½ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup filtered water
1 rounded tsp fresh pomegranate arils (about 12 arils, or seeds)
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
½ oz maple simple syrup
2¼ oz pear juice
2 oz sparkling mineral water
Bartlett pear slices for garnish

For the syrup, whisk to combine ½ cup maple syrup with ¼ cup filtered water in a small saucepan, and heat until small bubbles begin to form around the edge. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

In the meantime, to prepare the jewel-like pomegranate arils, score a fresh pomegranate cross-wise. Twist to separate into halves. Loosen the membrane around the edges and tap firmly with a wooden spoon over a bowl to collect the pomegranate arils. Continue to loosen the membrane and tap to release all the arils.

For each drink, gently mash the pomegranate arils with lemon juice in a muddler, then add the mixture into a cocktail shaker, along with the syrup, pear juice and ice. Shake to chill, and strain into a glass to serve. Top with sparkling mineral water. Add a slice of ripe Bartlett or brûléed pear.

Courtesy of Vanessa Young of Thirsty Radish.

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