Gin Mint Cocktail with Pomegranate - this a fresh, citrus take on a gin cocktail using fresh mint, pomegranate and orange zest. A gorgeous party cocktail!
Remove the seeds from the pomegranate (1) by cutting it in half, then holding it over a large bowl and giving it a firm smack with a wooden spoon or the flat side of a meat mallet (tenderiser) to release the seeds.
Lightly crush some of the seeds with the back of a spoon to release their juice.
Add pomegranate seeds and juice to a large jug, then add in mint leaves (6 sprigs) and thick strips (6) of orange zest.
Add gin (360ml), ice cubes and top with tonic (1.8L).
Notes
When removing the seeds from the pomegranate please don't skip the part about putting it over a large bowl, it will splatter a lot!
You could give the pomegranate halves a bash with anything you like really, but something a bit more solid like a sturdy wooden spoon or meat mallet will work better.
You will want to rinse your hands as soon as you are finished removing the pomegranate seeds as the juice can stain your skin. If you have sensitive skin I suggest wearing gloves.
If you can't buy a fresh pomegranate, you can buy the seeds alone in some supermarkets.
I use a vegetable peeler to make the thick strips of orange rind. You want to have as little of the white pith on the rind as you can as it tastes bitter.
I like to keep this cocktail as cold as I can. I do this by refrigerating the gin as well as the tonic, and then adding it in cold.
The recipe ingredients make a pitcher or jug of this pomegranate mint cocktail to serve 6. You could easily scale the recipe down though to make individual cocktails.
Garnish with another sprig of mint if you like, or a slice of orange.
*Please note that the amount of calories per serve is provided as a guide only, as ingredients and cooking methods can vary greatly*