The Balkan Ruby

The Balkan Ruby

Pomegranate, mint and raki: autumn in a glass

A bold, jewel-red cocktail made for autumn evenings with friends, this drink is fresh, fruity and full of Balkan character, all built around the smooth kick of traditional Albanian raki. 

Ingredients

Simple Syrup

  • 2 tbsp sugar

  • 2 tbsp hot water

Cocktail

  • 50 ml MeZemer raki

  • 60 ml pomegranate juice (fresh or 100% bottled)

  • 20 ml fresh lemon juice

  • 10 ml simple syrup

  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves

  • Ice, for shaking

  • Crushed ice, for serving

  • Sparkling water, to top (optional)

Garnish

  • 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds

  • 1 fresh mint sprig

Instructions

Make the Simple Syrup

  1. Stir the sugar into the hot water until fully dissolved.

  2. Let it cool completely before using. Leftover syrup keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Make the Cocktail

  1. Place the mint leaves and simple syrup in a shaker. Press gently with a muddler 3-4 times. Press, don't shred, or the mint will turn bitter.

  2. Add the raki, pomegranate juice, lime juice and a handful of ice.

  3. Shake hard for 10-15 seconds, until the shaker feels ice-cold.

  4. Strain into a glass packed with crushed ice.

Garnish and Serve

  1. Scatter the pomegranate seeds over the top.

  2. Add the mint sprig.

  3. Top with a splash of sparkling water if you like it lighter, or leave it out for a stronger drink.

MeZemer Tips

  • In season now: Autumn is pomegranate season. Juice them fresh for the best color and flavor.

  • Party version: Mix 500 ml raki, 600 ml pomegranate juice, 200 ml lime juice and 100 ml syrup in a pitcher. Serve over crushed ice with mint.

Stronger: Go up to 60 ml raki and skip the sparkling water.

 

Back to blog