This vibrant cocktail pairs mezcal with the Marionberry Infused Vodka from Wild Roots. That, along with the spiced pomegranate syrup, delivers a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and smoky complexity that is — dare we say it? — merry and bright.
INGREDIENTS
1 ounce Wild Roots Marionberry Infused Vodka
1 ounce mezcal
½ ounce Génépy le Chamois
½ ounce spiced pomegranate syrup
¼ ounce lime juice
¼ ounce lemon juice
Dehydrated citrus, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Fill a shaker tin with ice, add all ingredients and shake. Strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with dehydrated citrus.
Spiced Pomegranate Syrup
INGREDIENTS
Equal amounts pomegranate juice and granulated sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
Whole cloves
2 or 3 star anise
¼ cup vodka, as a preservative (optional)
DIRECTIONS
To make spiced pomegranate syrup, use fresh fruits or pomegranate juice. If using fresh pomegranates, remove the pips and separate out as much of the white pith as possible. Use a juicer or blender to pulverize the pips. Strain through cheesecloth to strain out solids. Measure the amount of juice and combine with an equal amount of granulated sugar in a saucepan.
Heat over low and stir to dissolve the sugar. Add two cinnamon sticks, a bunch of whole cloves and several star anise. Continue to heat over low for a few minutes, then remove from heat and steep for an hour. Remove solid pieces and store in a glass bottle in the refrigerator. You can add about 1/4 cup of vodka to help it last longer.
Photo credit: Risa James Photography
All 12 Days of Christmas cocktails can be found here.
