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12 Delicious Pomegranate Cocktails to Sip This Season

July 12, 2023 by

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Pomegranate cocktails are quickly gaining popularity, and it’s no wonder why. Striking the perfect balance between tart and sweet, along with that gorgeous ruby-red colour, these drinks bring something truly special to the party. Whether you’re mixing up a Margarita or serving a sparkling punch, pomegranates add a burst of fun and flavour that makes every sip a little more exciting. Here are a few of our favourites to try at home.

1. Pomegranate Margarita

Close up of a Pomegranate Margarita with a salted rim garnished with a lime slice

A fruity twist on the classic Margarita template, this cocktail balances tart pomegranate with a smooth tequila kick.

Ingredients

Method

  1. Rub a lime wedge along the rim of a Margarita glass and dip it into salt or sugar to coat

  2. Fill the glass with ice

  3. Add tequila, pomegranate juice, lime juice, Grand Marnier, and sugar syrup to a shaker with ice

  4. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds

  5. Strain into the prepared Margarita glass

  6. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lime slice

You might also love: Lime Margarita | Champagne Margarita | Grand Margarita 

2. Pomegranate Cosmopolitan

Pomegranate Cosmopolitans with dried orange garnish

A luscious twist on the classic Cosmo, this version swaps orange notes for tart pomegranate in a sleek martini glass.

Ingredients

  • 60 ml SKYY Vodka (opens in new window)

  • 30 ml Pomegranate juice

  • 15 ml Lime juice (freshly squeezed)

  • 15 ml Grand Marnier

  • 15 ml Cranberry juice

  • Pomegranate arils

  • Ice

Method

  1. Add vodka, pomegranate juice, lime juice, Grand Marnier, and cranberry juice to a cocktail shaker with ice

  2. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds

  3. Strain into a Martini glass, discarding the ice

  4. Garnish with pomegranate arils

Read next: Cosmopolitan Variations: Modern Twists on a Classic Cocktail

3. Pama Martini

Close up of a pair of Pama Martinis in light bright ourdoor setting on a patio with greenery in the background

Smooth, vibrant, and citrussy, this jewel-toned Martini shows off pomegranate in elegant style.

Ingredients

  • 45 ml SKYY Vodka

  • 45 ml Pomegranate liqueur

  • 10 ml Orange liqueur

  • Lemon twist

  • Ice

Method

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice

  2. Add SKYY Vodka, pomegranate liqueur, and orange liqueur

  3. Shake vigorously to blend the flavours

  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass

  5. Garnish with a lemon twist

Make it with: Grand Marnier

Read next: 12 Fruity Martini Recipes for Your Next Party

4. Pomegranate Mimosa

Close up top view of two Pomengrate Mimosas on a wooden table surrounded by fresh pomegranates

Bubbly, bright, and brunch-ready—this elegant twist on the classic Mimosa brings pomegranate flair to the table.

Ingredients

  • 60 ml Pomegranate juice (chilled)

  • 120 ml Champagne or sparkling wine (chilled)

  • Pomegranate arils or an orange slice

  • Ice (optional, if serving on the rocks)

Method

  1. Pour pomegranate juice into a Champagne flute

  2. Slowly add Champagne or sparkling wine

  3. Stir gently to combine

  4. Garnish with pomegranate arils or an orange slice

Zesty besties: 14 Orange Liqueur Cocktails That Zest the Best

5. Pomegranate Gin Fizz

Close up of a trio of Pomegranate Gin Fizz Cocktails surrounded by pomegranate arils

The Pomegranate Gin Fizz was made for garden parties and celebratory toasts—bright, bubbly, and beautiful in the glass.

Ingredients

Method

  1. Add gin, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker

  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds

  3. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes

  4. Top with soda water, adjusting the amount to taste

More fizzy goodness: Ramos Gin Fizz | Sloe Gin Fizz 

6. Pomegranate Old Fashioned

Close up top view of a pomegranate Old Fashioned cocktail

Think of it as your Old Fashioned’s fruit-forward cousin; just as strong, but with a splash of colour.

Ingredients

Method

  1. Add bourbon or rye whisky, pomegranate juice, sugar syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass

  2. Fill the glass with ice and stir gently for about 30 seconds

  3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice

  4. Express the oils of an orange peel over the drink and use it as a garnish

Learn more: A Tale of Two Cocktails: Manhattan vs Old Fashioned  

7. Pomegranate Champagne Punch

Close up top view of a Pomegranate Champagne Punch filled with colorful slices of fruit

Made for celebrations big and small, this sparkling punch turns any gathering into a festive affair.

Serves: About 6–8

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Pomegranate juice

  • 0.25 cup Grand Marnier

  • 1 bottle Champagne or sparkling wine (chilled)

  • 1 cup Ginger ale or soda water (chilled)

  • Orange slices

  • Ice

Method

  1. In a punch bowl or large pitcher, combine pomegranate juice and Grand Marnier

  2. Slowly pour in the Champagne or sparkling wine and stir gently

  3. Add ginger ale or soda water and blend lightly

  4. Refrigerate until ready to serve

  5. Add ice just before guests arrive

  6. Garnish with orange slices

Host with the most: Summer Batch Cocktails for Entertaining at Home

8. Pomegranate Daiquiri

Close up of a Pomegranate Daiquiri in a light bright kitchen environment with light coming from a window behind

Juicy pomegranate brings a fruity edge to the classic Daiquiri’s tangy rum-and-lime base.

Ingredients

Method

  1. Add rum, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and sugar syrup to a shaker

  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds

  3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass over fresh ice

  4. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve

Sweet sensations: The Complete Guide to Making Sugar Syrups for Cocktails

9. Pomegranate Moscow Mule

Close up of a pair of Pomegranate Moscow Mule cocktails in a light bright home kitchen environment

The Moscow Mule is a warm-weather classic, and the Pomegranate Moscow Mule remix is another drink you want to be sipping when the weather turns balmy.   

Ingredients

  • 60 ml SKYY Vodka

  • 30 ml Pomegranate juice

  • 45 ml Lime juice (freshly squeezed)

  • 120 ml Ginger beer

  • Ice

Method

  1. Add SKYY Vodka, pomegranate juice, and lime juice to a copper mug or glass

  2. Fill the mug or glass about two-thirds full with ice cubes

  3. Pour in ginger beer, adjusting the amount to taste

  4. Stir gently to combine

Festive sipping: Bring on the Jolly: 19 Best Christmas Cocktails with Vodka

10. Pomegranate Elderflower Spritzer

Close up of a refreshing Pomegranate Elderflower Spritzer in a light bright home ktichen environment next to a vase of Elderflowers

Pomegranates, sparkles, and flowery goodness? Yes, please! A laid-back sip for sunny afternoons, this spritzer brings a floral twist to a fruity classic.

Ingredients

  • 60 ml Pomegranate juice

  • 30 ml Elderflower liqueur

  • 120 ml Sparkling water

  • Mint leaves

  • Pomegranate arils

  • Ice

Method

  1. Add pomegranate juice and elderflower liqueur to a glass

  2. Fill the glass with ice cubes

  3. Top with sparkling water

  4. Stir gently to combine

  5. Garnish with mint leaves and pomegranate arils

More spritzes this way: 16 Spritz Cocktails: Recipes and Tips

11. Pomegranate Whisky Sour

Close up of a Pomegrate Whiskey Sour on a dark table, garnished with a sprig of thyme

Your Whisky Sour just got a pink makeover—smooth, tangy, and topped with that irresistible froth.

Ingredients

  • 60 ml Whisky

  • 30 ml Pomegranate juice

  • 20 ml Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

  • 20 ml Sugar syrup

  • 1 Egg white

  • Ice

Method

  1. Add whisky, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker

  2. Dry shake (without ice) to emulsify the egg white

  3. Add ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds

  4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice

  5. Serve

Learn more: 18 Grenadine Cocktails to Try in 2025

12. Pomegranate Rosé Paloma

Close up of a pair of Pomegranate Rose Paloma cocktails in a light bright home kitchen environment

The Pomegranate Rosé Paloma is vibrant, sparkling, and a little cheeky. It brings a juicy burst of character with a light, celebratory flair, making it feel both modern and fun. Think of it as a cocktail that’s playful and stylish; perfect for raising a glass with friends when you want something bold yet effortlessly elegant.

Also see: 10 Playful Paloma Variations for Picture-Perfect Sipping

How to make fresh pomegranate juice

Close up of pomegranate syrup in a decanter, next to a shot glass of grenadine and quartered fresh pomegranates on a red linen napkin

Follow these simple steps to make fresh pomegranate juice at home:

    1. Cut a fresh pomegranate in half.
    2. Hold the halved pomegranate over a bowl and tap the back with a wooden spoon until the seeds fall out.
    3. Once you’ve managed to get all the seeds out, blitz in a blender until smooth.
    4. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the pulp.
    5. Serve or store your fresh pomegranate juice, ready to use in your cocktails.

Fresh pomegranate juice vs bottled

Close up of a jug and glasses of fresh pomegranate juice

When it comes to pomegranate juice, there are two main ways to enjoy it: bottled or freshly squeezed. Both have their own unique benefits, but which one is right for you? Here are a few pros and cons to help you decide: 

Pros of fresh pomegranate juice

  • Freshness and flavour. Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice offers a vibrant and intense flavour that captures the natural essence of the fruit. It has a distinct freshness that can be very enjoyable. 
  • Nutritional value. Freshly squeezed juice retains more of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants present in pomegranates. It is known to be rich in vitamin C, potassium, and other beneficial compounds that can support overall health (if you drink it without any added alcohol.) 
  • Customisation. When you make your own fresh juice, you have the flexibility to adjust the sweetness and tartness levels according to your taste preferences. You can also mix it with other fruits or add herbs to create unique flavour combinations. 

Cons of fresh pomegranate juice

  • Seasonal availability. Pomegranates have a specific growing season, and fresh ones may not be readily available year-round.
  • Time and effort. Squeezing fresh pomegranates to extract the juice can be time-consuming and require some effort. It involves removing the seeds and then pressing or juicing them to obtain the liquid. 

Pros of bottled pomegranate juice

  • Convenience. Bottled pomegranate juice offers convenience and accessibility. It is readily available in stores and can be consumed on the go without any preparation time. 
  • Extended shelf life. Bottled juices typically have a longer shelf life compared to fresh juice, thanks to pasteurisation and other preservation methods. This allows you to store them for longer periods without worrying about spoilage. 
  • Consistency. Commercially bottled juices are often produced using standardised processes, ensuring a consistent taste profile with each purchase. 

Cons of bottled pomegranate juice

  • Processing and additives. Bottled pomegranate juices may undergo processing methods that can diminish their nutritional value. They might also contain additives like preservatives, sweeteners, or artificial flavours. 
  • Flavour variation. The taste of bottled pomegranate juice might differ from fresh juice due to processing and storage methods. Some people may find the flavour less vibrant or slightly altered. 
  • Cost. Bottled pomegranate juice can be more expensive compared to fresh pomegranates, especially if you consume it regularly. 

Make pomegranates your go-to holiday cocktail ingredient

Close up of friends clinking together glasses over a festive table filled with all sorts of holiday foods

Pomegranates are the ultimate holiday cocktail ingredient. Their jewel-like seeds and deep red colour add a festive flair to any drink, making them a go-to during the winter months when they’re in season. Plus, the tart-sweet balance pairs perfectly with the rich, warm flavours often used in holiday cocktails. To give your drinks an extra touch of holiday cheer, garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and a sprig of rosemary for a fresh, seasonal look.

Creative ways to garnish pomegranate cocktails

A Sparkling Pomegranate Kombucha summer mocktail

Here are some fun and easy garnish ideas to elevate your pomegranate cocktails:

  • Sprinkle a few fresh pomegranate seeds into the drink for a pop of colour and a juicy burst of flavour.
  • Add a sprig of fresh mint to give your cocktail a fragrant, refreshing touch.
  • Twist a peel of lemon or orange over the glass for a bright, zesty finish.
  • Dip the rim of your glass in sugar for a festive, sparkling look and sweet taste to balance out the pomegranate’s tartness.
  • Add edible flowers for a pop of colour and a pretty finish.

So, which pomegranate cocktail do you think you’ll try first? Tag us in your photos when you share your creations on Instagram and remember to sign up for our newsletter to get fresh drinkspiration delivered straight to your inbox. In the meantime, there are more amazing cocktail recipes waiting on the SKYY Vodka (opens in new window), Bulldog Gin (opens in new window), and Wild Turkey (opens in new window) websites.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Start by juicing fresh pomegranates or using bottled 100% pomegranate juice. In a saucepan, combine the juice with sugar and heat it over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens. Add a touch of lemon juice for a hint of brightness. Let it cool, strain any solids, and transfer to a bottle or jar. Now you have a deliciously sweet and tangy pomegranate syrup ready to elevate your cocktails.

Absolutely! Preserving pomegranate syrup allows you to enjoy its vibrant flavours for an extended period. After making the syrup, ensure that it cools completely. Transfer it to a clean, airtight bottle or jar, and store it in the fridge. Properly stored, pomegranate syrup can last for several weeks, maintaining its taste and quality. Remember to give it a good shake before each use. With preserved pomegranate syrup on hand, you can effortlessly add a burst of flavour to your cocktails whenever you desire.

Pomegranate juice pairs beautifully with a variety of spirits, offering versatility in cocktail-making. Vodka is a popular choice as its neutral flavour allows the tart, slightly sweet taste of pomegranate to shine. Gin, with its botanical notes, adds complexity, while tequila brings a bold, earthy balance. Rum offers a rich sweetness that complements pomegranate juice, and sparkling wine adds a bubbly elegance. These pairings create refreshing, vibrant drinks perfect for any occasion.

Pomegranate cocktails are a festive favourite during the holidays. The rich red hue, reminiscent of holiday cheer, adds a vibrant touch to any gathering. Pomegranate’s tart, slightly sweet flavour also pairs beautifully with traditional holiday spices and citrus, making it a versatile ingredient for winter cocktails. Garnished with pomegranate seeds, mint sprigs, or a sugared rim, these cocktails not only taste great but also look stunning and festive.

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