Pomegranate juice brings something to a cocktail that most fruit juices can’t: a deep, almost tannic quality that gives the drink weight. It’s tart without being sour, sweet without being cloying, and it turns any glass a shade of ruby that looks like it belongs in a jewelry box. Paired with non-alcoholic vodka and a squeeze of lemon, it becomes a drink that works for a Tuesday evening or a dinner party.

Choosing your pomegranate juice

POM Wonderful is the easiest to find and works well here. It’s 100% pomegranate juice with no added sugar, which is what you want. Some brands cut their pomegranate juice with apple or grape, which waters down the flavor and dulls the color. Check the label. If pomegranate isn’t the only juice listed, keep looking.

The tartness varies between brands. Taste your juice before building the drink. If it’s very tart, use the full half ounce of simple syrup. If it’s on the sweeter side, cut the syrup to a quarter ounce or skip it entirely.

The garnish makes a difference

Pomegranate seeds in the glass aren’t just decorative. They sink to the bottom, and as you sip, you get little bursts of fresh fruit flavor that change the drink as you go. Buy a whole pomegranate and seed it yourself, or pick up a container of pre-seeded arils. Either way, a tablespoon dropped into the glass turns a good drink into something people remember.

Seasonal flexibility

This recipe hits its stride in fall and winter, when pomegranate season peaks and the deep red color fits the mood. But it’s not limited to cold weather. Served over plenty of ice with extra sparkling water, it works as a refreshing warm-weather drink too. For a holiday variation, swap the sparkling water for ginger beer and you get a spiced, fizzy version that pairs well with Thanksgiving or Christmas spreads.