Pomegranate-Ginger Cooler

Name: Pomegranate-Ginger Cooler
Yield: about 8 cups (2 L) 8 servings of about 3/4 cup (175 mL)
Ingredients: 1 4-in. (10-cm) piece peeled fresh gingerroot; 1 can (12 oz/350 g) frozen pomegranate-cherry juice concentrate, thawed; 5-6 limes; 3 cups (750 mL) chilled club soda; 1 bottle (750 mL) sparkling wine such as spumante; 4 cups (1 L) ice plus additional for serving

This colorful and refreshing cocktail can be enjoyed year round!

Ingredients

1 4-in. (10-cm) piece peeled fresh gingerroot
1 can (12 oz/350 g) frozen pomegranate-cherry juice concentrate, thawed
5-6 limes
3 cups (750 mL) chilled club soda
1 bottle (750 mL) sparkling wine such as spumante
4 cups (1 L) ice plus additional for serving

Directions

Using Food Chopper, finely chop gingerroot. Place gingerroot and juice concentrate into 2-qt. (2-L) Micro-Cooker. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 6-7 minutes or until mixture comes to a boil. Carefully remove from microwave; cool 10 minutes. Meanwhile, juice limes with Citrus Juicer & Zester to measure 1/4 cup (50 mL).
Using Stainless Steel Mesh Colander, strain pomegranate mixture and lime juice into Family-Size Quick-Stir Pitcher; discard ginger. Slowly add club soda and sparkling wine; plunge gently to mix. Carefully add ice; plunge gently. Place additional ice in eight glasses; pour beverage over ice.

Yield:

about 8 cups (2 L)
8 servings of about 3/4 cup (175 mL)

Nutrients per serving:

Calories 170, Total Fat 0 g, Saturated Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Carbohydrate 26 g, Protein 0 g, Sodium 35 mg, Fiber 0 g

Cook's Tips:

For a delicious nonalcoholic version of this recipe, substitute an additional 3 cups (750 mL) club soda for the sparkling wine.

Any frozen pomegranate juice blend can be substituted for the pomegranate-cherry juice concentrate, if desired.