Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Pomegranate Cider Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 33 reviews

  • Author: Mary & Susan
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Pomegranate Cider is a warm, spiced drink perfect for cozy evenings. Made with 100% pomegranate juice, enriched with cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and fresh orange juice, it offers a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness. Served with optional whipped cream and garnished with cinnamon sticks and pomegranate arils, it’s a festive and comforting beverage for fall and winter gatherings.

Ingredients

Liquid Ingredients

  • 16 ounces pomegranate juice (100% juice, not a cocktail)
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 orange, freshly juiced (about ½ cup)

Spices

  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 to 2 cardamom pods
  • Orange rind (from the orange used for juicing)

For Serving

  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
  • Pomegranate arils (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the pomegranate juice, water, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamom pods, freshly squeezed orange juice, and the orange rind. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  3. Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Remove the lid and taste the cider. If it is too tart or not sweet enough, whisk in an additional ¼ cup of brown sugar. Continue simmering uncovered for a few more minutes to dissolve the sugar.
  4. Strain: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the cider through a fine mesh sieve to remove the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamom pods, and orange rind.
  5. Serve: Ladle the warm cider into mugs. Top with whipped cream if desired and garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of pomegranate arils for a festive presentation.

Notes

  • Use 100% pomegranate juice for the best flavor; avoid pomegranate cocktails which are diluted.
  • Adjust the sugar to your taste preference; the recipe provides for an initial ½ cup plus an optional ¼ cup more.
  • The cardamom pods can be slightly crushed before adding to help release more flavor.
  • This cider can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
  • For a non-alcoholic festive option, this cider is perfect, but it can also be spiked with a splash of rum or whiskey if desired.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://mysimpledish.com/pomegranate-cider-recipe/