National Pomegranate Month

November is the month that we celebrate a wonderful fruit, the pomegranate. The timing of this last week of the month with Thanksgiving presents the opportunity to introduce a less traditional taste like pomegranate into the holiday celebration if we think of pomegranate as the "other cranberry." Don't get me wrong, I love cranberries, but the flavor of pomegranate is just as worthy a compliment to the traditional family meal as one of our recent drink pairings (Baked Pears with Cranberries and Walnuts) suggests.

One thing is for sure, the value of pomegranate is not lost on cocktails, think about how often we use grenadine (a pomegranate syrup). Without the pomegranate favorites like an Old Lay, Ward Eight, Pink Lady and the modern version of the Tequila Sunrise would not be possible. Also a factor that has played into our love of the "pom" as of late is the rise of the flavor's popularity in spirits. Specifically, PAMA is almost an essential liqueur now, and the impressive infused vodkas from the likes of Charbay, Van Gogh and Three Olives.

While pomegranate may be thought of as tropical and exotic, the harvest of it just before the holiday season can lead to some spectacular seasonal cocktails...

• Herb's Pomegranate Punch
• Mulled Pomegranate Warmer
• Peach Pomegranate Holiday Martini
• Pomegranate Poinsettia