Description
This warm and fragrant Pomegranate Cider is a perfect cozy drink for chilly days, blending the tartness of pomegranate juice with aromatic spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom. Sweetened lightly with brown sugar and enhanced with fresh orange juice and rind, it’s a delightful non-alcoholic beverage served best with whipped cream and accented by pomegranate arils for an inviting presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces pomegranate juice, use 100% juice, not a cocktail
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 1 to 2 cardamom pods
- 1 orange, freshly juiced (about ½ cup)
- Orange rind, from the orange above
For Serving
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon sticks
- Pomegranate arils
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, pour in the pomegranate juice, water, and brown sugar. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamom pods, fresh orange juice, and the orange rind from the juiced orange. This mixture sets the base for the cider, infusing it with rich flavors.
- Heat and Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the spices to release their aromas and blend beautifully with the pomegranate and citrus notes.
- Adjust Sweetness: Remove the lid and carefully taste the cider. If the flavor is too tart or needs more sweetness, whisk in about ¼ cup of additional brown sugar. Return the pan to low heat and simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to dissolve the sugar and meld the flavors.
- Strain the Spices: After achieving the desired sweetness and flavor, strain out the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamom pods, and orange rind using a fine mesh sieve. This step ensures a smooth, spice-infused cider without any solid pieces.
- Serve: Ladle the hot pomegranate cider into mugs. For an enhanced presentation and flavor, top with a dollop of whipped cream, garnish with a cinnamon stick and sprinkle pomegranate arils on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the comforting warmth and festive aroma.
Notes
- Use 100% pomegranate juice and not cocktail juice to ensure the authentic tart flavor and richness.
- If you prefer a spicier cider, you can gently crush the cardamom pods before adding to release more flavor.
- Adjust sweetness according to your taste by adding brown sugar gradually.
- This cider can be reheated gently on the stovetop; avoid boiling after reheating to maintain the fresh flavor.
- For an adult version, you can add a splash of rum or bourbon before serving.
- Whipped cream topping is optional but adds a lovely creamy contrast to the tangy cider.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
