Happy Friday, gang! Can you believe December is here? There’s a shift in the air this time of year — the kind that makes you want to string up extra lights, queue up your favorite holiday playlist, and keep a bottle of something bubbly chilled just in case. This week on Fridays with Oscar, Kelly, and I are embracing all of it with two recipes made for sparkle season: a stunning Pomegranate French 75 and savory Holiday Spiced Nuts with rosemary and thyme. Together, they’re the perfect pair for holiday entertaining — elegant enough for a cocktail party, easy enough for a last-minute gathering with neighbors. Let the festivities begin!
Here’s What You’ll Find in This Post
- 🍸 A jewel-toned Pomegranate French 75 that’s as beautiful as it is delicious
- 🥜 Savory Holiday Spiced Nuts with rosemary and thyme — perfect for gifting or grazing
- 💡 Comprehensive FAQs for both recipes with make-ahead tips
- 🛒 A smart Trader Joe’s shortcut for stress-free snacking
- 🐾 A check-in with Oscar & Ollie
- 👗 A look at what Beth and Kelly are wearing
Pomegranate French 75 & Holiday Spiced Nuts
December entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the best holiday gatherings often happen when you keep things simple but special — a beautiful drink, a satisfying snack, and good company. That’s exactly the philosophy behind this week’s recipes. The Pomegranate French 75 is a showstopper with its deep ruby color and elegant bubbles, while the Holiday Spiced Nuts bring that irresistible savory-herby crunch that keeps guests coming back for more. Make them both ahead of time, and you’re ready for whatever the season brings.
🍸 Pomegranate French 75
If sparkle season had an official cocktail, the Pomegranate French 75 would be a top contender. This gorgeous drink brings together the botanical notes of gin, the jewel-toned richness of pomegranate molasses, and the celebratory fizz of Prosecco for something that’s both elegant and festive. The pomegranate molasses — a tangy-sweet syrup you can find HERE — adds a beautiful ruby hue and depth of flavor that makes this French 75 feel especially luxe. It’s the kind of cocktail that makes any December gathering feel a little more special, whether you’re toasting with two people or twenty.
✨ Beth’s Tip: For a pitcher version (serves 6-8), combine 1 cup gin, 1/3 cup lemon juice, and 1/3 cup pomegranate molasses in a pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to serve, then divide among glasses and top each with Prosecco. Add garnishes just before serving.
Pomegranate French 75
Ingredients:
- 3 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz pomegranate molasses
- 4 oz Prosecco chilled
- Pomegranate arils for garnish
- Lemon twist for garnish
- Ice
Instructions:
- Chill your glasses: Place two coupe or champagne flutes in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
- Combine base ingredients: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine gin, fresh lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses.
- Shake vigorously: Shake for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain: Divide the mixture evenly between the two chilled glasses.
- Top with bubbles: Gently pour Prosecco into each glass.
- Garnish: Add a few pomegranate arils and a lemon twist to each glass.
- Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.
Tips/Notes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Pomegranate French 75
Q: What is pomegranate molasses, and where do I find it?
A: Pomegranate molasses is a thick, tangy-sweet syrup made from reduced pomegranate juice. You can find it in the international aisle of most grocery stores (often near Middle Eastern ingredients), at specialty food stores, or find it on Amazon. It adds beautiful depth and a jewel-toned color to cocktails and dishes.
Q: Can I use regular simple syrup instead of pomegranate molasses?
A: You can, but you’ll lose some of that gorgeous color and tangy complexity. If you substitute simple syrup, add a splash of pure pomegranate juice to maintain the ruby hue and fruity flavor.
Q: What gin works best for this cocktail?
A: A London Dry gin with classic botanical notes works beautifully here — brands like Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Bombay Sapphire are all great choices. If you prefer something more floral, try Hendrick’s.
Q: Can I use Champagne instead of Prosecco?
A: Absolutely! Champagne will give you a slightly drier, more refined finish. Prosecco tends to be a bit sweeter and more fruit-forward, which complements the pomegranate beautifully, but either works.
Q: How far ahead can I prep this cocktail?
A: You can mix the gin, lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses up to a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Add the Prosecco and garnishes just before serving to keep it bubbly.
Q: What’s the best way to get pomegranate arils for garnish?
A: The easiest method is to cut the pomegranate in half, hold it cut-side down over a bowl, and tap the back firmly with a wooden spoon. The arils will fall right out. Or save yourself the effort and buy pre-packaged arils — no judgment here!
🥜 Holiday Spiced Nuts
There’s something so satisfying about making your own spiced nuts — the aroma alone makes your kitchen smell like the holidays. With fresh rosemary, thyme, and just a hint of garlic and black pepper, they’re the kind of snack that disappears the moment you set them out. Even better? They come together in under 30 minutes and make a thoughtful homemade gift when packaged in a pretty jar. Oscar has been particularly interested in quality control this week, though we’ve had to remind him that these are decidedly not for pups.
✨ Kelly’s Tip: These make a beautiful homemade gift! Package them in a mason jar with a ribbon or in cellophane bags tied with festive twine. Include a handwritten tag with the ingredients for a thoughtful, personal touch.
Holiday Spiced Nuts
Ingredients:
- 3 cups mixed nuts such as almonds, cashews, pecans, and walnuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt such as Maldon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a little heat
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Heat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the coating: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using).
- Toss the nuts: Add the mixed nuts to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
- Spread on baking sheet: Arrange nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and fragrant.
- Cool completely: Let the nuts cool on the baking sheet — they’ll crisp up as they cool.
- Serve or store: Transfer to a serving bowl, or store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
Frequently Asked Questions
Holiday Spiced Nuts
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! These nuts keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They actually taste even better after a day or two, once the herbs have had time to meld with the nuts.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A: You can, though fresh herbs give a brighter, more aromatic flavor. If using dried, reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon dried rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
Q: What nut combination do you recommend?
A: We love a mix of almonds, cashews, pecans, and walnuts for variety in texture and flavor. Marcona almonds are a special treat if you want to elevate things, and hazelnuts add a lovely festive touch.
Q: How do I make these spicier?
A: Increase the cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of smoked paprika for smoky heat.
Q: Can I make these nut-free with seeds instead?
A: Absolutely! Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and sunflower seeds work wonderfully with this same herb-and-spice blend. Reduce the baking time to 15-18 minutes and watch carefully, as seeds can burn faster than nuts.
Q: My nuts aren’t crispy. What happened?
A: They likely needed more time in the oven, or they weren’t cooled completely before storing. Make sure to let them cool fully on the baking sheet — they’ll crisp up as they sit.
Q: Can I add sweetness to these?
A: If you prefer a sweet-savory profile, add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey to the butter mixture. Keep in mind they’ll need to be watched more carefully in the oven, as the sugars can burn.
A Word About Shortcuts
December is busy, and there’s absolutely no shame in a well-chosen shortcut. If you love the idea of having spiced nuts on hand but don’t have time to make them from scratch, Trader Joe’s is your friend. Their mixed nut selection is excellent and affordable, and they often carry seasoned varieties during the holidays. Grab a container, pour them into a pretty bowl, and call it done. The goal is enjoying the season, not exhausting yourself.
🐾 Oscar & Ollie
🎄 Sparkle Season Style
Beth’s Look
As we step into December, I’m all about luxe textures and neutral tones that feel festive without trying too hard. This Evereve Faux Fur Vest in rich brown is the kind of piece that instantly elevates everything — it’s cozy, sophisticated, and has just the right amount of drama for the holidays.
I’ve layered it over the Arlette Turtleneck, which provides the perfect base, and paired it with Weekend Collection Wide Leg Corduroy Pants from Ann Taylor in winter white. The look is polished but comfortable, and The Dimes Chelsea Boots in chocolate brown tie everything together beautifully. It’s my go-to formula for December entertaining: textured, tonal, and effortlessly elegant.
Kelly’s Look
For sparkle season, I’m embracing tailored sophistication with a touch of texture. My Herringbone Textured Wool-Blend Crop Jacket adds structured polish while the cropped length keeps things modern and fresh. I’ve paired it with Weekender Slim Barrel Pant in black — they have that relaxed barrel-leg silhouette I love, but the slim fit keeps them sleek.
I’ve finished the look with Everlane The Day Glove Flats in black, which are as comfortable as they are chic. It’s the kind of outfit that transitions seamlessly from a morning of recipe testing to an afternoon cocktail with friends — polished, effortless, and ready for whatever December brings.
🎄 Cheers to Sparkle Season
As we step into December, Kelly and I are reminded that the holidays are really about those small, shimmering moments — a pretty drink in hand, something delicious to nibble on, and the company of people (and pets) we love. This Pomegranate French 75 and Holiday Spiced Nuts duo embodies everything we adore about the season: they’re festive without being fussy, elegant without being complicated, and perfect for sharing.
So here’s to sparkle season, ladies. May your glasses be full, your nuts be perfectly spiced, and your December be merry and bright.
🐾 Oscar, Ollie, Kelly, and I wish you a beautiful weekend!
For more holiday inspiration, check out:
- 10 Christmas Decor Pieces That Will Make Your Home the Envy of Every Guest
- Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Soup With Cinnamon Espresso Martinis
- The Ultimate December Checklist for Women Over 50
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