Today, I’m toasting you with this non-alcoholic (but spikeable!) holiday drink inspired by sorrel, the hibiscus brew enjoyed at Christmas in Trinidad. Dried hibiscus flowers can be found in Mexican markets as “Jamaica,” but in many parts of the country seasonal pomegranates or pomegranate juice are more accessible. See my IGTV on my favorite technique to open a pomegranate and my instagram stories for a step-by-step demo to make this drink!

Spiced Pomegranate Sparkler

Ingredients

For the spiced syrup:

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 cinnamon stick

2 star anise pods

6 cloves

1 slice fresh ginger

For the sparkler (makes one):

1/4 cup pomegranate juice (from one pomegranate)

1/2 cup sparkling water

ice

spiced syrup, to taste

Technique

1. Make the syrup by boiling all syrup ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved, then cooling to room temperature. The longer you leave in the spices, the stronger the flavor. Strain before using.
2. To assemble a sparkler, combine pomegranate juice and sparkling water in an ice-filled cocktail glass, then add desired amount of spiced syrup to taste.

Cheers! Please enjoy a safe and healthy holiday at home.