12 Pomegranate Cocktails to Master at Home

Pomegranate cocktails are the delicious addition to your DIY drinks line-up you never knew you always needed. Trust us on this one: the sweet, tart flavor of pomegranate is something spectacular, and its ruby-red color adds a wonderful dash of color to even the most basic mixed drink. Here are a few of our favorites to try at home. 

1. Pomegranate Margarita

For a pomegranate cocktail with a tasty tequila kick, go with the invigorating Pomegranate Margarita. Start by rimming a Margarita glass with salt or sugar, which can be achieved by rubbing a lime wedge along the rim and dipping it into a plate of salt or sugar.  

In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 oz Espolòn Tequila Blanco, 1 oz pomegranate juice, 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, 0.5 oz Grand Marnier, and 0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust according to sweetness preference). Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, then strain the mixture into the prepared margarita glass filled with ice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lime slice. 

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

2. Pomegranate Cosmopolitan

This pomegranate vodka cocktail is a luscious riff on the classic, orange-tinged Cosmopolitan.  Add 2 oz SKYY Vodka, 1 oz pomegranate juice, 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, 0.5 oz Grand Marnier, and 0.5 oz cranberry juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to thoroughly combine the ingredients and chill the mixture. Strain the cocktail into a martini glass, discarding the ice. Garnish with a few pomegranate arils for an elegant touch. 

3. Pama Martini

If you love to experiment with different types of Martinis, one of the first pomegranate juice cocktails you’ve got to try is the Pama Martini. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 1.5 oz SKYY vodka, 1.5 oz pomegranate liqueur, 0.25 oz Grand Marnier. Give it a vigorous shake to blend the flavors together. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass, ensuring no ice is transferred. Finally, garnish your martini with a twist of lemon for an added touch of zest. 

Read next: 11 Fruity Martini Recipes to Add Some Color to Your Next Party 

4. Pomegranate Mimosas

For a pomegranate juice cocktail that would be completely at home on a posh brunch table, go with a Pomegranate Mimosa. This spin-off of the classic Mimosa is just as easy to make (and enjoy!) as the original. Start by pouring 2 oz of chilled pomegranate juice into a champagne flute. Next, slowly add 4 oz of chilled champagne or sparkling wine to the flute. Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine the flavors. For an elegant touch, garnish your Pomegranate Mimosa with a few pomegranate arils or an orange slice.  

5. Pomegranate Gin Fizz

We adore a pomegranate gin cocktail moment, and we think you will too, once you pour this vibrant Pomegranate Gin Fizz. Combine 2 oz Bulldog Gin, 1 oz pomegranate juice, 1.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1.5 oz simple syrup in a shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and vigorously shake for 20 seconds to blend the flavors. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes. Top it off with club soda, adjusting the amount to your preference.   

More fizzy goodness: Ramos Gin Fizz | Sloe Gin Fizz 

6. Pomegranate Old Fashioned

If you like your cocktail with pomegranate juice to have a strong spirit-based backbone, might we suggest the Pomegranate Old Fashioned? Just like the classic Old Fashioned, it calls for a base of bourbon or rye whiskey, but then ventures off onto a fruitier route.  

In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon or Rye Whiskey, 1.5 oz pomegranate juice, 1.5 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes of bitters. Fill the mixing glass with ice and gently stir for about 30 seconds to blend the ingredients and chill the cocktail. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish the drink with a twist of orange peel, expressing its aromatic oils over the glass before placing it as a final garnish. 

Learn more: The Difference Between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned?  

7. Pomegranate Champagne Punch

The best Champagne cocktails tend to be a little extra, and this pomegranate cocktail recipe certainly does not disappoint on that front. Get sparkly with our Pomegranate Champagne Punch at your next get-together! 

In a punch bowl or large pitcher, combine 1 cup of pomegranate juice and 1/4 cup of Grand Marnier. Slowly pour in 1 bottle of chilled champagne or sparkling wine, gently stirring to blend the flavors. Add 1 cup of chilled ginger ale or club soda to infuse an extra touch of effervescence. Keep the punch cool in the fridge, and add ice just before your guests arrive so it doesn’t dilute the taste. For an extra festive touch, garnish with orange slices. 

Host with the most: Pitcher-Perfect Batching Cocktails for a Crowd 

8. Pomegranate Daiquiri

If you like your cocktails with pomegranate juice to have a beachy twist, we highly recommend the Pomegranate Daiquiri. The Strawberry Daiquiri may be the most well-known of its kind, but this juicy version is just as delectable.  

In a shaker, combine 2 oz Wray & Nephew white rum, 1.5 oz pomegranate juice, 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to blend the ingredients and chill the cocktail. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve. 

9. Pomegranate Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a warm-weather classic, and the Pomegranate Moscow Mule is another one of those drinks that you want to be sipping when the weather turns balmy.   

In a copper mug or glass, combine 2 oz SKYY Vodka, 1 oz pomegranate juice, and 1.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice. Fill the mug or glass with ice cubes, filling it about 2/3 full. Pour in 4-6 oz ginger beer, adjusting the amount to your preferred level of ginger flavor and sweetness. Give the cocktail a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.  

10. Pomegranate Elderflower Spritzer

Pomegranates, sparkles, and flowery goodness? Yes, please!  In a glass, combine 2 oz pomegranate juice and 1 oz elderflower liqueur. Fill the glass with ice cubes and top it off with 4 oz sparkling water for a light and effervescent touch. Gently stir to harmonize the flavors. Garnish your Pomegranate Elderflower Spritzer with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of pomegranate arils. 

More Spritzes this way: 9 Spritz Cocktails to Sip On this Summer 

11. Pomegranate Whiskey Sour

Once you’ve tried a Whiskey Sour with egg white, it opens the door to a whole new world of silky beverages. This includes the delicate Pomegranate Whiskey Sour. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of whiskey, 1 oz pomegranate juice, 0.75 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, 0.75 oz simple syrup, and 1 egg white. Dry shake without ice first, and then fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, and serve 

12. Pomegranate Rosé Paloma

We love a pretty Paloma, and its Mediterranean cousin, the Pomegranate Rosé Paloma, is just as delightful. Start by filling a wine glass with ice. Pour 0.75 oz pomegranate juice over the ice, followed by 3 oz of premium grapefruit soda. Add 4 oz sparkling rosé wine to the glass. Gently stir the ingredients to combine. For an elegant touch, garnish your spritzer with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of fresh mint or rosemary. 

Fresh pomegranate juice vs bottled

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 flavor. Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice offers a vibrant and intense flavor 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.) 

Customization. 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 flavor 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 pasteurization 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 standardized 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 flavors. 

Flavor variation. The taste of bottled pomegranate juice might differ from fresh juice due to processing and storage methods. Some people may find the flavor less vibrant or slightly altered. 

Cost. Bottled pomegranate juice can be more expensive compared to fresh pomegranates, especially if you consume it regularly. 

Ultimately, the choice between fresh pomegranate juice and bottled juice depends on your priorities. If you value freshness, flavor, and the ability to customize, fresh juice might be the better option. However, if convenience, extended shelf life, and accessibility are more important to you, bottled juice can be a convenient choice. Consider your preferences, nutritional needs, and availability when deciding.