Rubies on Ice

Name: Rubies on Ice
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons pomegranate seeds; 1/2 cup vodka; 4 tablespoons pomegranate molasses; 3 tablespoons sweetened ginger syrup; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches); Club soda, chilled; Lime slices, optional; 1 to 4 teaspoons pomegranate seeds, optional

Ginger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this beverage is tantalizing. If you're looking for a nonalcoholic option, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and festive drink! —Tara Deshpande, New York, New York

Ingredients

6 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup vodka
4 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
3 tablespoons sweetened ginger syrup
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
Club soda, chilled
Lime slices, optional
1 to 4 teaspoons pomegranate seeds, optional

Directions

Scatter pomegranate seeds over an ice cube tray, about 1 teaspoon per cube; fill with water and freeze.
Combine vodka, molasses, ginger syrup, lime juice and the cinnamon stick. Let steep 15 minutes. Strain; discard cinnamon stick. Place 4 pomegranate ice cubes in each of 4 tall glasses. Pour molasses mixture evenly into glasses; top off with chilled club soda. Stir well. Garnish with additional pomegranate seeds and lime, if desired.

Test Kitchen Tips

Monin makes a ginger-flavored syrup. Look for it near the coffee syrups.

Or make your own by combining 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water and sliced peeled fresh ginger (a 2-in. piece). Bring to a boil. Cool completely, then strain out solids. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.