Pomegranate Simple Syrup & Sparkle Wine Cooler - cooking recipe

Ingredients

Simple Syrup
1 (16 ounce) bottle pomegranate juice
1/2 cup sugar
Sparkler (use 1 tablespoon pomegranate simple syrup from above)
1/2 cup white wine (dry)
1 tablespoon orange liqueur (Cointreau)
ice cube
lemon wedge, garnish
See below for non-alcoholic versions

Preparation

SIMPLE SYRUP:
Stir together syrup ingredients in a small saucepan; boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally; altogether about 35 minutes until reduced to about 1 1/4 cups syrup.
SPARKLER:
Pour syrup into tall glass, add wine and liqueur; stir, add ice cubes and lemon wedge if desired.
NON-ALCOHOLIC VERSIONS:
Instead of wine, use apple juice or apple cider for a totally different kick. A splash of 7-Up (white) soda will cut the wine nicely, too.