There’s something magical about sipping on a bubbly, fruity drink that brings everyone together—without a drop of alcohol. This Festive Fruit Sangria Mocktail Recipe is exactly that kind of magic, packed with bright flavors that sparkle, perfect for holiday moments or any celebration where you want to feel merry and bright.

There are two clear glasses filled with deep red liquid, each glass containing an orange slice, a green apple slice, and pomegranate seeds floating on top. One glass, in the front, also has a sprig of green rosemary tucked inside. The glasses are placed on a white marbled surface with additional scattered pomegranate seeds and a green rosemary sprig beside them. The colors contrast well with the white marbled background, showing the bright oranges, greens, and dark reds clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Fruit Sangria Mocktail Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Fruit Sangria Mocktail Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Fruit Sangria Mocktail Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Festive Fruit Sangria Mocktail Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that feels luxurious without any alcohol. I love serving this when friends come over because everyone always asks for seconds—and it’s so easy to make ahead!

Refreshing and light: The combo of pomegranate and apple juice with citrus slices brings a fresh, vibrant flavor perfect for any occasion.
Kid-friendly and festive: This mocktail looks beautiful and tastes exciting, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Simple prep: Just a few ingredients and some fridge time, and you’re set to impress without stress.
Customizable fizz: You can choose ginger ale, ginger beer, or sparkling water based on your flavor preference or dietary needs.

Two clear glasses filled halfway with dark red liquid sit on a round white marble plate. Each glass has floating slices of orange and lemon, a sprig of green rosemary, and scattered red pomegranate seeds at the bottom and on the plate. Behind the glasses is a tall, clear glass carafe containing the same dark red liquid, about one third full. An orange wedge rests on the marble plate beside the glasses. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this festive mocktail plays a key role in creating a layered, fruit-forward drink that’s bubbly, colorful, and full of flavor. I always recommend fresh fruit for the best aroma and visual appeal, plus juices without added sugar to keep it balanced and naturally sweet.

Flat lay of fresh whole small orange sliced into thin rounds, a lemon cut into wedges with bright yellow peel, a Granny Smith apple cut into crisp green pieces, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red pomegranate arils, a small white ceramic bowl containing deep red pomegranate juice, a small white ceramic bowl of golden apple juice, and a clear glass pitcher partially filled with bubbly ginger ale, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pomegranate juice: Brings a tart depth and rich color that screams festive; I opt for no-sugar-added to control sweetness.
Apple juice: Adds mellow sweetness and rounds out the tartness of the pomegranate—Granny Smith apples also add a crisp bite.
Orange and lemon slices: Fresh citrus brightens the whole drink and gives it that classic sangria vibe.
Granny Smith apple pieces: These add crunch and a refreshing tart hint that balances the juice sweetness.
Pomegranate arils or cranberries: Little bursts of color and flavor that make the mocktail look festive and taste juicy.
Ginger ale or ginger beer: The fizzy finish that brings sparkle and a little zing, making every sip lively.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This is one of those recipes where you can really have fun mixing and matching flavors. Sometimes I swap in fresh berries instead of pomegranate arils or add a sprig of fresh mint for a cool twist. You should totally experiment with what you love!

Variation: One holiday, I swapped ginger ale for a spicy ginger beer and added star anise—the warmth elevated the whole drink and made it feel extra special.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Fruit Sangria Mocktail Recipe

Step 1: Combine Juices and Fresh Fruit

Start by pouring the pomegranate juice and apple juice into a large pitcher. Add thin slices of orange and lemon, and toss in the chopped Granny Smith apple pieces along with the pomegranate arils. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the flavors together.

Step 2: Chill and Let Flavors Meld

Pop the pitcher in the fridge for at least 45 minutes — but honestly, I prefer waiting closer to 4 hours or even overnight if I can. This chilling time lets the fruit infuse into the juices beautifully, giving you that classic sangria flavor.

Step 3: Add the Fizz and Serve

Just before serving, pour cold ginger ale into the pitcher and gently stir to combine without losing too much fizz. Pour into glasses with ice if you like it chilled, and garnish with extra fruit slices or a rosemary sprig for an extra festive touch.

Top Tip

From my experience, letting the mocktail sit longer in the fridge really elevates the flavor. Also, be gentle when adding the ginger ale to keep that fizz intact!

Chill Time Matters: The longer you let it rest, the more those fruits release their essence, making the mocktail taste richer.
Add Fizz Last: Pour in the ginger ale just when you’re ready to serve to maintain the bubbles.
Use Fresh Fruit: Fresh slices look pretty and also contribute natural aromas that bottled juices can’t replicate.
Don’t Over-Stir: A gentle fold keeps the carbonation alive, so your mocktail stays lively.

How to Serve Festive Fruit Sangria Mocktail Recipe

Festive Fruit Sangria - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When I serve this mocktail, I love topping glasses with a cinnamon stick or a sprig of fresh rosemary—it adds a lovely aroma and festive feel. Thin slices of citrus and a few pomegranate arils floating on top just make it so inviting!

Side Dishes

This mocktail pairs beautifully with light appetizers like cheese boards, roasted nuts, or even some delicate finger sandwiches. During the holidays, I enjoy serving it alongside spiced cookies or cranberry scones to keep the flavor theme going.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like using a clear glass punch bowl so the vibrant fruit and bubbles shine. You can also freeze fruit cubes in ice trays beforehand and add them instead of regular ice—this keeps the drink chilled without diluting it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days if you keep the ginger ale separate and only add it when serving. Otherwise, the drink can lose its fizz quickly, which takes away some of the magic.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the mocktail itself because the fizzy element will disappear, and fruit texture changes when thawed. Instead, freeze leftover fruit pieces in ice cube trays for later use in drinks.

Reheating

This mocktail is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want a warm drink version, try gently warming the juice portion with spices like cinnamon and cloves and omit the ginger ale.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other juices instead of pomegranate and apple juice?

Absolutely! You can swap in cranberry juice for pomegranate or even pear juice for apple juice, but keep the balance between tart and sweet for the best flavor.

How long can I prepare the Festive Fruit Sangria Mocktail Recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the juice and fruit mixture up to 4 hours in advance and keep it chilled. Just add the ginger ale right before serving to keep it fizzy.

Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ginger ale or sparkling water.

What’s the best way to keep the drink cold without watering it down?

Freeze fruit pieces in ice cube trays and add those cubes to your glass instead of regular ice. This keeps the sangria mocktail cold and flavorful without dilution.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Fruit Sangria Mocktail Recipe has become my go-to for celebrations because it brings that joyful, festive spirit without the fuss or the alcohol. It’s bright, fun, and just what you need when you want a special drink that everyone can enjoy. Honestly, once you make this, I think you’ll reach for it again and again—it’s that good!