Instead of reaching for the nearest wine bottle the next time you’re having a romantic evening, make this delightfully aromatic, delicious, libido-loving and heart-healthy mocktail instead.  Ooo-la-la!!

INGREDIENTS:

1 T rosemary-ginger infused simple syrup (made with stevia)

1/4 cup fresh-squeezed grapefruit or orange juice, chilled

1/4 cup pure pomegranate juice, chilled

1/4 cup mineral water, chilled

Ice

Bitters of choice (I like grapefruit) – optional

Coconut sugar for rim – optional

GARNISH:

1 rosemary sprig

1 tsp pomegranate seeds

METHOD:

Dip glass rim into grapefruit/orange juice and then twist in coconut sugar until coated.  Tap off extra sugar.  In a cocktail shaker, add ice, simple syrup, grapefruit and pomegranate juices and shake.  Fill glass with ice and strain liquid from cocktail shaker in.  Top with mineral water and bitters (optional) to taste.  Garnish with rosemary sprig and 1 tsp pomegranate seeds.  Makes 1 serving.

Rosemary-ginger infused Simple Syrup:  In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water, 1 inch sliced ginger and 2 sprigs fresh rosemary to a boil.  Lower heat, add stevia to taste (usually 1-2 T powdered or 6-10 drops liquid) and simmer for 2 minutes.  Remove from heat, let cool and refrigerate.