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Is it just me, or does the hot weather of summer bring out the laziness in everyone?
Whenever the temperature rises and decides to stay there, all I can think about is lazing on a porch somewhere with a gorgeous view, in an antique rocking chair, with a glass of refreshingly cold fresca or tropical mocktail in my hand.
It’s that lazy hazy days of summer image that is oh–so classic. And it would be oh–so fantastic to get to really experience it, instead of spending days commuting in hot cars or on public transit, going to and returning from long hours at the office.
Now that the weather is getting warmer, it’s time to start thinking about fun, delicious, gorgeous ways to cool off at the end of a long day.
One of my favorite things about summer is switching from warm drinks to cool refreshing sippers that incorporate fresh and bright flavors, like this lemonade. After drinking way too much tea and way too many mugs of hot chocolate, I am so ready to get into the lighter side of the refreshment arena.
Lemonade and iced tea are the two recipes I continually make throughout the summer from scratch because they are so ridiculously refreshing. Plus they are so easy to adapt to whatever flavor profile you prefer.
This sparkling pomegranate lemonade is just the start of the adventure, and trust me when I say, this is the drink that is going to get you hooked on all the deliciousness of the classic lemon–infused drink.
I mean, who wouldn’t want to end their week with a pretty pink drink in hand?
Table Manners, available on Amazon
And on the topic of things pretty and pink, I should tell you this recipe originates from Mia King, as published in her book Table Manners, which not only sports a pink cover but is the literary version of a romantic comedy, perfect for when you do have some free time to lounge on the patio.
For a sparkling, bubbly sipper, this lemonade is simple to make and only requires a handful of ingredients. It’s hard to believe that so much tart, sweet, and fresh flavor explodes over your taste buds so epically as a result.
This healthier homemade take on pink lemonade contains no preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial dyes! Use pomegranate juice that doesn’t contain these if you want to keep it natural, or pull out the juicer or your blender and a fine mesh strainer, and make your own at home with fresh fruit.
Be sure to use club soda when you make this recipe. I know, it can be confusing when you’re at the grocery store and faced with a shelf of naturally carbonated mineral water, soda water, seltzer, tonic… they’re all clear and fizzy, but which one to choose?
Club soda is my pick for this drink because it’s highly carbonated, and has just a touch of added salty flavor that contrasts well with the other ingredients, and really makes them pop.
I also recommend purchasing it in cans or small glass bottles and opening them fresh when you’re ready to make this fruity beverage, rather than reaching for the ancient 2-liter of unknown provenance at the back of the fridge – those bubbles do go flat eventually!
As for the mint, the garnish might seem like it’s there for just looks (and in part, it is!) but it’s also putting in work with the refreshing scent it brings to the table. As humans, we experience food and drinks with our taste buds, our noses, and our eyes. The contrasting green against the pink of the lemonade, the smell of the tantalizing herb – it all comes together to create a presentation that screams “refreshment!” and that will really stand out from the crowd of other lemonades you might indulge in this summer.
The best part? This easy–to–make soft drink can easily be turned into a more adult spritzer cocktail for all you grown ups out there who wish to imbibe.
Simply add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka to the glasses filled with ice, add the sparkling pomegranate lemonade on top, and give it a quick stir to combine. Serve and enjoy a whole new take on happy hour.
Cheers to summer, my friends!
PrintThe Ultimate Sparkling Pomegranate Lemonade
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cooling off on a hot summer day is easy with this refreshing and bubbly sparkling pomegranate lemonade. A chilled glassful is a treat everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2/3 cup pomegranate juice
- 2 1/2 cups club soda
- Ice
- Fresh mint
Instructions
- In a pitcher, stir together sugar and lemon juice until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add pomegranate juice and stir to combine. Add club soda and stir to combine.
- Divide between 4 glasses filled with ice. Garnish with mint, and serve immediately.
Notes
Adapted from Mia King’s Table Manners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lemonade
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Beverages
Keywords: lemonade, sparkling, pomegranate, mocktail
Cooking By the Numbers…
Step 1 – Measure Ingredients
Measure all of the ingredients so they’ll be ready to go when you need them.
Wash the produce, juice the lemons, and get out your favorite glasses and a pitcher.
Step 2 – Dissolve Sugar
In the pitcher, combine the sugar and lemon juice.
Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step 3 – Mix
Add the pomegranate juice and club soda to the pitcher.
Stir to combine.
Step 4 – Garnish and Serve
Pour over glasses filled with ice, and garnish each with a sprig of mint. You can also garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and texture.
Chill Out with a Cooling Beverage
When it comes to cooling off this summer, don’t stop here! There are so many other options out in the world to satisfy your need for something thirst quenching and cool.
Lemonade is easy enough to liven up with the addition of various fruits and fruit juices, but there are other variations of different cooling drinks that you should explore.
First, try these cocktails made with lemon juice and fresh blackberries.
You can also take a look at our amazing roundup of nonalcoholic beverages, perfect for when you’re celebrating a holiday, birthday, or anniversary.
If you’re a caffeine fiend, check out our article that describes five delicious ways to foo foo up your iced tea so you can really expand your palate. There are so many fun ways to make iced tea different, from going tropical to making it healthy and tasty. You won’t believe all the fun you can have with it.
Want to make some changes to your cold brew routine? Liven things up with this Vietnamese-Style Iced Coffee for a refreshing drink that’ll leave you with a caffeinated buzz, or explore the wonderful world of cold coffee cocktails with these suggestions.
And if you’re feeling a bit peckish, don’t miss out on our round up of cool foods for hot weather, or this selection of chilled soups.
And if lemonade is your beverage of choice, then these recipes should tickle your tummy:
- Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade
- Healthy and Filling Chia Lemonade
- Tropical Lemonade with Pineapple, Ginger, and Passion Fruit
What refreshment do you like to cool off with during the summer? Tell us in the comments below and let us know that you loved this recipe with a five-star rating.
Don’t forget to Pin It!
Photos by Meghan Yager, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Originally published by Shanna Mallon on July 17, 2009. Last updated: October 4, 2022 at 13:42 pm. With additional writing and editing by Allison Sidhu.
Nutritional information derived from a database of known generic and branded foods and ingredients and was not compiled by a registered dietitian or submitted for lab testing. It should be viewed as an approximation.
About Meghan Yager
Meghan Yager is a food addict turned food and travel writer with a love for creating uncomplicated, gourmet recipes and devouring anything the world serves up. As the author of the food and travel blog Cake 'n Knife, Meghan focuses on unique foodie experiences from around the world to right at home in your own kitchen.
how lovely! lush alert: i imagine adding a splash of vodka to this concoction, enjoying it outside, on the deck or at a picnic, with girlfriends. because something so pretty should be shared with them.
I shall be making this or something very very like it tonight. Since Summer has finally arrived, it feels like a good idea.
loooks yum! and good for the kids tooo! 🙂 i might just pick up the ingredients at Target today. mmmmm……
wow that looks really good!!!!!!
um, this looks amazing. perfect summer drink i think. and i am highly intrigued by that book. i’ve been seeking out a bridget jones-esque smart yet happy read for the summer.
I’ve also been seeking a novel in which to escape, but haven’t found one yet. I’ll definitely check out this book!
Lan, You should know that someone else, on Twitter, suggested the vodka addition as well, so you must be on to something. And amen to the girlfriends idea. We all need that once in a while, too.
Emily, Ironically, it feels like fall here tonight (not that I’m complaining) but I hope wherever you are, you’re sipping something summery.
Rachel, Wish you were here and we could share some together!
Novelista, Thank you!
Lainey, You’ll love this book, as it’s exactly smart and happy, such a nice break from things!
Jennifer, That goes for you, too. This was like candy to read!
awww – looks so refreshing!
That drink looks so refreshing and almost good for you!
Julie, Definitely refreshing!
Susan, Refreshing, YES.. good for you? well, good for your attitude maybe? 🙂
This is exactly what I need to be drinking over the weekend. Love it.
love your pictures… and pink drinks. I happen to have pomegranate juice in the fridge and I’m going to join you with a pink drink this afternoon
PS. Just signing up for your blog after meeting Janet Pak for tea. She spoke highly of you… and I see why.
Sara, Happy to help!
Meryl, Cheers! And so glad you found me through Janet. She’s a sweetheart. (Thanks, Janet!!)
I agree, vodka would round out this lovely drink very nicely!