Pomegranate Cocktail

Both the gorgeous red color and the ingredients of this drink fit the season perfectly.

In a large pitcher, combine 1 cup pomegranate juice, 3/4 cup vodka, 1/2 cup grenadine, 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed blood orange juice, and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice. As easy as that!

A note on ingredients - vodka is a safe bet for vegans, so use whichever brand you prefer - I probably committed heresy by combining a little bit of leftover Absolut with a new bottle of Skyy!

For the grenadine, I wish I could advocate the most natural brand out there, but alas, I cannot. From the French word for pomegranate (la grenade), grenadine used to be and should be simmered and condensed pomegranate juice with added sugar. Alas, most versions you'll find nowadays are corn syrup and flavorings, with no pomegranate left at all. Sur la Table makes a real version, but alas, not with vegan sugar.

Luckily, the more fake version on the market, Rose's grenadine syrup, is vegan, although it contains high fructose corn syrup and Red 40, both of which I generally avoid. For a libation for one night, however, they do meet the vegan criteria. If you want a slightly more natural version than that, Nature's Flavors sells grenadine bar syrup online which is certified vegan, made of rice syrup and natural colors, instead of Red 40. Make sure you order ahead though, since they can take up to 2 weeks for delivery! www.naturesflavors.com

Blood oranges have a beautiful red flesh, which I had to photograph for you here. If you can't find them though, the drink will taste just as yummy with regular fresh-squeezed orange juice.



This makes enough for 6, 1/2 cup servings of 180 calories each. Double the quantities to serve a larger crowd of holiday revelers!

Cost:
pomegranate juice $2.99
vodka $11.99
grenadine $3.79
blood oranges $1.43
limes $1.00