New Year's Eve Citrus Pomegranate Sangria

This is a fun spin on sangria that uses white wine instead of red, and adds champagne.

Pomegranates are plentiful this time of year. Don't be intimidated by them. They are surprisingly good and full of nutrients and antioxidants. Plus, a new study shows that they may help in fighting off breast cancer. They are a versatile fruit and can be enjoyed in salads, soups, and desserts.

I've avoided them for some time because the tart little seeds are annoying to get to. But, with YouTube to the rescue, I've found a great tutorial to explain how to better remove the seeds without the fuss and mess.

The combination of citrus and pomegranates gives this fruity cocktail a tarty, colorful kick and jam packs it with Vitamin C, which helps ward off colds, stroke, and helps with skin aging. Who wouldn't like that?

I hope you enjoy this drink. We had it over New Years and it was quite the hit. Keep in mind that this recipe makes a large batch, so make sure you share it with plenty of friends. TRUST ME.

Alcohol isn't really the healthiest beverage you can consume for obvious reasons, but when consumed in moderation it can be okay. In fact, some research shows that one glass of wine a day is actually a good thing. So, make sure you share.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 limes (sliced)
• Juice from 1 lime
• 1/2 orange (sliced)
• Juice from 1/2 orange
• 1/2 lemon (sliced)
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 pomegranate
• 1/2 cup of brandy
• 1 bottle of champagne
• 1 bottle of chardonnay
• 1/2 Splenda (or other sugar substitute)
• 1 cup of club soda
• 1 large glass pitcher
• Ice
• Garnish with mint (optional)

Directions:

• Fill the pitcher with plenty of ice (about halfway)
• Slice the lime, lemon and orange halves and place them in the bottom of the glass pitcher.
• Remove the seeds from the pomegranate half and place them in the bottom of the pitcher.
• Pour the juice of the lime and lemon and orange halves into the pitcher.
• Gently pour the champagne, chardonnay and brandy into the pitcher.
• In a separate bowl, mix the club soda and Splenda until the sugar substitute is completely dissolved.
• Pour the mixture into the pitcher.

• Gently stir and serve!

Serves 8

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 164.4
Total Fat: 0
Cholesterol: 0
Sodium: 14mg
Potassium: 103.7
Total Carbs: 7.3
Dietary Fiber: 0.1g
Sugars: 0.5g
Protein: 0.2g
Vitamin C: 16.3%
Manganese: 21.6%