Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (100 g) Granulated Sugar (Caster Sugar)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Water
  • 1 large Cinnamon Stick
  • 2 pods Whole Star Anise
  • 2 cups (480 ml) Chilled Pressed Apple Juice
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) Chilled Pomegranate Juice (100% juice)
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) Heavily Chilled Sparkling Water (or Club Soda)
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) Pomegranate arils (seeds), for garnish
  • 4 thin slices Apple Slices (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), for garnish
  • 4 small sprigs Fresh Rosemary Sprigs, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
  2. Dissolve and Simmer: Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture just begins to simmer. Do not boil vigorously.
  3. Infuse: Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Let the spices steep in the mixture for 15 minutes to allow the flavor to infuse fully.
  4. Strain and Chill: Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar to remove the spices. Discard the spices. Place the syrup in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Mix Liquids: In the large pitcher or mixing jug, combine the chilled apple juice, pomegranate juice, chilled spiced simple syrup (start with 1/4 cup / 60 ml, reserving the rest for tasting), and the fresh lemon juice.
  6. Taste and Adjust: Stir well. Taste the base mixture. If you prefer it sweeter or more spiced, slowly add the remaining simple syrup until the flavor is balanced.
  7. Prepare Glasses: Fill four highball or stemless wine glasses generously with large, dense ice cubes.
  8. Fill Glasses: Pour the prepared juice base into each glass, filling them about 3/4 of the way full.
  9. Add the Sparkle: Top each serving with the heavily chilled sparkling water or club soda to ensure maximum effervescence.
  10. Garnish: Gently stir once. Garnish each drink with a few fresh pomegranate arils, one thin apple slice, and a small rosemary sprig. Gently press the rosemary sprig between your fingers before adding it to release its aromatic oils.