Pomegranate Bellini

Pomegranate Bellini

I’ve never been much of a drinker, but tend to like the bubbly stuff, coffee liqueurs, Pina Coladas, and I do drink wine occasionally.  However, drinking has never been a priority of mine – eating chocolate is.  That said, I love a good celebration and with celebrations, there’s typically liqueur present. 

There’s a magazine called Celebrate, and while reading the holiday issue I came across a Pomegranate Bellini.  This bubbly drink had all the flavors I love, so I decided for Thanksgiving I’d give it a try.  The recipe makes a large batch that could serve 8-10 people, depending on how you drink.  I served it like I’d serve Sangria – in a large glass jar, which I ladled the Bellini’s out into champagne glasses, garnished with Pomegranate Arils (the seeds).

The Pomegranate Bellini had a nice balance of flavors, sweetness and effervescence, that I can’t wait to serve again at our next holiday party and for New Years!

I suppose if you’re not a fan of sweet alcoholic beverages (although this isn’t overly sweet) then you may not like this Bellini.  I on the other hand thought it was spectacular!

Whether you’re having a quiet romantic evening or celebrating with friends, this drink goes down nice and easy, and yes, it has a kick to it.  You’ll feel it later if you over do it.  I hope you’ll try the Pomegranate Bellini for the upcoming holidays – it’s so festive and delicious!

Pomegranate Bellini

Ingredients:

  • 1 (750-milliliter) bottle sparkling apple cider (I used Martinelli's)
  • 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice (I used POM)
  • 1 1/2 cups apple brandy
  • 1 1/2 cups pomegranate liqueur (I used PAMA)
  • 1 (750-milliliter) bottle chilled moscato d'asti or sparkling muscadine wine (I used a Muscat wine)
  • Garnish: pomegranate arils (purchase or remove arils from pomegranate)

Directions:

  1. To a large pitcher, add apple cider, pomegranate juice, brandy, and pomegranate liqueur.  Whisk to combine.
  2. Just before serving, add moscato d'asti, stirring to combine.
  3. Garnish with pomegrantae arils, if desired.  Serve.

Note: After first step, Pomegranate Bellini can be refrigerated up to overnight until ready to drink.  Just add moscato d'asti right before serving.

 

Pomegranate Bellini-1

Enjoy!!!