Apple Pomegranate Sparkling Mocktail: The Easy Festive Punch

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods to begin making the spiced simple syrup.
2. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer gently (do not boil aggressively).
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to allow the spices to infuse thoroughly into the syrup.
4. Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jug, discarding the solids. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until thoroughly chilled.
5. In a large jug or pitcher, combine the chilled pressed apple juice, pomegranate juice, and fresh lemon juice. Stir well.
6. Add 4–6 tablespoons (60–90 ml) of the prepared Spiced Simple Syrup to the mocktail base. Taste and add more syrup if a sweeter flavour is desired.
7. Fill the four serving glasses (highball or wine glasses) with ice cubes. Divide the mocktail base evenly among the four glasses, filling them about halfway to two-thirds full.
8. Top each glass with chilled sparkling water (or soda water), leaving about 1 cm headspace. Stir gently once or twice.
9. Thread a thin apple slice onto the rim of each glass or float it inside. Sprinkle a small spoonful of pomegranate arils directly into the drink. Serve immediately.