Don’t be forced into using a good bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine for this cocktail. When blended with the flavorful juice, their subtlety and nuances disappear.   (But then again, there's the headache and «festive» quotient, so we recommend always using good champagne....)


1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 Cup plus 2Tbpns. Unsweetened Pure Pomegranate Juice (such as Pom brand), Chilled

Directions for the Sugar Syrup:

Combine Sugar and 1/2 C of Water in a small saucepan.
Bring to a Boil over High heat, Stirring until Sugar is dissolved.
Boil for 1 Minute. 
Let cool and then Refrigerate until ready to use.
There is enough syrup for 15 cocktails.

Directions for the Cocktail:

In a Small Pitcher, stir together the Pomegranate Juice and 3 Tbs. of the Sugar Syrup*
Fill 6 champagne Flutes 1/3 full with the Pomegranate Mixture.
Top with Wine, dividing it equally among the Flutes.

Serve Immediately.

*There is enough syrup for 15 cocktails.

Courtesy: Nicole Rees, Fine Cooking, (Taunton Press)