Pomegranates are very significant in Judaism. Specifically, with the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashana – it is traditional to consume because of their numerous seeds symbolizing fruitfulness for the year ahead. It is also said to have 613 seeds, which is the number of “mitzvot” or moral deeds/commandments a Jew must perform.
Lucky for Jews and non-Jews alike, this delightful fruit is attractive as it is delicious. They are also very abundant this time of year. This is not your typical fruit punch!
Not only is it packed with all the nutrients pomegranate juice delivers, but it is perfect as is or spruced up with an alcoholic beverage of your choice.
This could work as a signature drink for Thanksgiving, Chanukah or even Christmas. You could even experiment with different fruits.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider, (not spiced)
- 1 cup orange juice ( fresh is best, but store bought works too)
- 4 cups pomegranate juice
- **Add extra liquid as you see fit
- 1 orange sliced in rounds
- 1 bartlett pear, small dice
- Seeds from 1 pomegranate
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 whole star anise
- 1 whole clove
- few sprigs of fresh mint
- *lemon juice as needed
Instructions
- Combine the cinnamon, star anise, clove and fresh mint into a cheescloth bundle or other mesh bag.
- Combine all liquids and everything else in a pitcher. Allow it to steep over night in the refrigerator and serve over ice. Remove the bag when it tastes too "spiced"
- *Add a little fresh lemon juice to brighten it up.