Ingredients
- 4 large pomegranates (about 4 cups arils)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 tbsp honey (optional)
- 1 cup cold water
- Ice, for serving
- Mint sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- Sparkling water, to top (optional)
Instructions
- Seed the pomegranates. Score each pomegranate around the middle and break open underwater in a large bowl — the arils sink, the pith floats. Drain and pick out any pith.
- Blend briefly. Blend the arils with the cold water for just 15 seconds — enough to burst the juice sacs without crushing the bitter inner seeds.
- Strain. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing gently with a spoon. Don't mash aggressively or bitter seed flavors sneak in.
- Finish. Stir in the lemon juice, orange juice, and honey to taste.
- Serve. Pour over ice and serve immediately, garnished with mint if you like. For a spritzer, top each glass with sparkling water.
❣️ Seed strategy
The 15-second blend is the whole trick — longer and the crushed seeds turn the juice bitter. The underwater seeding method saves your clothes, your counters, and your sanity. Arils freeze beautifully, so stock up in season. One large pomegranate yields roughly 3/4 cup of juice.
Common questions
Why is my juice bitter?
Over-blended seeds. Blend just 15 seconds to pop the juice sacs, then strain gently without mashing.
How many pomegranates per cup of juice?
About 1 1/3 large pomegranates per cup — plan 4 large ones for 2 generous servings.
Fresh vs. store-bought juice?
Fresh is brighter, less sweet, and free of added sugars — but good 100% bottled pomegranate juice is a fine shortcut for mixed drinks.
Will it stain?
Yes — pomegranate is a notorious stainer. The underwater seeding method contains the mess; rinse boards and cloths immediately.
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