I’ve got a soft spot for all things bubbly, be it the kind you blow through a little plastic wand, the ones that percolate out of a hot bath, and of course the liquid variety that pours from a bottle, most especially on New Year’s Eve. I figured some of you might be jonesing for a cocktail to celebrate the last of the year and none is complete, in my opinion, without some bubbles.

I’m not much of a hard liquor gal myself, so this champagne and pomegranate cocktail fills the bill for being special without being overly complicated. It’s also lighter in alcohol than many; you can get away with a glass or two without finding yourself dancing on tables before midnight. If you want to go the non-alcoholic route, up the amount of agave and pomegranate, and fill the glass with sparkling water instead of sparkling wine.

The cocktail provides a teensy dose of antioxidants thanks to the pomegranate, which also gives it a decidedly “artisanal” ring, apparently very much on trend in the bar scene these days. You can buy pomegranate seeds in the produce section of many markets or unearth the seeds yourself (go here for a tutorial on how to do it).

Not to be gender biased, but the Pretty in Pink is decidedly feminine. It’s pink, it’s got Champagne, and it’s topped off with a teaspoon of pomegranate seeds that bobble in the mix with every sip. You can “man” it up by adding a tipple vodka, or something that might put even more hair on your hubby’s chest… good tequila. If you want to get really crazy on New Year’s, enjoy your bubbly in a bubble bath while blowing bubbles.

Happy New Year!

Pretty in Pink Champagne Cocktail

A festive, feminine cocktail that even the amateur mixologist can handle. A great one during the holidays champagne is called for and pomegranates are in season. Opt for prosecco or cava for a more budget-friendly cocktail.

Ingredients

Sugar as needed
½ lime
½ teaspoon agave nectar
1 tablespoon pure pomegranate juice concentrate , not sweetened (see note)
Chilled Champagne or other sparkling wine
1 teaspoon pomegranate seeds

Instructions

Pour a couple of tablespoons of sugar into a 4-ounce ramekin or small bowl. Rub the rim of a champagne glass with the lime. Invert the glass and dip it into the bowl of sugar so the rim is lightly coated with sugar. Set the glass on the counter. Carefully pour the agave nectar and pomegranate juice into the glass. Use a long, slender spoon to gently stir the agave and juice together, being sure not to disturb the sugar rim. Fill the glass with Champagne. Drop the pomegranate seeds into the drink. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Pomegranate juice concentrate is sold in the bottled juice section of many Middle Eastern markets, organic markets, and specialty stores, as well as on Amazon.com. If you can't find it, you can use 2 tablespoons of pomegranate juice instead. If the juice has added sweetener, just leave out the agave.