Pomegranate Ginger Palmer
The Pomegranate Ginger Palmer is a vibrant and sophisticated non-alcoholic beverage perfect for any occasion. It elevates the classic half-and-half iced tea and lemonade combination by introducing the rich, tart flavor of pomegranate juice and the spicy kick of ginger ale. This creates a beautifully balanced drink that is both refreshing and complex. Its deep ruby color and effervescent finish make it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
This drink is classified as a modern mocktail. It is a non-alcoholic beverage designed with the complexity and balance of a traditional cocktail. It falls into the category of sparkling iced tea drinks, offering a sophisticated alternative for those avoiding alcohol.
Serving
Served cold in a tall Highball glass filled with ice, this is a non-alcoholic drink of about 300 ml (10 oz).
Serving size
Approximately 300 ml / 10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
This drink is a modern creation, inspired by the enduring popularity of the Arnold Palmer. Mixologists and home bartenders sought to create a more complex, non-alcoholic option by incorporating trendy and bold flavors. The combination of pomegranate's antioxidant-rich tartness and ginger's spicy warmth offers a contemporary update to a beloved classic. It represents the growing trend of sophisticated and flavorful mocktails.
Origin
United States, contemporary creation (early 21st century). This mocktail is a modern riff on the classic Arnold Palmer, with no single attributed creator but emerging from the craft mocktail movement.
Pomegranate Ginger Palmer
The drink is primarily known as the Pomegranate Ginger Palmer. Alternative names like Pomegranate Iced Tea Sparkler or Spiced Pomegranate Palmer highlight its key ingredients and sparkling nature. These names emphasize the fusion of traditional iced tea with the vibrant flavors of pomegranate and ginger.
Original name
Pomegranate Ginger Palmer
Alternative names
- Pomegranate Iced Tea Sparkler
- Spiced Pomegranate Palmer
Characteristics overview
This drink offers a balanced sweet-tart flavor profile with a spicy ginger kick and earthy notes from the tea. It has a crisp, bubbly texture and a beautiful deep ruby color, making it a refreshing choice for any season.
Flavor
Tart, Spicy, Sweet, Earthy, Fruity
Aroma
Ginger, Pomegranate, Black Tea, Citrus
Taste balance
Balanced, Sweet-Tart, Spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, Warming Ginger Spice, Lingering Tartness
Fizziness
Lightly Sparkling, Effervescent
Color appearance
Deep Ruby Red, Clear, Bubbly
Texture
Crisp, Light, Bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, Year-round, Summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is moderately intense, with a prominent fruitiness from pomegranate and a noticeable spiciness from ginger. It strikes a pleasant balance between sweet and sour, with very low bitterness and no alcohol.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This drink combines chilled black tea and tart pomegranate juice with a splash of fresh lemon. It's topped with spicy ginger ale to add effervescence and warmth.
- Brewed Black Tea90 ml / 3 ozChilled. You can use English Breakfast, Earl Grey, or a decaf variety.
- Pomegranate Juice60 ml / 2 ozUnsweetened, 100% juice is recommended for the best flavor.
- Ginger Ale90 ml / 3 ozChilled. Use a good quality ginger ale with a strong ginger flavor. Ginger beer can be substituted for a spicier kick.
- Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozFreshly squeezed is best for brightness.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed; the drink is built directly in the serving glass and stirred gently with a bar spoon.
- Highball Glass for building the drink
- Bar Spoon for gentle stirring
Instructions
To prepare, fill a glass with ice, add the tea and juices, stir gently, and top with ginger ale. Garnish and serve immediately for the best experience.
1. Fill a Highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the chilled black tea, pomegranate juice, and fresh lemon juice into the glass.
3. Gently stir the ingredients with a bar spoon to combine.
4. Top up the glass with chilled ginger ale.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and an optional rosemary sprig.
Garnishing
Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel or wedge to complement the citrus notes. For extra aroma and visual flair, add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few pomegranate arils.
- Lemon Wheel or Wedge for a citrusy aroma
- Rosemary Sprig for an herbaceous note (optional)
- Pomegranate Arils for visual appeal (optional)
Dietary Information
This mocktail is vegan, vegetarian, and free from dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. However, it is not caffeine-free due to the presence of black tea; use decaffeinated tea for a caffeine-free version.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This mocktail is relatively low in calories, with moderate carbohydrate and sugar content primarily from the juices and ginger ale. The exact nutritional values can vary depending on the specific brands of juice and soda used.
Calories
Averagely 90-110 kcal / 377-460 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 22-26 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 20-24 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This versatile mocktail is perfect for a variety of social gatherings, from a sunny summer BBQ to an elegant brunch. Its refreshing qualities make it an excellent afternoon drink. It is also a sophisticated choice for celebratory events like baby showers where non-alcoholic options are appreciated.
- Summer BBQ
- Brunch
- Baby Shower
- Afternoon Refresher
Pairing suggestions
The drink's balance of sweet, tart, and spicy notes makes it a great companion for a wide range of foods. It pairs wonderfully with spicy Asian cuisine, grilled meats, and fresh salads. It also complements the flavors of a savory cheese platter.
- Spicy Asian dishes
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Light salads
- Cheese platters
The Pomegranate Ginger Palmer: A Refreshing and Spicy Elixir
The Pomegranate Ginger Palmer is a sophisticated and invigorating mocktail that offers a delightful alternative to alcoholic beverages. It builds on the beloved Arnold Palmer foundation, infusing it with the bold, fruity tartness of pomegranate and the spicy warmth of ginger. This drink is incredibly easy to make, requiring no special equipment, and is perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations. Its beautiful color, refreshing taste, and complex flavor profile make it a standout choice for anyone seeking a delicious and memorable non-alcoholic drink.
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Alcoholic Variations
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