It's summer. You're hosting a crowd. Throw together this refreshing pitcher drink to cool off your guests at your next party! Our simple recipe for freshly squeezed lemonade hits the perfect sweet-to-tart ratio and gets topped up with pomegranate juice, blackberry syrup and club soda for an effervescent sparkle.

Try this pomegranate lemonade seasonally at any of our Ebar locations, or make it at home for your next large event. Our recipe yields two gallons (or is easily halved, for one)-enough for a big backyard barbecue, sporting event or potluck. And yes, you can most definitely make this kid-friendly beverage into an adults-only party punch; just switch out the club soda for a dry Prosecco or splash in a bit of high-quality vodka.

Sparkling Pomegranate Lemonade
From our Nordstrom Ebars
(Yields two gallons)

Ingredients
2 cups hot water
3 1/2 cups superfine sugar
4 cups lemon juice, freshly squeezed (approximately 20 lemons)
12 cups cold water
7 1/2 cups (60 ounces) pomegranate juice
1 3/4 cups (14 ounces) blackberry syrup
5 cups (40 ounces) club soda

1/4-inch lemon wheel slices for garnish

1. In a container large enough to hold over two gallons, add hot water and sugar. Whisk to dissolve sugar.

2. Squeeze lemons and add the juice and cold water. Whisk until well blended. (Stop here and you have delicious, easy lemonade!)

Yorkshire Beverage Dispenser

3. Add pomegranate juice and blackberry syrup to lemonade mixture. Stir until well blended. Chill if not serving immediately. The Pomegranate Lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

(Editor's Note: If you're serving this beverage in a closed dispenser and/or over a long period of time, reserve the club soda on the side and top off each glass with it while serving to avoid excess pressure buildup that can cause leaks and to maximize bubbles.) Try this recipe and others at a Nordstrom restaurant near you, and find more recipes to make at home in our What's Cooking series and Nordstrom Cookbooks. Have a favorite dish or beverage from our restaurants or cookbooks that you'd like to see featured? Let us know in the comments!

4. Transfer to a large pitcher or beverage dispenser. Add club soda just before serving. Pour over ice in your choice of glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

-Jeff Powell

Topics: Cocktail Recipes, Food & Drink, Jeff Powell, Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipes, Nordstrom Ebar, Nordstrom Recipe, Picnic, Recipe, Summer Cocktail, Vodka, What's Cooking