I’m always on the lookout for fresh and creative drinks to share at holiday gatherings or enjoy on a cozy night in. Lately, pomegranates have become my go-to ingredient for crafting delicious and healthy holiday mocktails.
I’m excited to partner with POM Wonderful to bring you a flavorful way to celebrate the season with pomegranates. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, pomegranates add a nutritious and naturally sweet twist to any holiday drink.
Nutritional benefits of pomegranates
Pomegranates are a nutrient-rich fruit that peak in winter, making them a perfect seasonal choice. Eating produce in season provides enhanced nutritional benefits, as it’s harvested at its peak freshness and nutrient content. Fresh pomegranate juice, available year-round, and is whole pressed to release the polyphenols in the rind, pith and arils to optimize potential antioxidant benefit. There are no filler and never any added sugar.
Antioxidants
Things like stress and environmental pollutants can generate even more free radicals for the body to deal with. Pomegranate juice contains polyphenol antioxidants. Pomegranate juice’s antioxidants help fight free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause damage to our bodies over time.
Power through a workout
Boosting your workout doesn’t have to be complicated: pomegranate juice is the perfect tool to fuel your exercise.
The polyphenol antioxidants, like those found in POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice, can help protect nitric oxide from breaking down in the body. Nitric oxide helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your muscles during exercise.
Plus, pomegranate juice is a good source of potassium, which is an important electrolyte in muscle function. Just one 8-ounce bottle of POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice provides 10% of your daily value.
This holiday season enjoy a nutrient-packed festive mocktail featuring POMWonderful.
Sparkling Pomegranate Holiday Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice
- 1/4 cup sparkling water or club soda
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- POMWonderful pomegranate arils for garnish
- Rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- In a glass, combine the pomegranate juice, orange juice, and lime juice. Stir well.
- Fill the glass with ice, then top with sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing fizz.
- Garnish with a spoonful of pomegranate arils and a rosemary sprig for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your nutrient-packed, holiday-inspired mocktail.
For an extra festive twist, rim the glass with a mix of sugar and finely grated orange zest.
The Bottom line
Pomegranates are in season, making this the ideal time to enjoy them as a snack, in recipes, or in a festive mocktail. During the winter, pomegranates are at their peak nutrient density, offering a range of health benefits thanks to their antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Try adding pomegranates to a holiday mocktail this season for an extra dose of nutrients.
Kristen Carli, MS, RD is owner and registered dietitian nutritionist at Camelback Nutrition & Wellness. Reach her at camelbacknutritionwellness.com/contact.
