Blood Orange-Pomegranate Mocktail

This blood orange pomegranate mocktail with a touch of turmeric is not only seasonal, it’s hands-down delicious. For all my non-drinkers out there, this recipe is a must-try.  Lightly sweet and bubbly, this beauty is not only nice to look at, it might even be good for you. Perfect for the cool Fall and Winter months, this is a great addition to any gathering of friends and family that you may already be planning.

I must admit, I find the name “blood orange” a bit off-putting. But the name does accurately depict the deep red/purplish color in blood oranges that is the result of anthocyanin, an antioxidant that develops when these specialty oranges ripen during warm days offset by slightly cooler nights. Because blood oranges need a more temperate climate, they flourish in areas such as the Mediterranean, where they are believed to have originated, and are common in certain areas of California. I don’t recall seeing blood oranges in NYC growing up, but in Northern California, they are abundant, especially during the December-April months.

If we are skipping the alcohol in this beverage, let’s make this mocktail a powerful one in the health department. Pomegranates are among the healthiest fruits on earth, so I added pomegranate juice to the mix as well. Categorized as a berry, pomegranate skin is thick and inedible. But there are hundreds of edible seeds called “arils” within. The arils themselves are what people eat, either raw or processed into juice. Rich in fiber, vitamins (C and K in particular), as well as other minerals and bioactive plant compounds, pomegranate is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.

My last powerhouse ingredient in this refreshing mocktail is turmeric, or “golden spice,” which gives curry powder its bright, beautiful yellow color. Turmeric, also known as Indian saffron, has been referred to as one of the most effective nutritional supplements in existence. Used for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb, curcumin is the main active component (and is also considered to be a strong antioxidant).

So whether you’re looking for a fun new non-alcoholic mocktail to serve at your next holiday gathering or you’re simply looking for something flavorful and healthy(ish) to drink on the weekends, give this one a try.  Hopefully, you’ll fall in love with it–just like I did.