Jalapeno Pomegranate Cocktail

Name: Jalapeno Pomegranate Cocktail
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 2 jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded; 1-1/2 cups vodka; 6 to 8 cups ice cubes; 3 cups pomegranate juice; 3 cups Italian blood orange soda, chilled; Lime wedges

This spicy and sweet sipper gives you a little fix of jalapeno flavor minus the heat. Start a couple of days ahead to flavor the vodka. —Melissa Rodriguez, Van Nuys, California

Ingredients

2 jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
1-1/2 cups vodka
6 to 8 cups ice cubes
3 cups pomegranate juice
3 cups Italian blood orange soda, chilled
Lime wedges

Directions

For jalapeno vodka, place jalapenos and vodka in a glass jar or container. Refrigerate, covered, 2-3 days to allow flavors to blend. Strain before using.
For each serving, fill cocktail shaker three-fourths full with ice. Add 3 oz. pomegranate juice and 1-1/2 oz. jalapeno vodka; cover and shake until condensation forms on outside of shaker, 10-15 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass; top with 3 oz. soda. Serve with lime wedges.