I love a warm, lightly spiced drink on a chilly night, and Cozy Mulled Pomegranate-Cherry Juice hits that mark every time with bright fruit flavor and soft spice. This nonalcoholic mull is simple to make, fragrant without being cloying, and perfect for family gatherings or a solo cozy evening. When I tested it repeatedly, I found it keeps well and always draws compliments—think of it as the seasonal hug in a mug; you can compare its warmth to a classic mulled wine when you want a grown-up version like Cozy Mulled Wine by my other favorite recipe.
Why Make This Recipe
- Bright, tart pomegranate and rich cherry create a layered, balanced flavor that feels festive but not heavy.
- It’s naturally caffeine-free and hydrates, making it kid-friendly and suitable for evening sipping.
- Quick to assemble: you can have it ready in about 20–30 minutes with mostly hands-off simmering.
- Nutritionally, it delivers antioxidants and vitamin C from the juices without added dairy or gluten.
- I love this recipe because it’s forgiving—if one spice is too strong, you can dial it back during simmering and still end up with a lovely drink, and it pairs especially well with desserts like apple brownies.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes (plus 10 minutes steeping)
- Total time: 30–35 minutes
- Servings: 6 (about 1 cup / 240 ml each)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Simmering and steeping in a large saucepan, with optional finishing in a slow cooker for keeping warm.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested several spice combinations and found that whole spices—cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and a halved star anise—give the cleanest flavor that’s easy to control. I also discovered that simmering gently preserves the bright fruit notes; a rolling boil dulls their brightness.
How to Make Cozy Mulled Pomegranate-Cherry Juice
Start by combining 4 cups pomegranate juice, 4 cups 100% cherry juice (unsweetened if possible), 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, and 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey in a large saucepan. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, 1 star anise, a 1-inch piece of sliced fresh ginger, and the peel of one orange (avoid the bitter white pith). Heat over medium until it just comes to a gentle simmer (about 185°F), then reduce to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the mixture steep for 10 minutes before straining through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof pot or slow cooker set to warm.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use whole spices and a spice sachet or cheesecloth to make straining simple and to avoid a gritty texture from powdered spices.
- Keep the temperature below a full boil—aim for a gentle simmer (approximately 175–190°F) so the fruit flavor stays bright and the maple syrup doesn’t caramelize.
- If you cook for a crowd, finish and hold the mull in a slow cooker on low (around 140–160°F) so it stays warm without further reducing.
- Taste and adjust sweetness after simmering; start with 1/4 cup sweetener and add up to 1/3 cup if your juices are very tart.
- For a full cozy menu idea, serve alongside a savory starter such as the Best Collagen Soup to balance the fruity sweetness.
How to Serve Cozy Mulled Pomegranate-Cherry Juice
- Serve hot in pre-warmed mugs to keep temperature longer and garnish with a cinnamon stick and a thin orange wheel for color.
- Offer star anise or pomegranate arils in a small bowl so guests can personalize their cup with texture and visual appeal.
- For a brunch or casual dinner, place a ladle and garnishes on the table so people can help themselves; it pairs well with rich or spiced mains such as Bold Cozy Chickpea Paprikash.
- For a festive nonalcoholic punch, add sparkling water (1:3 ratio sparkling to mull) right before serving to preserve fizz.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Cool leftover mull completely, then store in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to about 140–160°F—avoid boiling—to preserve flavor, or rewarm in a slow cooker on low for several hours.
Recipe Variations
- Spiced Citrus: Add 2 star anise and a split vanilla bean while simmering for a warmer, more rounded profile; strain before serving.
- Boozy Option: Stir in 1–2 cups of dark rum or brandy per 8 cups of mull after removing it from heat for an adult version.
- Low-Sugar / Diabetic-Friendly: Use unsweetened cherry and pomegranate juice and sweeten with 1–2 tablespoons of erythritol or monk fruit to taste.
- Fall Menu Pairing: For a menu-focused change, serve the drink with a bright salad—try pairing with an Autumn Caesar Salad with Delicata Squash Croutons for contrast and texture.
Nutritional Highlights
Pomegranate and cherry juices provide antioxidants (anthocyanins and polyphenols) and vitamin C, which support immune health. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free; check added sweeteners if you need strict sugar control. Serving size is about 1 cup (240 ml); if watching calories or sugar, reduce the added sweetener or dilute with sparkling water.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Too sweet: Dilute with unsweetened cherry or pomegranate juice or add a squeeze of lemon to brighten and cut sweetness.
- Bitter or medicinal spice flavor: This often comes from over-steeped citrus peel or powdered spices—use fresh citrus peel (avoid pith), whole spices, and remove them after 15–20 minutes of simmering.
- Flat flavor after reheating: Reheat slowly and add a splash of fresh orange juice or a small pinch of salt to revive brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker from start to finish?
A: Yes. Combine all ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker, cook on low for 1–2 hours until hot and fragrant, then keep on warm. Avoid long, high-heat cooking which can dull the fruit flavor; remove spices after the initial simmer for best results.
Q: How do I adjust the spice level for kids?
A: Use milder spices: reduce cloves and omit star anise, and rely on cinnamon and a small piece of ginger for gentle warmth. Steep for only 10 minutes so the spices remain subtle.
Q: Can I use fresh pomegranate and cherries instead of bottled juices?
A: Absolutely. Use about 6 cups fresh-pressed pomegranate juice and 5 cups fresh cherry juice (or blend and strain cherries) to replace store-bought juices; you may need to adjust sweetness since fresh juices vary in tartness.
Q: Is there a way to make this sugar-free without losing body?
A: Yes—use unsweetened juices and add a natural sweetener like stevia/monk fruit in small increments, and consider a tablespoon of glycerin or a splash of apple cider to add mouthfeel if you miss the viscosity that sugar provides.
Cozy Mulled Pomegranate-Cherry Juice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A warm, lightly spiced nonalcoholic drink perfect for chilly nights, featuring bright fruit flavors and soft spices.
Ingredients
- 4 cups pomegranate juice
- 4 cups cherry juice (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1 inch piece of sliced fresh ginger
- Peel of 1 orange (avoid white pith)
Instructions
- Combine pomegranate juice, cherry juice, orange juice, and maple syrup in a large saucepan.
- Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, ginger, and orange peel.
- Heat over medium until it reaches a gentle simmer (about 185°F).
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof pot or slow cooker set to warm.
Notes
Serve hot and garnish with a cinnamon stick and thin orange wheel. Adjust sweetness to taste after simmering.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering and steeping
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg