Pomegranate Lime Water: Recipe and How to Make It

Pomegranate lime water is cold water infused with pomegranate arils and sliced lime; it takes 2 hours 10 minutes in total and yields about 4 cups (950 mL). It’s a citrusy variation of pomegranate infused water with no added sugar.

What is pomegranate lime water?

Pomegranate lime water is a fruit-infused drink made by letting pomegranate arils and lime slices steep in water. The arils are the juicy, seed-containing pieces inside a pomegranate; they lend a mild fruity flavor, while the lime adds a brighter, tart note.

This recipe uses whole arils and slices rather than juice. The color and flavor may be subtle because the fruit isn’t blended or squeezed. If you prefer a stronger drink, leave the pitcher in the refrigerator for longer, within the steeping time below.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

For about four 1-cup servings, use a clean pitcher large enough to hold the water and fruit:

Cold drinking water: 950 mL (4 cups)
Pomegranate arils: 150 g (about 1 cup)
Lime: 1 lime, about 60–100 g (about ⅓–½ cup thin slices)

The ratio is roughly 1 cup of arils and 1 lime per 4 cups of water. Lime sizes vary, so the weight and sliced volume are approximate. Use a little less lime for a gentler citrus flavor, or add a few more slices if you prefer a sharper taste.

You can use arils from a whole pomegranate or ready-to-eat packaged arils. If opening a whole pomegranate, rinse its exterior under running water first; measure the arils after removing them from the peel.

How do you make pomegranate lime water?

Hands-on time: 10 minutes
Refrigerated steep: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: About 4 cups (950 mL)

Rinse the lime under running water and cut it into thin slices.
Add the pomegranate arils and lime slices to a clean pitcher. Leave the arils whole for a lightly infused drink.
Pour in the cold drinking water and cover the pitcher.
Refrigerate for 2 hours, then taste. For a stronger flavor, steep for up to 4 hours in total.
Remove the lime slices by the 4-hour mark to limit bitterness from the peel and pith. Strain out the arils too, if you prefer, and serve chilled.

For another combination, try the ai infused water generator after making this recipe.

Why do pomegranate and lime work well together?

Pomegranate gives the water a delicate, fruity taste, while lime provides acidity that makes the combination taste brighter. The balance is adjustable: use fewer lime slices if their tartness overwhelms the pomegranate, or steep the mixture toward the longer end of the range for more flavor.

Like lime water, pomegranate lime water can make plain water more appealing without requiring a sweetener. Its main benefit is hydration. Pomegranate arils contain fiber when eaten, but you shouldn’t assume that fiber passes into the infused water.

Pomegranate lime water doesn’t perform a special detox. The liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification, while the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste.

How should you store pomegranate lime water?

Keep pomegranate lime water covered and refrigerated, including during its steep. Remove the lime slices after 4 hours at most, even if you plan to leave the arils in the pitcher longer; citrus peel and pith can make the water bitter.

Drink it within 24 hours for the best flavor. Discard it after 2 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. Don’t leave the pitcher at room temperature for more than a few hours.

If you serve the water at a gathering, pour portions into glasses rather than leaving the pitcher out for a long period. Use a clean utensil whenever you remove fruit from the pitcher.

How can you vary pomegranate lime water?

Make it milder

Use half the lime and keep the same amount of water and pomegranate. Start with a 2-hour refrigerated steep, then taste before deciding whether to steep it longer.

Add fresh mint

Rinse 8–12 mint leaves and add them to the pitcher with the fruit. Mint contributes a cool aroma without needing sugar; strain the leaves with the fruit if you prefer a clear glass.

Adjust the fruitiness

For a more noticeable pomegranate flavor, add a little more aril or extend the refrigerated steep to 4 hours. For a lighter drink, add more cold water after steeping. Neither adjustment requires squeezing the fruit.