I. Love. Pomegranates. Maybe because they’re only available for a few months out of the year. (Though so are pumpkin spice lattes, and those I really could do without.) Maybe it’s because, like the best things in life, they take a little work. (See below.) Or maybe it’s because they’re beautiful inside and out, as well as irresistibly tangy/tart/juicy/sweet and good for you, too! So there’s a lot to love.

It should come as no surprise, then, that these Pomegranate Sparklers have become my go-to “house cocktail” for fall and winter entertaining (all the way through Valentine’s Day!) A little pomegranate juice, some bubbly prosecco (Italian sparkling wine), and a few jewel-like pomegranate seeds (technically arils) for a fun garnish. Easy and festive!

Pomegranate Sparklers

• POM 100% pomegranate juice
• Chilled prosecco (1 bottle makes approx. 7-8 sparklers)
• Club soda for nonalcoholic sparklers
• Pomegranate arils for garnish (optional)

Pour a little pomegranate juice (about 1″, or to taste) into the bottom of a champagne flute. Top with prosecco. Garnish with pomegranate arils.

Cheers!

Subee’s Pomegranate Tips

Here’s my favorite method for removing the arils without making too big of a mess:

Using a paring knife, cut off the flower end. Score from end to end along the ridges, if visible. (If not, just score it into quarters.) Place the tip of the knife into the center and twist to pry apart the pomegranate sections. Peel away white pith and gently remove arils. (Discard any brown/rotten-looking ones.) Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Will keep for a week.

If I’m in a rush and will be using the arils within a day, I’ll do the underwater method. Same scoring technique as above, but then submerge the sections in a bowl of cold water for de-seeding. The white pith will float to the top; remove pith and drain seeds in a colander. Pour onto a paper towel to dry.

More Tips:

• Unopened pomegranates can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. To store for longer than that, place in a plastic zip bag and refrigerate. I kept some for 2 months this way last winter. (So stock up when they go on sale!)

• Arils are good for snacking, school lunches and salads. Try them instead of or in addition to apples in this Harvest Salad recipe.