sparkling water right before serving, and set up a garnish station so guests can customize their own drinks.

Flavor Variations to Try

Sometimes I muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the bottom of the glass before pouring in the juices for a mojito vibe. You could also add a splash of orange juice for a creamsicle version.

• A drop of rose water makes it feel incredibly elegant and restaurant-worthy
• Frozen pomegranate juice cubes instead of regular ice keep it cold without diluting
• A pinch of sea salt enhances all the flavors, trust me on this one

Save

Whether you're celebrating something big or just made it through a Tuesday, this drink makes everything feel a little more special. Cheers to that.

Common Questions

→ What type of juice is best for this drink?

Unsweetened pomegranate juice works best to balance tartness with the sweetener and lime.

→ Can I use other citrus juices instead of lime?

Yes, fresh lemon juice can be substituted but lime adds a distinct zesty brightness.

→ Is sparkling water essential for the fizz?

Sparkling water or club soda creates the characteristic fizz and lightness in the drink.

→ How can I make this drink sweeter?

Add simple syrup or agave nectar to taste before topping with sparkling water.

→ What garnishes enhance the flavor?

Lime wedges, pomegranate arils, and fresh mint leaves add bright flavors and visual appeal.

→ Can this beverage be prepared ahead of time?

You can mix the juice base in advance but add sparkling water just before serving to retain fizz.