Pink grapefruit and pomegranate soda

Ingredients

1/2 cup pink or red grapefruit juice (from about 1 small grapefruit)

1/2 cup pomegranate juice (from about 1 medium pomegranate)

1 cup sugar

2 star anise pods

Ice

Soda water

Pomegranate arils for garnish (optional)

Directions

Combine grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice, sugar, and star anise in a small saucepan over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugars.

Remove from heat and let sit 30 minutes. Strain and discard solids. Let syrup cool completely.

To serve, fill an 8-ounce glass halfway with ice cubes, add 3 tablespoons of syrup, fill with soda water, and stir. Add more syrup for a sweeter or stronger flavor. Garnish with pomegranate arils.