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Pomegranate Apple Cider Spritzer: A Refreshing Fall Cocktail Recipe

A refreshing and festive Pomegranate Apple Cider Spritzer, perfect for any occasion. Easy to make, visually stunning, and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups apple cider, chilled
  • 1 cup pomegranate juice, chilled
  • 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds, for garnish
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced, for garnish (Honeycrisp or Gala recommended)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
  • Ice cubes
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste) (Optional)
  • 1/4 cup vodka or rum (for an adult version) (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Chill all ingredients: Ensure apple cider, pomegranate juice, and sparkling water are thoroughly chilled.
  2. Prepare garnishes: Wash and thinly slice apple. Wash and pat dry rosemary sprigs (if using). Set aside pomegranate seeds.
  3. Sweeten (optional): If cider isn’t sweet enough, add maple syrup or honey, starting with 2 tablespoons and stirring until dissolved. Taste and adjust.
  4. Combine juices: In a large pitcher, combine chilled apple cider and pomegranate juice. Stir gently.
  5. Add sparkling water: Just before serving, add chilled sparkling water or club soda.
  6. Add alcohol (optional): If making an adult version, stir in vodka or rum, starting with 1/4 cup and adjusting to preference.
  7. Fill glasses with ice: Add ice cubes to each glass.
  8. Pour spritzer: Carefully pour the apple cider pomegranate mixture into each glass, leaving a little room at the top.
  9. Garnish: Add apple slices, pomegranate seeds, and rosemary sprigs (if using) to each glass.
  10. Serve immediately: Serve while cold and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness to your liking.
  • Prepare the juice mixture ahead of time, but add sparkling water just before serving.
  • Experiment with different fruits like cranberries, oranges, or pears.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor.
  • Omit alcohol for a mocktail.
  • Infuse cider with spices for a deeper flavor.
  • Use frozen fruit cubes for a festive touch.
  • Rim glasses with sugar or cinnamon sugar for elegance.
  • Substitute apple cider and sparkling water with sparkling apple cider for a simpler version.
  • Presentation matters – use pretty glasses and garnishes.
  • Consider the occasion when adjusting ingredients and presentation.
  • For best results, use fresh-pressed or pasteurized apple cider. Avoid apple juice if possible.
  • Choose 100% pomegranate juice with no added sugars.
  • Extract pomegranate seeds by scoring the pomegranate, soaking in water, and separating seeds.