This bright, fizzy pomegranate punch is my go-to party drink when I need something super simple that still looks amazing on the table. It's sweet, a little tart, loaded with fruity flavor, and it takes about 10 minutes to stir together!
This pomegranate punch recipe is made without alcohol, so it works for kids, grown-ups and everyone in between. Pretty pomegranate seeds, lime wheels and fresh mint dress it up for the holidays, a baby shower or any party where you want a big batch of something festive.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cherry pomegranate drink mix. This is the shortcut that gives the punch its deep red color and big pomegranate flavor. I use Crystal Light Cherry Pomegranate pitcher packets, which keep the punch sugar-free on the sweet side. Any cherry pomegranate drink mix works. Just use enough to make about 4 quarts.
- Cranberry juice. Cranberry adds a nice tart bite and even more red color. 100% cranberry juice keeps it on the tart side, while cranberry juice cocktail makes the punch a little sweeter.
- Lime juice. Fresh lime juice is best here, and you'll need about 4 limes for ½ cup. Bottled lime juice is fine in a pinch.
- Orange juice. Just a splash rounds out the tart juices. Pulp-free orange juice keeps the punch nice and clear.
- Club soda. This is what makes the punch fizzy! Sparkling water, lemon-lime soda or ginger ale all work too. Soda will make it sweeter.
- Pomegranate seeds, lime and mint. These are the garnishes, and they make the punch look so pretty. Look for containers of pomegranate seeds (arils) in the produce section if you don't want to seed a whole pomegranate.
Helpful Tips
Start with cold ingredients. Chill the water, juices and club soda before you mix everything. The punch is ready to serve right away, and the ice won't melt as fast and water it down.
Add the club soda last. Stir it in gently right before serving so the punch stays bubbly. If it sits too long after the soda goes in, it goes flat.
Dissolve the drink mix first. Stir the powder into the water until no grains are left before adding the juices. It mixes in much more easily that way.
Ice the glasses, not the bowl. A bowl full of ice melts and dilutes the whole batch. Put ice in each glass instead, or freeze some of the punch in an ice cube tray so the cubes add flavor instead of water.
Seed a pomegranate the easy way. Cut the pomegranate in half, hold it cut side down over a bowl, and tap the back with a wooden spoon. The seeds fall right out! Doing it in a bowl of water keeps the juice from splattering everywhere.
Variations
- Real pomegranate juice. Swap 2 cups of the water for POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice for even more pomegranate flavor.
- Make it a cocktail. Add 1 ½ to 2 cups of white rum or vodka for a grown-up party punch. If your crowd loves a boozy punch, try my Strawberry Limeade Rum Punch too.
- Sparkling wine. Replace the club soda with prosecco or champagne for a festive holiday or New Year's Eve version.
- Ginger fizz. Use ginger ale instead of club soda for a sweeter punch with a little spice.
- Fruit garnish swap. Float orange slices, fresh cranberries or raspberries along with the pomegranate seeds.
Serving Ideas
Serve this punch in a big punch bowl with a ladle and let everyone help themselves. A drink dispenser or a couple of large pitchers work great too. Set out a little bowl of extra pomegranate seeds, lime wheels and mint sprigs so guests can garnish their own glasses.
This pomegranate punch is perfect for holiday parties, baby and bridal showers, birthday parties and game nights. Pair it with something salty, like Bacon Wrapped Shrimp or Mini Bacon Ranch Cheese Balls. For a holiday spread, Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls look so pretty next to the red punch.
Hosting a big crowd? Make two different punches! This one goes great alongside a bright green Grinch Punch for a fun red and green Christmas drink table.
Make-Ahead & Storing
To make ahead, stir together the drink mix, water and juices up to 24 hours before your party. Cover and keep it in the refrigerator. Add the club soda, garnishes and ice just before serving.
Leftover punch keeps in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. It will lose its fizz, so top each glass with a splash of fresh club soda when you pour it. Strain out the mint and lime first, since they can turn bitter as they sit.
Punch doesn't freeze well in a container, but leftovers make great ice cubes! Freeze them in ice cube trays for up to 3 months and use them to chill your next batch of punch, lemonade or sparkling water.
More Drink Recipes
If you loved this pomegranate punch, here are a few more party drinks you might enjoy:
- Christmas Mocktail
- Grinch Punch
- Raspberry Kiddie Cocktail
- Copycat Sonic Cherry Limeade
- Fizzy Watermelon Mocktail
Recipe
Pomegranate Punch
Ingredients
- 2 pitcher packets Crystal Light Cherry Pomegranate drink mix (each makes 2 quarts) or any cherry pomegranate drink mix
- 8 cups water cold
- 2 cups cranberry juice chilled
- ½ cup lime juice freshly squeezed, from about 4 limes
- ½ cup orange juice pulp-free
- 2 cups club soda chilled
- crushed ice or ice cubes, for serving
For garnish
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
- 2 limes sliced into thin wheels
- fresh mint sprigs
Instructions
- Add the drink mix to a large punch bowl or pitcher. Pour in the cold water and stir until the powder is completely dissolved.
- Stir in the cranberry juice, lime juice and orange juice. If you're making the punch ahead, cover and refrigerate it at this point for up to 24 hours.
- Right before serving, gently stir in the chilled club soda so it stays fizzy.
- Float the pomegranate seeds, a few lime wheels and some mint sprigs on top of the punch.
- Fill glasses with ice and ladle in the punch. Garnish each glass with a lime wheel, a few pomegranate seeds and a sprig of mint.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition details are an estimate, per serving.
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