Hip Sips

Pomegranate Passion

Ashley Burns
Photo by Paul Skrentny


I adore tart flavors. The more sour, the better: slightly unripe fruits, anything citrus, vinegar-laced items—you name it, and my mouth will pucker with satisfaction. Because of my Persian heritage, I believe my craving for sour could be genetic—sour yogurt drinks and tangy fruits are very popular in Persian culture.
    So it’s no surprise that I fell in love with the wide array of pomegranate cocktails, the latest trend in martinis, Cosmos and margaritas in America and Europe. The cocktail revolution has brought about unprecedented creations that revelers relish left and right, and the pomegranate, with its rich crimson coloring and tart flavoring, tastes just as divine as it looks. And it’s good for your health, too.
    Alamedans are getting creative as well. At Asena (2508 Santa Clara Ave., 521-4100), Ates Kargin served up a pomegranate martini (“Pomtini”) of his own recipe: a blend of pomegranate concentrate, Cointreau, lime and tequila with a spiral lemon peel and lime garnish. The Asena Pomtini is a tangy, spicier “martini,” a rich, syrupy cocktail loaded with tang, unlike the classic gin martini of yesterday. Other renditions of the Pomtini include combinations of pomegranate juice and vodka with grapefruit juice, ginger ale, lemon juice, sour mix and simple syrup.
    At Speisekammer (2424 Lincoln Ave., 522-1300) I enjoyed a Pom Cosmo, blended with ice-cold vodka, Cointreau, fresh lime and pomegranate juices. Its light, crisp nature was refreshing, and I was satisfied by the tart pomegranate taste and my daily supply of antioxidants all blended into one cocktail. Studies show that the pomegranate has more antioxidants than red wine or green tea, making it the most powerful antioxidant fruit.
    This season brings a bounty of this beautiful, healthy red fruit. Next time you’re out on the town, ask for the pomegranate martini or Cosmo and salute your health.