Citrus pomegranate mojito with arak
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
8 drinks
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Cuisine
South American, International, Middle Eastern, Caribbean
Citrus pomegranate mojito with arak
Description
The Citrus pomegranate mojito with arak is a complex cocktail combining fresh mint leaves muddled gently with honey to release flavor without over-mashing. Arak, a spirit with anise notes, can be added early or later depending on preference, allowing for customizable alcohol strength. The base comprises chilled pomegranate juice alongside freshly squeezed blood orange, mandarin, and lime juices. Sparkling water or club soda tops off the drink to add effervescence and dilute sweetness.
The mix of multiple citrus juices and fresh pomegranate arils brings a vibrant, fresh texture and bright flavor. Garnished with assorted citrus slices, mint leaves, and pomegranate seeds, it is visually attractive and refreshing. This cocktail pairs well with light appetizers or can be served as a festive drink for gatherings.
A non-alcoholic mocktail version can omit the arak and optionally substitute an anise-flavored syrup for aromatic similarity without alcohol. Adjustments to honey and sparkling water allow tuning sweetness and fizz to taste.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 oz mint a large bunch, leaves
- honey adjust to taste based on your preference and sweetness of fruit juices
- 1 ½ cups arak or about 1 ½ ounces per drink, adjust more or less based on your preference- can use raki, ouzo or pastis if unable to find arak
- 1 cup pomegranate juice or sparkling pomegranate soda, chilled
- 1 ¼ cups blood orange juice freshly squeezed; mandarin juice may be replaced with tangerine juice; lime juice may be replaced with lemon juice; chilled
- 1 ¼ cups mandarin juice
- 1 ¼ cups lime juice
- sparkling water adjust to taste, or club soda, chilled
- ice as needed
Garnishes:
- 1 to 2 cups pomegranate arils fresh
- blood orange mandarin, lemon, limes, oranges, kumquats, etc, assorted citrus fruit slices
Instructions
- In a pitcher, muddle a couple handfuls of the mint leaves with the honey, don’t overly mash the leaves. The goal is to gently mix and release the minty oil and flavor.
- You can add the arak at this point, or add it later when serving each individual glass. Adding it later gives the flexibility of adjusting the amount of alcohol based on each individual’s preference.
- Add a handful of ice cubes and some of the citrus slices/pomegranate arils as well as additional mint leaves.
- Add the pomegranate and citrus juice mix, stir well, and taste. Add additional honey if needed and top off with sparkling water. Finish by adding a few more citrus slices/arils/mint leaves.
- Add ice cubes and garnishes to each individual glass; pour the drink into each glass, add the liquor at this point if it wasn’t added before. Stir gently and top off with additional sparkling water or club soda if needed.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- To make a non-alcoholic version, leave out arak and add an anise-infused syrup to maintain flavor.
- Adjust honey sweetness based on personal preference and the tartness of the fruit juices used.
- Adding arak separately in individual glasses lets each person tailor alcohol strength.
- Use fresh-squeezed citrus juices and chilled ingredients for best flavor and temperature.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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