Marry This Mulled Pomegranate-Cherry Juice is a warm and spiced recipe, which is made with pomegranate juice and star anise. It’s the perfect holiday drink, ready in about 40 minutes.
Jump to RecipeMulled Pomegranate-Cherry Juice Recipe Ingredients
- 2 oranges
- 6 allspice berries
- 4 star anise pods
- 1 tsp. coriander seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 3/4 cup honey
- 2 cups black cherry juice
- 1 qt. pomegranate juice
- 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
How To Make Mulled Pomegranate-Cherry Juice
- Combine Ingredients: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the peels from the oranges in long strips. Place the peels in a medium saucepan. Add the allspice berries, star anise pods, coriander seeds, bay leaf, and honey. Squeeze the juice from the peeled oranges directly into the pan.
- Simmer and Infuse: Pour in the black cherry juice and the pomegranate juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat and let it gently infuse for 30 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
- Strain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon or a fine-mesh sieve to remove and discard the orange peels and whole spices. Stir the mixed berries into the warm mulled juice and ladle into heatproof mugs to serve.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the clearest juice? Using whole spices, as the recipe calls for, is the key to a beautiful, clear mulled juice. If you use ground spices, the drink will be cloudy and may have a slightly gritty texture.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This is the perfect make-ahead party drink. You can prepare it completely, strain it, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving, adding the berries at the end.
- Can I make this an alcoholic beverage? Yes, this is a fantastic base for a boozy punch. For an adult version, stir in about 1 to 1 ½ cups of brandy, dark rum, or even a red wine after you have strained the spices.
- What if I can’t find black cherry juice? If black cherry juice isn’t available, you can substitute it with an equal amount of regular tart cherry juice or even a good quality cranberry juice for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
What To Serve With Mulled Juice
This warm and festive drink is the perfect welcome for guests at a holiday party or a cozy evening. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Shortbread or gingerbread cookies
- A simple cheese board with nuts and crackers
- Savory appetizers like sausage rolls or mini quiches
How To Store Mulled Juice
- Refrigerate: Let the mulled juice cool completely, then store it in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the juice gently in a saucepan on the stove over low heat until it is warmed through. Avoid boiling it.
Mulled Juice Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 cup
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sugar: 45g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes. You can easily substitute the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup for a different warm flavor, or simply use granulated or brown sugar to taste.
It has a pleasant sweetness to balance the tartness of the pomegranate and cherry juices. You can always start with a smaller amount of honey (e.g., ½ cup) and add more at the end after tasting it.
Yes, this is a perfect recipe for the slow cooker! Simply combine all the ingredients (except the final mixed berries) in the crock pot and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours. Strain and add the berries just before serving. This is a great way to keep it warm throughout a party.
Try More Recipes:
- Cherry-Almond Bars Recipe
- Cherry Punch Recipe
- Apple, Pecan, and Blue Cheese Salad with Dried Cherries Recipe
Mulled Pomegranate-Cherry Juice Recipe
Course: DrinksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Simmering10
servings10
minutes30
minutes190
kcalA warm, fragrant, and festive non-alcoholic drink featuring pomegranate and cherry juices gently simmered with whole spices, orange, and honey.
Ingredients
2 oranges (peels and juice)
Whole Spices: 6 allspice berries, 4 star anise pods, 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1 bay leaf
3/4 cup honey
2 cups black cherry juice
1 qt. pomegranate juice
2 cups mixed berries, for serving
Directions
- Place the orange peels, allspice, star anise, coriander, bay leaf, and honey in a large saucepan. Squeeze in the juice from the oranges.
- Pour in the black cherry juice and pomegranate juice.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat and let it infuse for 30 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon or strainer to remove and discard all the orange peels and whole spices.
- Stir the fresh mixed berries into the hot mulled juice.
- Ladle into mugs and serve immediately.
Notes
- The most important tip for this recipe is to let the juice simmer gently on low heat; do not let it come to a rapid boil, as this can make the spices taste bitter.
- Using whole spices instead of ground is the secret to a beautifully clear, jewel-toned drink.
- This is a perfect make-ahead drink for a party. Just prepare, strain, and store in the fridge, then reheat gently before your guests arrive.
- For a festive adult version, stir in a cup of brandy or dark rum at the end after you have strained the spices.
