Pink Pomegranate Punch

Summer requires lots of hydration and this Pink Pomegranate Punch is just the thing to quench your thirst. Easy, cheap, and delicious – what more could you want from a refreshing summer drink?

Two years ago, I was paid to showcase a particular brand of wine for a Christmas drink. I came up with a Christmas Citrus Cocktail. Believe it or not, that was the first time I ever tasted pomegranates.

Now, I can’t say that I’ve used them much since then, but I have had them from time to time. Today, though, pomegranates are the star of the show. I’m highlighted this gorgeous and tasty fruit in this beautiful, delicious, summery drink.

WHAT DO POMEGRANATES TASTE LIKE?

Like all fruit, the taste can vary depending on all sorts of factors. For example, if you buy a peach in July or August, it’s going to be super sweet and peach-like. If you buy a peach during off season, it doesn’t taste as sweet. The sweetness is more subdued and the smell is almost non-existent.

Pomegranates are no different. Sometimes, they’re sweet and sometimes they’re more on the tart or sour side. I find that once you collect all of those beautiful, ruby red seeds from the inside, and blend them together, each one compliments the other. Trust me, you’ll love it!

Even if pomegranates are foreign to you, you have nothing to fear. They have a flavour that is all their own. They’ve got a fruity taste, but not too strong. They’re a great compliment to many recipes and are very popular these days.

DON’T BE INTIMIDATED BY THE WHOLE POMEGRANATE

A whole pomegranate can be intimidating to look at, but don’t let that put you off. Breaking through that tough skin to get to those juicy, ruby-red seeds (known as arils) is worth the overcoming any hesitations.

Those tart arils can help keep your body healthy and disease free. Plus, they may be just what you need to add a punch of flavor to everything from your salad to punch.

If you do a search on YouTube, you’ll find numerous videos instructing how to open a pomegranate and how to remove its seeds. But, you don’t need a video. The process couldn’t be simpler. And, in fact, I find it to be a little fun too!

GETTING TO THOSE SEEDS!

First, place the whole pomegranate onto a cutting board. (The juice will stain, so if you’re worried about that, don’t use one of your good cutting boards.) With a large, sharp knife, cut the pomegranate in half from top to bottom. Then half each half again so that you’re left with quarters.

Next, working with one quarter at a time, dunk the entire thing into a large bowl of water. Use your thumbs to gently rub out the seeds. Think of the pomegranate as a really big orange or grapefruit. It has sections and those red seeds need to be extracted.

The seeds will sink to the bottom, while the membrane pieces will float to the top. Skim those off and discard. Rinse the seeds under cold water again, and there you have it! Now, wasn’t that easy!?

MAKING THE PUNCH

Making this punch couldn’t be easier either! Like most drinks of this nature, you’ll start off with a simple syrup. But, rather than just boil water with sugar, this time we’ll add some of the pomegranate seeds as well. In essence, we’re steeping the flavour and colour out of the seeds and into the simple syrup.

Once that is done, we’ll let it cool and then strain it. From there, we add all of that syrup to a pitcher of cold water. Next, we’ll add a splash of lemon juice and some whole pomegranate seeds. Stir to combine and pour into glasses with lots of ice. Sounds good, right?

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