In a small saucepan, over medium/low heat, add the granulated sugar, water and a few sprigs of thyme. Heat sugar/water until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then turn off the heat and allow the thyme to steep in the simple syrup for 20-30 minutes. Remove thyme from the pan and transfer the thyme simple syrup to a glass container. Place in fridge and allow to chill (can keep in the fridge for other cocktails/drinks for up to a month).

In a shaker (or a glass yarai like I used here), add a handful of ice, the pomegranate juice, vodka, sparkling water, and thyme simple syrup. Give it a nice shake and strain into your glass of choice.

Garnish with a sprig of thyme and a few pomegranate arils