Makes8 servings
- Active time: 10 min
Total time: 1 1/2 hr
This pretty-in-pink punch is a festive and delicious way to kick-off your holiday celebration. If you prefer a punch that’s less sweet, use fresh squeezed pomegranate juice instead of bottled (see Cooks’ Notes).
INGREDIENTS:
-
1 1/4
cups water
-
1/4
cup sugar
-
2
(4-inch long) strips lemon zest
-
1
cup chilled bottled pomegranate juice
-
3
tablespoons fresh lemon juice
-
1
750 ml bottle chilled pink sparkling wine or champagne
INSTRUCTIONS:
-
Bring water, sugar, and lemon zest to a boil in a 1-quart saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar, then boil 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and add pomegranate and lemon juice, then chill until very cold, at least 1 hour.
-
Just before serving, pour pomegranate syrup into a 2-quart glass pitcher and add champagne.
COOKS’ NOTES:
-
Syrup can be made 2 days ahead and kept chilled.
-
To squeeze juice from fresh pomegranates, halve them horizontally and squeeze them, like oranges, with a reamer.