There’s nothing like a specialty cocktail to kick a party into high gear. Even people who don’t normally imbibe tend to want to try something special. It’s fun, and festive and puts everyone in the mood to have a good night. With spring very much in the air, it is definitely time to celebrate… The end of winter. Baseball season. The fact that fava beans are finally at the farmer’s market. Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Or maybe just the love of family and friends.
I love almost any specialty cocktail, but I particularly adore a cocktail with pomegranate. They’re pretty, and pomegranate is chock full of anti-oxidants which means that I don’t have to feel guilty about drinking two. I mean, come on, they’re good for me. A glass of pomegranate juice has more cancer and heart disease fighting flavonoids and polyphenols than red wine, green tea, blueberries or cranberries. In short, it’s a superfood. The Best Friend Handbook officially declares cocktails made with pomegranate to be guilt free. Just make sure that you use pure pomegranate juice, no sugar added.
So, let the drinking begin. Here are a few of my favorites:
Katherine’s Pomegranate Spritzer
1 1/2 c pomegranate juice
3-4 oz tequila
soda water
lime
Combine the pomegranate juice and tequila in a cocktail shaker with ice. Taste. I like my drinks strong, but keep in mind that you will be adding soda to this. Pour over rocks into 2 glasses until each glass is about 3/4 full. Add soda and a squeeze of lime. Serve.
The Rising Sun
1 1/2 oz tequila
1/2 oz Cointreau
1 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
Dash of lemon
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon. Serve.
Oprah’s Pomegranate Martini
1 1/2 c pomegranate juice
2 oz vodka or tequila
1 oz Cointreau
Squeeze of lemon
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Serve.
