Ruby Pomegranate Blood Orange Ginger Cooler Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the most vibrant color, choose a pomegranate juice that is deep red, not pale pink. If you want a more intense ginger flavor, let the grated ginger steep in the juice base for an hour before chilling.

You can also strain the ginger out after steeping if you prefer a completely smooth drink. For a festive touch, freeze pomegranate seeds in ice cubes and use those instead of plain ice—they will slowly release color and flavor as they melt.

To make a larger batch for a party, multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and mix the base in a punch bowl. Add the sparkling water just before serving, and float a big ice ring made from juice instead of water to keep the drink cold without diluting. If you want to turn this into a cocktail, a splash of vodka or gin pairs beautifully with the fruit and ginger, but the drink is equally satisfying on its own.

Variations

• Sparkling Rosemary Cooler: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary to the juice base while it chills, then remove before serving. The herbal note pairs beautifully with the ginger and citrus. Garnish with a small rosemary sprig.
• Minty Pomegranate Fizz: Muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the bottom of each glass before adding ice and the cooler. The mint adds a cool, refreshing contrast to the ginger’s warmth.
• Spiced Apple Cooler: Replace half of the pomegranate juice with apple cider and add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the base. The apple and cinnamon create a cozy fall version of this drink.
• Citrus Berry Cooler: Swap the blood orange juice for a mix of orange and grapefruit juice, and add a handful of fresh raspberries to the pitcher. The berries add a tart, fruity dimension.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep the juice base in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add sparkling water only when ready to serve.

Freezer

The juice base can be frozen in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Reheat

This drink is served cold; do not reheat. If frozen, thaw the base in the refrigerator and then add sparkling water.

The juice base (without sparkling water) can be stored in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The ginger flavor will intensify, so you may want to strain it out after 24 hours.

Do not add the sparkling water until serving, as it will lose its fizz. Garnishes like blood orange slices and pomegranate seeds should be prepared fresh, but they can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for a few hours.

The entire juice base can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. This makes the cooler perfect for entertaining—just have the sparkling water chilled and the garnishes ready, then assemble in minutes. If making ahead, consider holding back half of the ginger and adding it fresh before serving to maintain a bright, zingy flavor. The honey can be adjusted after chilling, as cold temperatures can mute sweetness.

Serving ideas

Serve this cooler in tall glasses filled with ice for a refreshing everyday drink, or in stemmed glassware for a more elegant presentation. The garnishes are essential—a blood orange slice on the rim and a few pomegranate seeds floating on top make the drink look professionally crafted.

For a brunch spread, pair it with light dishes like smoked salmon sandwiches or a citrus salad. The drink’s acidity and ginger heat also stand up well to spicy foods.

For a non-alcoholic option at a party, this cooler can be served from a large pitcher or dispenser with a ladle. Add a few extra orange slices and pomegranate seeds to the pitcher for a beautiful display.

If you want to make it a cocktail, add a shot of vodka or gin per glass, and consider a sprig of mint for a contrasting note. The drink is best enjoyed immediately after adding the sparkling water, so plan to mix it right before your guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Ruby Pomegranate Blood Orange Ginger Cooler

Prep 10 minCook 0 minTotal 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
• 3/4 cup fresh blood orange juice (about 3 blood oranges)
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 cups chilled sparkling water
• ice cubes, for serving
• blood orange slices, for garnish, to taste
• pomegranate seeds, for garnish, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the pomegranate juice, blood orange juice, grated ginger, and honey. Stir with a wooden spoon until the honey is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust with more honey if a sweeter drink is preferred.
2. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, so the flavors meld. If short on time, skip the chill and use cold juices directly.
3. Just before serving, pour the chilled sparkling water into the pitcher. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to lose too much fizz.
4. Fill four serving glasses with ice cubes. Pour the cooler over the ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top of each glass.
5. Garnish each glass with a slice of blood orange and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately while the drink is still bubbly and cold.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

130

Protein

1 g

Carbohydrates

33 g

Fat

0 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.