Weekend Cocktail 24: Virgin Pomegranate and Cranberry Bellinis

I know what you’re thinking: how can a virgin concotion be classified as a cocktail? 

The answer is it can’t - so take this mocktail as is if you’re being a good girl...

 

Or feel free spike the crap out of it with vodka if you’re needing something a little more saucy for your long weekend.

Virgin Pomegranate and Cranberry Bellinis                               (recipe by Giada De Laurentiis)

• 1 cup ice
• 1 1/2 cups simple syrup *
• 1 1/4 cups unsweetened pomegranate juice, chilled
• 1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice, chilled
• 1  bottle sparkling water, chilled
• 2 limes, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch fresh mint, for garnish
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

1. Place the ice in a punch bowl.
2. Add the simple syrup, pomegranate juice, and cranberry juice. Stir well.
3. Slowly pour in the sparkling water.
4. Garnish with lime slices, mint sprigs and pomegranate seeds and serve.

* For simple syrup: combine 1 cup each of water and sugar over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Take the pan off the heat and allow the syrup to cool.