This Pomegranate Martini is elegant, naturally festive, and vibrant in all senses of the word. But better yet, it comes together with no fuss in under five minutes! Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a larger holiday celebration, this cocktail is ready to make a statement. I’ll cheers to that!
I live (and love) to host a good holiday party. There’s simply no better joy! When I really want to wow my guests, I always turn to the magic of the pomegranate martini.
First of all, she’s bright pink and drop-dead gorgeous. Need I say more?! With the right garnishes, this beauty looks like it belongs on a special holiday menu at a high-end cocktail bar. And it tastes like it, too! Vodka, pomegranate, and citrus have become my new holy trinity, creating a dangerously delightful cocktail that disappears before my eyes all too quickly...
But don’t let its curb appeal intimidate you. This festive showstopper is surprisingly easy to make, with simple ingredients and straightforward directions that anyone can master in a matter of minutes. As your guests nibble on Pomegranate and Herbed Goat Cheese Dip or a fancy Fruit Charcuterie Board at your upcoming holiday celebration, hand them a martini glass and let the compliments roll in.
Okay, enough from me. Let’s dive into what you’re all here for – learning how to make a pomegranate martini!
For more festive cocktail recipes, check out my Berry & Bright Sangria, Fireball Hot Toddy, and Bubbly Pear Margarita.
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Why You'll Love It
If their vibrant visual appeal didn’t win you over, here are even more reasons to love these ruby-red cocktails.
- Simple Ingredients. Despite their bold, sophisticated presentation, cocktails with pomegranate juice are shockingly approachable, requiring a handful of simple ingredients. No specialty spirits, fancy bitters, or obscure tools necessary!
- Beginner-Friendly. Yes, you can master pomegranate martini recipes on your first try! It takes just minutes to come together – simply pour the ingredients right into the shaker with ice, shake vigorously, strain, and serve.
- Special Holiday Drink. The bright pink color makes this martini a naturally festive cocktail for holiday gatherings or New Year’s parties. It’s an elegant yet fun drink that makes the season feel extra special.
🥂Make it A Rosy Moment
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- Girls' Pre-Party Drinks - Serve the martinis in chilled coupes with a little disco ball stirrer. Add a sprinkle of pomegranate arils at the bottom so they sparkle through the drink!
- Holiday Dinner Party Bar Cart - Line up the sugar-rimmed glasses on a mirrored tray on a bar cart. Set out bowls of rosemary sprigs and pomegranate arils ready to go. When guests walk in, hand each person a martini as their welcome cocktail!
- Cocktail Party Christmas Ornament Martinis - Fill plastic Christmas ornaments with the martini and place all of the beautiful ornaments in a large ice bucket for a beautiful display. When your guests are ready to enjoy themselves, they simply unscrew the lid of the ornament and pour the pomegranate juice cocktails into chilled glasses.
Important Ingredients
The best drinks start with the simplest of ingredients. Check your bar cart to see what you have on hand before making a trip to the grocery or liquor store.
- Vodka - We picked our poison, and it’s vodka! It’s a neutral spirit, ideal for pomegranate martinis because it doesn’t distract from the fruity flavors. Pomegranate can remain where it belongs: center stage.
- Pomegranate Juice - Store-bought or freshly squeezed! It’s equal parts sweet and tart, but the flavor isn’t the only thing that pops – its ruby-red color certainly steals the show.
- Triple Sec - When it comes to how to make a pomegranate martini, citrus is key to balancing the tartness without overpowering the sweetness. Any type of orange liqueur will do the job.
- Fresh Lime Juice - Lime works in tandem with the triple sec to round out the cocktail, drawing out the citrusy tartness without making us pucker. Fresh is always best, but pre-packaged or lemon juice will do if you’re in a pickle.
- Simple Syrup - This sweetening agent balances the blend of flavors, allowing us to control the sweet-to-tart ratio. Use a modest amount to start, and build from there.
- Garnishes - Finish the glasses with fresh rosemary and ¼ cup of pomegranate arils. A sugar rim made with lime wedges and sugar is optional, but always makes a statement.
Swaps and Substitutions
If you don’t have an ingredient on hand or can’t be bothered to go to the store (I get it!), these simple swaps have got your pomegranate martini recipe covered.
- Juice: 100% pomegranate juice is best, but cranberry juice or cherry juice can work in its place in a pinch. If you have the time on hand, you can always squeeze fresh pomegranate juice at home – it tastes so good and gives you extra bragging rights!
- Alcohol: Citrus vodka is a great substitute because citrus and pomegranate perfectly balance each other's flavors. Use gin for a bright, botanical flavor, or rum for sweetness and a tropical flair. To make a pomegranate margarita variation, bring out the tequila.
- Triple Sec: Any brand of triple sec/orange liqueur is great – including Cointreau, but note that it has a higher ABV. Grand Marnier will also work, but it has deeper, more complex flavors (still delicious!) You can also just use a little orange juice and an extra splash of simple syrup.
- Sweetener. In place of simple syrup, use agave nectar, maple syrup, or honey thinned out with hot water.
Full Recipe Below
Find the full list of ingredients & measurements below!
Step by Step Instructions
- Step 1: Mix the cocktail by adding the vodka, pomegranate juice, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Shake for 30-60 seconds.
- Step 2: Rim the chilled glasses. Place the sugar on a shallow plate or in a shallow bowl. Cut a slice in the center of a lime wedge. Run the cut wedge along the rim and dip it in the sugar, turning it until the whole rim is covered.
- Step 3: Strain the martini into both glasses and garnish with pomegranate arils and fresh rosemary or mint.
Top Tip
High-quality ingredients make a difference – especially pomegranate juice. Use 100% pure pomegranate juice over a fresh juice blend for a crisp flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Pomegranate Martini
Details matter when making pomegranate juice cocktails! Follow the time-tested suggestions and you’ll be sipping on the best holiday cocktail ever.
- Pre-chill the martini glasses before serving. A warm martini is a sad martini. Pop glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes right before serving to keep everyone happy!
- Don’t stir – shake! Fill your cocktail shaker about ⅔ with ice, and shake long enough (about 30-60 seconds) until a smooth, frothy texture forms.
- Presentation is key. Rim the martini glasses with sugar, then garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, pomegranate seeds, a cinnamon stick, star anise, or lime wedge
Recipe Variations
Like we’ve established, citrus and pomegranate make an excellent pairing. The variations I offer below spin a twist on this ruby-red cocktail, without tampering with its flavor profile.
- Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail: Add a dash of ground cinnamon into the mix, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise for a warming twist on this holiday cocktail.
- Sparkling Martini: You can’t go wrong with bubbles! Top off the martini with a splash of champagne or sparkling water for some festive fizziness.
- Non-Alcoholic: Omit the vodka and triple sec completely, and replace with orange juice, sparkling water, or a zero-proof alternative.
💡Recipe FAQ
Vodka in pomegranate juice cocktails is pure poetry. But tequila, rum, gin, or whiskey are just as delicious – it just depends on what flavors you’re craving.
My pomegranate martini recipe calls for 4 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of triple sec for two servings. However, you can adjust measurements how you see fit.
Related Recipes
If you tried this Pomegranate Martini Recipe, or any other of the delicious recipes on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
📖 Recipe
Pomegranate Martini
Ingredients
- 4 oz vodka
- 2 oz pomegranate juice
- 1 oz triple sec
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ tablespoon simple syrup or agave syrup
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
- ¼ cup pomegranate arils
Optional for the Rim
- lime wedges
- 2 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Chill the martini glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before mixing.
- Mix the cocktail: add the vodka, pomegranate juice, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake for 30-60 seconds.
- Rim the chilled glasses: place the sugar on a shallow plate or in a shallow bowl. Cut a slice in the center of a lime wedge. Run the cut wedge along the rim, then dip it in the sugar, turning it until the whole rim is covered.
- Strain the martini into both glasses and garnish with pomegranate arils and fresh rosemary.
Notes
- High-quality ingredients make a difference – especially pomegranate juice. Use 100% pure pomegranate juice over a fresh juice blend for a crisp flavor.
- Pre-chill the martini glasses before serving. A warm martini is a sad martini. Pop glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes right before serving to keep everyone happy!
- Don’t stir – shake! Fill your cocktail shaker about ⅔ with ice, and shake long enough (about 30-60 seconds) until a smooth, frothy texture forms.
- Presentation is key. Rim the martini glasses with sugar, then garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, pomegranate seeds, a cinnamon stick, star anise, or lime wedges to suit your style or occasion!
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