Pomegranate Mint Lemonade

My new favorite summertime beverage... well, maybe after a mango margarita... is

Pomegranate Mint Lemonade.
I had this fabulous beverage at a local restaurant. It was the most refreshing drink I have tasted in years...and I ordered TWO of them! The waiter was kind enough to share the "recipe"...

Start with a SIMPLE SYRUP: Bring to a boil, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Cool. (I keep this in my refrigerator...always ready to add to iced tea. Hey...I'm Southern!)

Pour a little Simple Syrup (about an inch or so in a highball glass) into the bottom of a glass.
Add several torn mint leaves to the syrup and muddle, releasing the mint essence. (I use a muddler, but a spoon/wooden spoon can be used). Squeeze and strain the juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon into the glass. Stir.
Add 1 oz. of pomegranate syrup* or pomegranate juice and stir.
Top with sparkling water and a splash of Sprite.
Add ice and serve with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint. (Adjust amounts to taste.)


For a "kick", consider using Pomegranate Vodka (suggested by our server!).




*Pomegranate Syrup and Pomegranate Vodka is available at Total Wine or most good liquor stores. Grenadine Syrup will work, too (Grenadine used to be made from pomegranates or cherries. Today it's basically made with high fructose corn syrup.) Or you can make your own syrup by boiling pomegranate juice with super-fine sugar.

Stay cool...
Jane

Be sure to stop by Michele's blog, http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com for all the Foodie Friday ideas and recipes. There are some really scrumptious posts this week!