I love a festive drink by the fire and this pomegranate pomander spritz mocktail fits the bill perfectly. Pomanders are an old fashioned holiday decoration that consist of oranges studded with whole cloves that are sometimes additionally dusted with ground warm spices. They’re fragrant and look very cute in a holiday tablescape. They are also a symbol of good luck and health, which is all that I wish for all of you during the holiday season!
I don’t partake in alcohol these days, but I still love a complex and refreshing beverage that isn’t too sweet. It’s just nice to have something celebratory to sip while you unwind a bit or get together with folks. This pomegranate pomander spritz mocktail is a bit tart, citrusy, warmly spiced, and a bit bubbly. Seedlip Grove 42 helps boost the citrus flavour in the base. I love playing around with Seedlip’s non-alcoholic spirits from time to time, and Grove works perfectly here.
Some tips for making this mocktail:
- Bitters and vanilla extract contain trace amounts of alcohol. Since they’re used sparingly here, I don’t mind including them. But to make this totally alcohol-free, opt for alcohol-free vanilla extract and bitters.
- I prefer plain club soda for topping, but you could mix it up with a flavoured sparkling water as well! Cranberry, orange etc.
- For those that imbibe, you could replace the Seedlip with vodka or gin of choice.
- I like to stud the garnishing orange slices with a whole clove to really evoke the pomander vibe!
Once you have the mocktail poured over ice with all the garnishes, it just feels so celebratory and special! If you’re looking for something with alcohol to enjoy this time of year, I recommend my Spiced Cranberry Orange Margaritas. Kind of a similar tart, citrusy, and spiced feel!
This is my last recipe for 2022! Raising my glass to you and sending all of my thanks for your support this year. I can’t wait to bring you more goodness and nourishment next year. Happy holidays!
Pomegranate Pomander Spritz Mocktail
Ingredients
Mocktail
- 3 oz Seedlip Grove 42
- 3 oz pomegranate juice
- 2 oz orange juice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon ground all spice
- dash bitters
- dash vanilla extract
- strip orange peel
- ice
- club soda, to top
Garnish
- thin orange slices
- pomegranate seeds
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Notes
- Bitters and vanilla extract contain trace amounts of alcohol. Since they’re used sparingly here, I don’t mind including them. But to make this totally alcohol-free, opt for alcohol-free vanilla extract and bitters.
- I prefer plain club soda for topping, but you could mix it up with a flavoured sparkling water as well! Cranberry, orange etc!
- For those that imbibe, you could replace the Seedlip with vodka or gin of choice.
- I like to stud the garnishing orange slices with a whole clove to really evoke the pomander vibe!
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the Seedlip, pomegranate juice, orange juice, ground cloves, all spice, bitters, vanilla, and orange peel. Cover this with a couple handfuls of ice. Close the lid on top of the shaker and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
- Strain the beverage into wine glasses filled ¾ of the way with ice. Top with club soda, give it a little stir with a spoon, and finish with garnishes. Enjoy!
We made this for New Year’s Day, as-is. Although we liked the pomegranate and citrus flavors, the grit of the ground spices ruined this for us. Maybe use just the whole clove and skip the allspice? You’d lose some of the warming spice aroma, but I think it would be better. We love everything else we’ve tried on this blog, though!