Though I have to admit, antioxidants weren’t really front-of-mind when I decided to make these. I was thinking more about the pretty colors and bountiful flavors. Blood oranges bring a slightly tart, almost concentrated orange flavor to the table (though this can also depend on the specific oranges you get). And pomegranate juice gives it that signature juicy jolt – almost raspberry in flavor. Combined, you’ve got a fancy pink, sparkly cocktail on your hands that tastes as good as it looks.

I tend towards Prosecco when making champagne cocktails because overly-sweet sparkling wine isn’t really my thing. But I have to admit that a teaspoonful of sugar (or, to be more champagne-cocktail authentic, a sugar cube) really makes it when using a drier wine. You could also start out with something sweeter and skip the wine – like a Moscato. Make it yours!

I can’t decide which part I’m more in love with – the gorgeous over-the-top blood orange slices, or the way the champagne bubbles make the pomegranate arils dance around while you’re drinking it. Or, you know, the champagne cocktail itself.

Lively, luscious, sparkly pink – and a little health boost, while we’re at it. This little champagne cocktail has you covered.

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The post Blood Orange & Pomegranate Champagne Cocktails appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

Oh, and hey! A Power Berry Smoothie (or two, or three) should fit the bill just fine.

With its one-two-three nutrient-packed punch of blueberries, cranberries, and pomegranate, this smoothie should give you a little more pep in your step to push you through those last few last-minute things and get started on enjoying the festivities.

I have been looooving smoothies this month. They’re like a little mini reset after indulging on cookies, candy, cookies, chocolate, and cookies. Not that I know anything about that.

And I’m especially sort of in love with this smoothie. It’s got this really nice perkiness to it thanks to tart berries and a zing of lemon. But the bananas and the almond milk add an element of creaminess, too.

It all adds up to an irresistible smoothie that’ll not only give you a little zip, it’s also a nice little jump start on your New Year’s resolutions.

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Power Berry Smoothie

Blueberries, cranberries, and pomegranate juice combine forces in this zippy smoothie that's sure to give you a little extra pep in your step.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 large or 2 small smoothies

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 1/2 large frozen banana or 1 small
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/2 cup almond milk or other milk of your choice
• 1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 - 2 teaspoons honey to taste

Instructions

• Place all ingredients in a blender and puree. Taste and blend in additional honey if desired. Pour into a large glass and serve with a wide-mouth straw.

3.2.2124

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I think my hate started with that chocolate martini I ordered at a bar, probably a good 10 years ago. I went for it with gusto (it’s chocolate! It’s got to be delicious!) and practically came away sputtering. It tasted like gasoline.

The turning point for me and frou frou martinis came a couple of years ago when I tried the sea salt caramel chocolate martini at the Dilletante Martini Bar in Capitol Hill here in Seattle. Pretty sure that I took a sip and the heavens parted and an angel sang, “Frou frou martinis! Laaaaaa!”

Since then I’ve dreamed up a few martinis that, without a doubt, fall on the sweeter side of the spectrum. Here’s another: the pomegranate-orange martini.

I love, love, love this martini, especially for Christmas and New Year’s. It is incredibly tasty, for one – just the right balance of fruity and cheeky. It’s another one that’s a little dangerously delicious, actually. And that gorgeous red color and the sparkly rim? Perfect, perfect, perfect for this time of year.

Not only am I kind of in love with the pomegranate-orange martini, it apparently makes me want to say words in threes, threes, threes. It also enthusiastically solidifies my new-found love for the frou-frou side.

Make-Ahead Tip

Making pomegranate-orange martinis for a party? Triple, quadruple, or, you know, twenty-tuple the liquid ingredients and keep them in a pitcher. All you (or your guests) will have to do is shake with ice and pour. Couldn’t be easier.

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Pomegranate-Orange Martinis

This fruity, sassy vodka martini pairs tart pomegranate and juicy orange for a rosy cocktail that's perfect for holiday parties.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 drinks

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 6 ounces pomegranate juice
• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce Cointreau
• 1 ounce orange juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar for decorating the rims of the glasses if desired

Instructions

• If decorating the rims of the glasses with sugar, pour the sugar into a thin layer on a small saucer. Moisten the rims of two martini glasses (I rub an orange or lemon wedge around the rims) and carefully dip the martini glasses rims down the sugar until the rims are coated with sugar. Set martini glasses right-side up and allow sugar to set (should take just a couple of minutes).
• Add pomegranate juice, vodka, Cointreau, and orange juice to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. Strain mixture into martini glasses and serve immediately.

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