Best Pomegranate Martini Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

Celebrate the holidays with this surprisingly simple and delicious Pomegranate Martini recipe. It is so easy to combine vodka, pomegranate juice, sweetener, and Cointreau for that perfect bit of orange flavor, then shake and serve. This fancy drink is the best way to kick off the Christmas season.

The holiday festivities call for fancy co*cktails, and this Pomegranate Martini does not disappoint! (And dare I say it’s better than a Cosmo!?)

And when I say fancy, I mean that it TASTES and LOOKS fancy, but you can actually make it in less than 5 minutes!

With freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, your clear liquor of choice (both vodka and gin will work great!), and just a splash of orange liqeur.

It’s so quick and easy to mix up, but is still packed with the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Serve it up with a slice of orange or go over-the-top with a sugared rim. No matter what you choose, this pomegranate martini is sure to be on your holiday menu for years to come!

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make this pomegranate martini recipe include:

• Pomegranate Juice. You can either use freshly squeezed or a store-bought kind. (POM makes a great one!) Take a sip of the juice before making the co*cktail to see if it’s more tart or sweet. The taste will make a big difference on how much additional sweetener you need to add.
• Vodka. This clear liquor is ideal since it is not too overwhelming in flavor and lets the pomegranate shine. Gin, tequila, or even a clear rum are other good options.
• Cointreau. A hint of orange liqueur pairs perfectly with the tartness of the pomegranate juice. Substitutes include Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, or even a splash of orange juice if you don’t have any Cointreau available.
• Sweetener. Select either agave nectar, honey, or pure maple syrup. Start with a little bit and then adjust to your preference.
• Citrus Juice. This is optional, but adding a splash of lime or lemon juice for a bit more acidity is fantastic.

How to Make a Pomegranate Martini

The basic steps for making pomegranate martinis are simple to follow:

Juice Pomegranate Arils

If you are using fresh pomegranates you will need to juice them first. Strain the liquid out of the seeds using a citrus juicer.

(And if you don’t already know, here’s a step-by-step guide for how to cut a pomegranate!)

Add to a Shaker

Fill a co*cktail shaker halfway full with ice and then pour in the pomegranate juice, vodka, Cointreau, and sweetener.

Place the lid on the shaker and make sure it’s sealed. Shake for 10-15 seconds to mix the ingredients.

The longer the drink sits in the shaker, the more diluted it will become. For a more potent martini, shake for no more than 30 seconds and pour immediately. To make a more diluted drink, keep everything in the shaker long enough to let some of the ice melt.

Garnish and Serve

Place orange slices on two martini glasses, pour in the mixed co*cktail, and serve. For an extra fancy feel, rim the glass with sugar. Cheers!

Make a Punch

To serve a crowd you can double or triple this recipe to create a pomegranate punch.

If you are making this ahead of time, do not prepare the punch more than 2 hours in advance. The alcohol will evaporate the longer it is exposed to the air.

Meal Prep and Storage

• To Prep-Ahead:You can juice the pomegranate and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to make the drink.
• To Store:If you have leftovers, you can leave them in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the alcohol will evaporate when exposed to the air.

FAQs

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Fresh is best. For the best pomegranate martini squeeze your own pomegranate juice.
• Sweeten to taste. Start with just a little sweetener and add more to fit your preferences.
• Watch the clock. Pour immediately for a stronger drink or let it sit in the shaker for a more diluted co*cktail.
• Switch it up. Change the flavor by using vodka, gin, or rum.
• Make it fancy. Add a sugared rim before pouring the drink in for a frosted effect.

More co*cktail Recipes

Hone your bartending skills and enjoy these tasty libations with friends and family.

Mexican 75 is a fun twist on a classic. A Blood Orange Margarita, a Frozen Mojito, and this Piña Colada Recipe are perfect for a tropical evening. Watermelon Frosé is so refreshing.

Or enjoy and Espresso Martini after dinner or this Citrus Pomegranate Mocktail for a drink sans alcohol!