Pomegranate Christmas Punch

Ingredients:

1 C ice

1½ C simple syrup*

1¼ C unsweetened pomegranate juice, chilled

1 C cranberry juice, chilled

25 oz (approx) sparkling water, chilled

2 limes, thinly sliced

optional garnishes: fresh mint, pomegranate arils

Directions:

Place ice in a punch bowl; add simple syrup, pomegranate juice, and cranberry juice. Stir well. Gently pour in sparkling water. Garnish with lime slices, mint sprigs and/or pomegranate arils.

Alternately, mix punch in a large pitcher; place a slice of lime, a mint sprig and a few pomegranate arils in 10 champagne flutes, goblets or tall glasses. Gently pour punch into flutes/goblets/glasses and serve.

* Simple syrup:

Combine equal parts sugar and water in saucepan over medium heat. Bring to boil, reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; allow to cool.

Ashley & Taylor

Lower photo is just for inspiration...using a bundt cake pan with some of the garnish ingredients to make an ice ring to float in the punch bowl.