DIY Pomegranate-Mint Sodas

In a large saucepan, bring the sugar, mint leaves, lemon juice, pomegranate juice, and 1 cup water to a simmer over low heat, stirring just until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Let steep for 1 hour. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the syrup into a qt.-size jar with a lid. Cover the syrup and refrigerate.

To make the sodas, fill 8 glasses with ice. Pour 2 oz. of syrup into each glass. Top with the seltzer. Garnish with the mint sprigs.