Rob’s Pomegranate Cordial
Louisa goes dormant in the winter. Three months of the year, it looks dead. At the peak of spring, light lime-colored leaves sprout along the branches, and the plant begins a new cycle of spindly growth.On a beautiful spring morning last week, I decided to drink my coffee by the garden. I sat and took in the peaceful morning, the beauty of where I live, the good fortune of my life. Unknowingly, I brushed my hand along the newly formed louisa leaves, and their fragrance released and enveloped me.
Ingredients
- Ripe pomegranates (quantity as needed)
- Water
- Sugar
- Vodka
Instructions
- Wash ripe pomegranates. Submerge in a large bowl or tub of water. Cut open and with your fingers pry out the seeds. They will fall to the bottom of the bucket while the pith will rise to the top.
- Scoop off and discard pith, drain all the water, then re-rinse seeds, drain well..
- Using your hands, squeeze the seeds to extract the juice. Strain through damp cheesecloth, squeezing well.
- Make a simple syrup by boiling water and sugar 1:1. Let cool.
- Fill a clean bottle half way with juice. Add 1/8-1/4 syrup and the rest vodka. Shake and taste. Add more juice, syrup or vodka to balance flavor. It should be sweet, tart and juicy with a slight alcohol kick.
- Seal and refrigerate a few days to mellow the flavors. Serve in cordial glasses, well chilled, or mix with Prosecco, champagne or white wine.
