Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Virgin Pomegranate and Cranberry Bellinis

It can't be all about the food on Thanksgiving Day.  You also need to have a variety of drinks.  These Virgin Pomegranate and Cranberry Bellinis are a perfect way to celebrate the holidays.  A ruby-hued, delicious, fruity, slightly tart, and effervescent drink that pairs very well with the flavors of Thanksgiving.  You should definitely give this a try!

I'm all about a little Black Friday shopping in the wee hours of the morning, therefore I need to drink a virgin cocktail on Thanksgiving Day.  The sparkling water in these bellinis lends a wonderful bubbly and fizzy cocktail feel.  I love a drink with some good fizz.  However, if you have no place to be, jazz things up by subbing the sparkling water for a bottle of champagne, prosecco, or cava.  Either way, this is a fantastic and festive drink that should have a place at every holiday table.

Virgin Pomegranate and Cranberry Bellinis
Adapted from Giada De Laurentiis 
recipe found online here
Serves 6-8
1 cup ice
1- 1/2 cups simple syrup, recipe follows *(I used about 1 cup)
1-1/4 cups unsweetened pomegranate juice, chilled
1 (25.3 fluid ounces) bottle sparkling water, chilled
2 limes, thinly sliced
1 bunch fresh mint, for garnish
Optional garnish:  pomegranate seeds (arils) and/or fresh cranberries 
Special Equipment: 6 to 8 cup capacity punch bowl or glass pitcher

For the simple syrup:  Place 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water into a medium-sized saucepan.  Bring to a boil (carefully), reduce heat to low, and cook about 5 minutes, or until the sugar dissolves.  Cool for at least 20 minutes.  Place in refrigerator until chilled.  This should yield about 1-1/2 to 2 cups of simply syrup.

For the Bellinis: Place the ice in a punch bowl or glass pitcher. Add the simple syrup, pomegranate juice, and cranberry juice. Stir well. Slowly pour in the sparkling water. Garnish with lime slices, mint sprigs, pomegranate seeds and/or fresh cranberries, if using, and serve.
 Happy Thanksgiving!!

9 comments:

  1. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Kim! This is a beautiful drink. With everything coming down to the wire and me running out of time, I could use one of these (probably not virgin). Ha!

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  2. I love pomegranate and cranberry drinks. These sound fantastic Kim. Enjoy your bargain shopping and I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
    Sam

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  3. I love the idea of a drink that is sparkling, cranberry-infused, and non-alcoholic! this sounds so delicious!

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  4. Wow! This looks absolutely amazing and looks like it belongs on our holiday table! We love pomegranate at our house!

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  5. this sounds super yummy!! and a nice alternative if you would like something non-alcoholic. :)

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  6. What a perfect drink for the season, Kim! Your photos are so gorgeous! I hope that you and your loved ones have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am thankful for our friendship,

    Big hugs,
    Roz

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  7. I'm always looking for a new use for pomegranates and cranberries! This drink sounds delicious!

    I'm new to your blog and I'm really enjoying it. Please stop by for a visit when you have a minute, I love company and new friends are always welcome.

    I'm off to explore more of your beautiful blog!

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  8. That drink looks amazing,Kim! Love the color and your pictures are fantastic!

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  9. I feel your pain. I was driving overnight Thanksgiving night, so no champagne, beer, wine or liquor for me. And I was the only one over 21 doing so, lol.

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