With their jewel-toned seeds and sweet-tart flavour, pomegranates have long been linked to love, desire and Aphrodite. Choose one of these three recipes to kickstart your Valentine's Day celebration.

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• ½ oz pomegranate juice (fresh is best!)
• ¼ oz honey syrup (equal parts honey & warm water)
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Pomegranate seeds & orange peel, for garnish

• Step 1 In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, pomegranate juice, honey syrup, and bitters.
• Step 2 Add ice and stir until well chilled.
• Step 3 Strain into a double old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
• Step 4 Express the orange peel over the drink, then drop it in.
• Step 5 Sprinkle a few pomegranate seeds on top for a final touch of Aphrodite’s magic.

What You'll Need

• 2 oz vodka (or gin for a floral touch)
• 1 oz pomegranate juice (fresh is best!)
• ½ oz Cointreau or triple sec
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• ¼ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Pomegranate seeds, for garnish
• Lemon twist, for garnish

• Step 1 Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add vodka, pomegranate juice, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Step 2 Shake vigorously until well chilled (about 15 seconds).
• Step 3 Strain into a chilled martini glass.
• Step 4 Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and a lemon twist.

• ½ oz pomegranate juice (fresh is best!)
• ½ oz Grand Marnier or Cointreau
• 1 sugar cube
• 3-4 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
• Pomegranate seeds, for garnish
• Orange twist, for garnish

• Step 1 Place a sugar cube in the bottom of a champagne flute.
• Step 2 Add the pomegranate juice and Grand Marnier, letting the sugar cube soak up the flavors.
• Step 3 Slowly top with chilled champagne.
• Step 4 Drop in a few pomegranate seeds and garnish with an orange twist.