Pear and Pomegranate Sangria

Pomegranate Sangria Ingredients

• Red Wine: I prefer a lighter Spanish style such as Grenache or even a Pinot Noir .
• Pomegranate Juice: I like the POM brand which has a perfect amount of sweetness.
• Elderflower Liquor: I love St. Germaine and use it for all sorts of cocktails. The flavor is floral and reminiscent of pear.
• Pear Simple Syrup: For added pear flavor. Simmer 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water and add a chopped pear. Then strain and let cool. You'll only need a few tablespoons so save the rest for cocktails.
• Orange Liquor: Such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau.
• Fresh Fruit: pear slices, orange slices, pomegranate seeds.
• Sparkling Wine or Sparkling Water: just to finish the drink with.

Make the Pear Simple Syrup

1. Add 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a small pot.
2. Add 1 diced pear and bring everything to a simmer.
3. As soon as sugar dissolves, continue simmering for 5 minutes until sugar has dissolved and it's slightly thicker.
4. Strain syrup and let cool. You'll have extra so save in a mason jar for future cocktail.

Assemble the Pomegranate Sangria

1. To a large pitcher, add chopped pear, citrus slices and pomegranate seeds.
2. Pour in the red wine, orange liqueur, pomegranate juice, few tablespoons of pear simple syrup and a few tablespoons of St. Germaine and stir together.
3. Pour sangria over ice ¾ way full and top with sparkling wine or water.
4. Garnish the sangria with pear slices, pomegranate seeds and sprig of thyme for color.

Other Sangria Variations

Sangria is so versatile, there are so many variations and fruits and fun twists on the classic.

• White Wine Sangria with Pears, Grapes and Thyme
• Strawberries + Rosé
• Peach and Orange White Wine Sangria

Pomegranate Simple Syrup

Instead of pear syrup, make a pomegranate simple syrup.

1. Add 1 ½ cups pomegranate seeds to a pot with 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water.
2. Bring to a simmer and as soon as sugar has dissolved, continue simmering for another 5 minutes.
3. Strain syrup and let cool before adding to cocktail recipes.

Ingredients

• Sugar
• Water
• Red Wine 
• Pears 
• Orange 
• Pomegranate Seeds
• Pomegranate Juice
• Orange Liqueur
• Elderflower Liqueur 
• Sparkling Wine
• Sparkling Water
• Thyme

1. Make the Pear Syrup. In a small pot, combine the chopped pear, sugar and water. Bring to a simmer, then continue simmering for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Strain the syrup and chill while you make the sangria.
2. Make the Sangria: In a large pitcher, add the red wine, sliced fruit St. Germaine, Grand Marnier and pomegranate juice. When the syrup is cool enough, add about ¼ cups worth first and taste for sweetness.
3. Taste for Sweetness and Adjust: If you prefer your sangria less sweet, only had ½ cup of the pomegranate juice. If you like it more sweet, add the whole cups worth.
4. Chill Sangria: For at least 2 hours and when ready to serve, pour in glasses and top with sparkling wine (or water) and garnish with pear slices, pomegranate seeds and thyme sprig.

More adult beverages

Boozy White Hot Chocolate

Pomegranate Ginger Cocktail

Chili-Lime Mango Margarita

Mango Swirled Coconut Margarita

Raspberry and Citrus Mezcal Cocktail