Dom and I were college sweethearts.
He went to school in Staten Island and I, Buffalo. We were about as far apart within the state as we could be. Thankfully, People Express Airlines had a flight for $39, making it possible for us to see each other every once in a while.
So what does this little anecdote have to do with Italian Pomegranate Fizz?
Asti.
Believe it or not, Asti Spumante was our drink of choice…
After my flight, I’d arrive to Dom’s dorm room which was situated on a top floor of a tall tower on his beautiful campus and the only thing blocking our perfect view of the NYC skyline was the silhouette of Asti bottles perched on his windowsill. Dom, so fancy and refined in my eyes, with a dorm room more organized than any other I had ever seen, and a taste for beverages beyond the typical PBR and OV Splits, had my attention.
So because my honey introduced me to sparkling white Italian wine, it has always held a very special place in my heart. And when I asked him recently to help me create a delicious cocktail, an aperitivo if you will, a drink lovely enough to offer our family as they arrive on Christmas Eve – it was no surprise to me that his recipe would include Asti.
Although Asti and pomegranate seeds are on the sweeter side, the Campari (also of Italian descent) complements beautifully with its slightly spicy bitter flavor, giving our drink a more traditional ‘aperitivo’ feel. Aperitivos, alcoholic beverages designed to stimulate the appetite, are usually on the dryer side, making Campari an obvious addition.
Okay – so we have some bubbles and a little bit of sweetness – but who can resist a drink the color of pink diamonds?
Not me!
Saluté!!
PrintItalian Pomegranate Fizz
- Category: Cocktail
Description
Italian Pomegranate Fizz! We have some bubbles and a little bit of sweetness – in a drink the color of pink diamonds. Yes!
Ingredients
- 6 heaping tsp. Pomegranate seeds
- 6 tsp. Campari
- Chilled 750 ml. bottle Asti Spumante
Instructions
- In six champagne flutes, add 1 tsp. each of pomegranate seeds and Campari.
- Top each glass with Asti.
- Serve and enjoy!
Ciao!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Annie, may I feature this recipe (link back to your site) with a photo on a round up I am doing for NYE?
Annie says
Oh yes! Thank you, Alice! Happy New Year!
Robin Botie says
So romantic. The story and the drink. This needs a party, is definitely not to be tried by oneself.
Annie says
Thank you, my friend. We love our bubbly, don’t we? 🙂
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
What a pretty drink, Annie – so perfect for the holidays! And such a lovely story about you and Dom. I can’t believe you’re mentioned People’s Express Airline – I used to fly that all the time back in the day!
Annie says
People’s Express was the best!! It’s unfortunate it couldn’t be maintained…it was almost too good to be true. Thanks for your kind words, my friend! 🙂
Danielle says
Aww! It’s so cute when you talk about Dom! Josh and I were college sweethearts too, it was definitely a fun time to remember. This drink looks so delicious, love how easy it is too!
Annie says
Awhhh! So fun! We have wonderful memories too! Thanks for your sweet words, Danielle! 🙂
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says
I want to try this on New Year’s Eve! I loved hearing about your college sweetheart days, and love that Dom’s room was very organized. Marriage material right there! These drinks look beautiful, Annie.
Annie says
Hahahaah! Absolutely! Thank you, my friend! 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Awww! I love when you talk about your hunny (and your children). I can feel the love, and I loved the story behind this libation, Annie! This pomegranate fizz is stunning and absolutely perfect for the season! And, you are right, who in their right mind can resist a drink the color of pink diamonds?! Not I either!! Pinned! Xo
Annie says
Awh! That’s a coincidence…I love when you talk about your hunny too! Ya know – you always have the loveliest Thirsty Thursday posts…and I thought to myself – I need to get in on this action! Thanks, luv! XO
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Annie, love the story behind this!!! so sweet!! and this Italian pomegranate fizz would be perfect for NYE!!!!
Annie says
Oh yesss! Lovely bubbles to ring in the new year! I love it! Thanks, dear!