🇹🇷 Turkey · Drinks
Pomegranate Sherbet
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
A vibrant and refreshing traditional Turkish drink, Nar Şerbeti captures the sweet-tart essence of fresh pomegranates. It’s a beautifully colored, invigorating beverage, perfect for cooling down on a warm day or complementing a festive meal.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Begin by deseeding 2 large pomegranates (approximately 800g-1kg total) to yield about 500-600ml of fresh juice. A simple way is to cut the pomegranate in half and tap the back with a spoon over a bowl of water to release the seeds.
- 2
Carefully blend the pomegranate seeds in a blender for just 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can crush the white pith and make the juice bitter. Strain the blended seeds through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing firmly to extract all the juice.
- 3
In a medium saucepan, combine the freshly extracted 500-600ml of pomegranate juice with 250ml of cold water and 100-150g of granulated sugar, adjusting sugar to your taste preference and the sweetness of the pomegranates.
- 4
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously until all the sugar has completely dissolved. Allow it to simmer for just 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors, but do not let it boil vigorously.
- 5
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the juice of ½ a fresh lemon (about 1-2 tablespoons). The lemon juice brightens the flavors and helps balance the sweetness. Taste and adjust for desired tartness.
- 6
Allow the sherbet base to cool completely to room temperature. This can take about 30-45 minutes. For best results and ultimate refreshment, transfer it to a pitcher and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight.
- 7
Before serving, gently stir the chilled Nar Şerbeti. The flavors will have deepened beautifully. Pour it into elegant glasses, filling them about three-quarters full.
- 8
Garnish each glass with a few fresh mint leaves and, if desired, a few extra pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy this truly refreshing Turkish delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to deseed a pomegranate for the juice?+
Cut the pomegranate in half horizontally, hold it cut-side down over a bowl, and tap the back firmly with a wooden spoon. The seeds will fall out easily, especially if done in water to prevent splashing.
Can I use store-bought pomegranate juice for this recipe?+
While fresh juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, you can use high-quality, 100% pure pomegranate juice from a store. Adjust the sugar content as store-bought juices can vary in sweetness.
How long can Pomegranate Sherbet be stored in the refrigerator?+
Nar Şerbeti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Its vibrant flavor and color are best within the first two days.
How can I make this sherbet less sweet or more tart?+
To make it less sweet, reduce the amount of granulated sugar, or use a naturally less sweet pomegranate variety. To increase tartness, simply add a bit more fresh lemon juice to taste.
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