Grapefruit Pomegranate Fizz

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It’s almost Valentine’s Day, y’all! Wait, did this girl born in Brooklyn, NY just “y’all”? Um… I did. Two reasons, actually. Both inspired by our recent travels to what I will call ‘the South’. I will tell you the story in a bit, but first, this Grapefruit Pomegranate Fizz {Love Potion} mocktail – A must for Valentine’s Day!

Ingredients (for two servings):

• 1 /4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• piece of fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/2 cup grapefruit juice
• 12-ounce can of 7UP®

Directions:

Begin by making the simple syrup. In a small sauce pan, combine 1/4 cup sugar with 1/4 cup water. Add a slice of fresh ginger. (Did you know ginger is considered an aphrodisiac?) Bring this mixture to a boil, reduce it to a simmer, and allow it to steep for about a half hour. Remove from the stove and allow it to cool.

Pour 1/4 cup of the simple syrup in the bottom of two glasses. This simple syrup is both a flavor component and the sweetness this drink needs to balance the tart flavors of the juices. Next, fill the glasses with ice. Pour the pomegranate and grapefruit juices in the glass.

Next, the fizzy part! Top your drinks with 7UP, just to the rim of the glass. Every mocktail needs a little sparkle, right?

A quick stir and this delicious Grapefruit Pomegranate Fizz is ready! Want to transform it from a mocktail to a cocktail? Just add your favorite alcohol. I would recommend a shot of vodka. It may be fun to do a citrus vodka to bring out the lemon-lime flavor of the 7UP and the grapefruit juice. If you wake up the next morning with a terrible hangover, click on the link to learn how to get rid of it quickly.

When planning for a special Valentine’s Day celebration, I’ve learned to keep things simple! I set up this little table in my backyard with items I found around the house that represent love: a photo of the two of us, pretty flowers, a book of love poems, an inspirational quote, and antique-style lantern. With kids, careers, pets, and all sorts of other things to worry about, it’s so nice just to plan some alone time – even at home – with your love. Enjoy the sunset outdoors together and relax.

Shop at Walmart for 7UP for your *love potion* mocktail. It can be found in the soft drink aisle. Purchase a 7UP 12oz. 12-pack or 12oz. 8-pack to experiment with lots of different love potions!

Now, on to the storytelling! Back in November, I went with Richard and the kids to this amazing event at a farm about a half hour north of Gainesville, FL. The farm was huge, with the most beautiful flowers and butterflies and a large barn and all sorts of animals. There were locally-made foods to purchase, crafts, and demonstrations. What a fun experience for all of us! The final demonstration of the day taught us how to make tinctures and infusions for mixed drinks. I had no idea so many different ingredients could be combined to make mocktails and cocktails. I learned quite a lot in a half hour about how to add herbs, fruits, vegetables, and spices to create tasty drinks!

So my second “y’all”… on our Winter Break road trip from South Florida to New Orleans, we stopped in Biloxi, Mississippi. If you’ve never been, it’s a coastal city known for its casinos. But what did I think about Biloxi? It was so romantic! We really enjoyed watching the sun set over the ocean.

Can you see some of my inspiration when planning for this Valentine’s Day Love Potion and outdoor table setup? Richard and I have been together for over 13 years, and we always find new and exciting adventures to take on our journey together. While road-tripping is super fun, it’s also kinda cool to bring all of those memories and experiences back home. The best way to do that? In the kitchen! I’m glad I could create this mocktail inspired by our travels.

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day at home with your love?