Because its snowing and gloomy outside and because we practice "dry January" and because sometimes you just need a fruity drink... I present to you my glorious recipe for Pomegranate Basil Spritzers! Growing up in my family, pomegranates were like gold. They were the most anticipated gift in our Christmas Stockings every year. (Thats not as depressing as it sounds. Really, its not.) I guess thats why indulging in this spritzer makes me feel so sneaky - like an older sibling is going to come around the corner and steal it out of my hands. Thats was my excuse to myself when I chugged it. Yah, I drank it all in 30 seconds because of childhood scars! I should have another to console myself.
Pomegranate Basil Spritzers (non-alcoholic)
- 1/4 cup 100% pomegranate juice
- 1 cup club soda or sparkling water (can substitute with champagne if you fancy like that)
- a couple lime slices
- 1 1/2- 2 tsp basil syrup (recipe below)
Basil Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup basil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
First, make basil simple syrup by bringing water to a boil in a small pot. Add sugar until dissolved. Add basil and simmer for one minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. When cooled remove basil leaves. Keeps for about a week.
In a glass gently stir club soda, pomegranate juice, and basil simple syrup. Squeeze in the juice of one lime slice. Garnish the rim of the glass with a lime slice. Add a paper straw and feel super cute as you sip from it.
I also made a couple of pomegranate ice cubes just to add a little extra flavor. If you don't know how to make ice cubes I'm about to blow your mind. Pour juice into ice cube tray and place in freezer for a couple of hours. Now enroll at Cordon Bleu you culinary genius you!