Virgin Pomegranate and Cranberry Bellinis

Prep Time: 2 min

Serves  8 to 12

Ingredients:

1 cup ice

1 1/2 cups simple syrup, recipe follows

1 1/4 cups unsweetened pomegranate juice, chilled

1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice, chilled

1 (25.3 fluid ounces) bottle sparkling water, chilled

2 limes, thinly sliced

1 bunch fresh mint, for garnish

Optional garnish: 1/2 cup (2 1/2 ounces) pomegranate seeds

Special equipment: a 6 to 8 cup capacity punch bowl

Simple syrup:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup sugar

In a saucepan, combine 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. Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Directions:

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

Serving Suggestion:

As an alternative to serving from a punch bowl, make the bellini mixture in a 6 to 8 cup capacity pitcher. Divide the pomegranate seeds between 12 champagne flutes. Add 1 slice of lime and 1 sprig of mint to each glass. Pour the bellini mixture into the prepared glasses and serve.