A Conscious Feast by Nicole Aloni

Pomegranate Smack Cocktail Recipe

This innovative sweet-sour recipe was originated by the talented bartenders at Serafina restaurant in Seattle. They are pals, so they shared.  As pomegranate molasses has become a more popular ingredient, you may have become familiar with it’s seductive flavor.  If not, now’s the time to invest (about $3) in a bottle.

Pomegranate Molasses

This recipe also appeared in a slightly different guise in my book,  The Backyard Bartender.

EASE OF PREPARATION: A snap

Makes 2 cocktails

• 6 ounces organic, artisanal vodka, like Tru or Square One
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses*
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons simple syrup
• 2 cups ice

GARNISH

• Kumquat or star fruit slice. In the winter, a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.

1. Use your finger to smear a thin coating of the pomegranate molasses on the rim of the glass. Press the rim in to a saucer of sugar.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker three-quarters full with ice.
3. Add the vodka, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake vigorously to blend and chill
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish.

* Pomegrante molasses is available at most good groceries and for sure at middle eastern grocers. This is a great ingredient for everything from cocktails to salad dressings. You want to have this in your pantry.  And, if you want to make your own, here’s a nice recipe from Alton Brown .