Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail

I grew up eating pomegranates constantly - I love the ruby red clusters arranged so beautifully in the fruit and the sweet-tart burst of flavor as you bite in to the seeds. My grandfather used to take whole pomegranates and firmly roll them and knead the thick leathery skin until all the seeds inside burst and the inside was completely filled with juice. I'd bite a small hole in the skin and drink all the juice...like nature's juice box! Actually what we call the seed is the aril, the juicy red part which surrounds the white seed. The jewel-like arils have got to be one of the prettiest edible garnishes around. Using them in a festive cocktail is perfect for holiday entertaining. For a non-alcoholic version, use Sparkling Pomegranate Juice instead of champagne and pomegranate juice.