Pomegranate Infused Water: Recipe and Steeping Guide

Pomegranate infused water is water steeped with pomegranate arils; this recipe takes about 2 hours 10 minutes and yields about 1 litre (4¼ cups). For another ratio, try the ai infused water generator.

It is a lightly flavoured option within the broader category of fruit infused water. The recipe uses whole arils rather than juice, so the flavour is subtler than that of a pomegranate juice drink.

What is pomegranate infused water?

Pomegranate infused water is made by refrigerating pomegranate arils in drinking water. The arils are the juicy, seed-containing pieces inside the fruit. They lend the water a mild flavour and may give it a pale pink colour.

You can strain out the arils or serve them in the glass. Leaving them whole gives a lighter infusion than crushing them, which releases more juice.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

For about 1 litre of pomegranate infused water, use roughly 150 g of arils per litre of water. A clean, covered pitcher large enough to hold the water and fruit makes mixing easy.

Ingredients

150 g pomegranate arils, about ⅞ cup
1,000 mL drinking water, about 4¼ cups

The cup measurement for arils is approximate because their size varies. You can measure them by weight for a more consistent result. No sweetener is needed, although the finished water will taste less sweet than juice.

How do you make pomegranate infused water?

Wash the outside of a whole pomegranate under running water before cutting it, then remove the arils. Alternatively, use ready-to-eat arils.
Measure 150 g (about ⅞ cup) of arils and pour 1,000 mL (about 4¼ cups) of drinking water into a clean pitcher.
Add the arils to the water, stir gently and cover the pitcher.
Refrigerate for 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for a fuller flavour.
Strain the arils if desired and serve the water chilled.

The active preparation takes about 10 minutes; the remaining 2 hours are for the initial refrigerated steep. The recipe makes approximately four 250 mL servings.

How long should pomegranate infused water steep?

Steep pomegranate infused water in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours. Taste it after 2 hours and leave it longer if you prefer a more noticeable flavour.

Whole arils release flavour gradually, so the water will remain relatively mild. For a stronger fruit flavour, gently crush some arils before adding them, bearing in mind that this releases juice and adds some natural sugar and calories to the water.

How should you store pomegranate infused water?

Keep pomegranate infused water covered in the refrigerator and drink it within 24 hours for the best flavour. Discard it after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.

Do not leave the pitcher at room temperature for more than a few hours. Use a clean glass when serving, and return the pitcher to the refrigerator promptly.

What are some pomegranate infused water variations?

For a citrus-and-herb combination, see pomegranate lime mint water. For a simpler variation, add 8–12 washed mint leaves, about 5 g, to the pitcher before refrigerating it.

You can also use fewer arils for a gentler flavour while keeping the same amount of water. Keep variations refrigerated and follow the same storage guidance.

What are the benefits of pomegranate infused water?

Pomegranate infused water can make drinking water more appealing and help you stay hydrated. Hydration supports normal body functions, including those of the liver and kidneys, which do most of the body’s detoxification.

Whole pomegranate arils provide nutrients: 100 g contains 4 g of fibre and 10.2 mg of vitamin C. That does not mean those amounts transfer into the water during steeping. See pomegranate infused water benefits for more on the distinction.

Who should avoid pomegranate infused water?

Avoid pomegranate infused water if you have a pomegranate allergy. If you take warfarin or another medicine with food interactions, ask your clinician or pharmacist before regularly using pomegranate; evidence about interactions with this particular infusion is limited.

If you have kidney disease or a prescribed fluid restriction, follow your individual care plan and ask your clinician how this drink fits. For young children, consider straining out the arils and ask a pediatrician about age-appropriate foods. Seek urgent medical help for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat. Learn more about pomegranate infused water side effects.

What else should you know?

The answers below cover using the arils after steeping and making the recipe with frozen fruit.