Pomegranates must be my favorite fruit. They’re entirely unique: sweet yet tart, vibrant yet dark, and satisfying yet entirely too difficult to break open. Their limited seasonality makes me want to use pomegranate juice in everything when winter comes. I’ve found that, cocktail-wise, this Cosmo-like pomegranate martini (aka pomtini) makes perfect use of the rare juice. When shaken with vodka, Cointreau and freshly squeezed lemon, it becomes a refreshing sipper that highlights the best of what pomegranate has to offer.
Don’t be shy about taking this pomegranate martini recipe and making it your own. But before you follow your instincts and customize the cocktail (we have some suggestions below), learn how to make a pomegranate martini at home.
Pomegranate Martini Ingredients
- Vodka: I make a lot of vodka-based cocktails, so I always keep a bottle of one of the best vodka brands on my shelf. Better quality makes for a better sipping experience. Save any low-shelf brands for vodka recipes that need to be cooked (like penne alla vodka).
- Pomegranate juice: Whether you use store-bought or make your own, taste your pomegranate juice before using it to gauge how sweet (or tart) it is. Even if you use store-bought and you’re used to a certain brand’s product, the taste can still vary—even if only slightly. If the pomegranate juice is super tart, consider lowering the amount of lemon juice or Cointreau, or try adding some simple syrup.
- Cointreau: If you’re unfamiliar with this orange liqueur, Cointreau is a French-made brand of triple sec. Bright and slightly acidic, Cointreau’s signature taste comes from a blend of orange varieties.
- Lemon juice: Always use fresh citrus juice when making cocktail recipes. Fresh lemon juice is brighter and more refreshing than harsh bottled lemon juice.
- Lemon slice: Before juicing your lemon, cut a thin lemon slice and save it for a garnish. You can also make a lemon peel twist by shaving off a strip of the peel and twisting it.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway full with ice cubes. Pour in the vodka, pomegranate juice, Cointreau and lemon juice.
Step 2: Shake ‘em up
Cover the shaker with its lid and shake until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker, 10 to 15 seconds.
Step 3: Strain the cocktail
Strain the cocktail into a glass. If desired, garnish with a lemon slice or a lemon twist.
Pomegranate Martini Variations
- Use a different liquor: A citrus-flavored vodka will add even more brightness to this recipe for pomegranate martinis. Botanical gin works in place of the vodka too; it gives the cocktail a playful, herbaceous note.
- Add fresh mint: Mint, pomegranate and lime are a knockout trio. Stick a sprig of mint into this pomtini for a fresher-tasting beverage, and swap the lemon juice for lime.
- Try a different citrus: No lemon on hand? Skip a trip to the store and use any other citrus you have sitting in your kitchen, like lime, orange or blood orange—they all work well with pomegranate.
Can I make a pomegranate martini ahead of time?
Yes, this pomegranate martini recipe is the perfect make-ahead cocktail, so long as you don’t add ice until you’re ready to serve it. Pour the liquid ingredients into an airtight container or mason jar and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Once you’re ready to serve, shake the pomegranate martini in a shaker filled with ice, then strain and serve it. Don’t forget the lemon slice garnish!
Pomegranate Martini Tips
How do I juice a pomegranate?
The easiest way to juice a pomegranate is by removing all the arils, sealing them tightly in a resealable bag, and rolling the bag with a rolling pin until the arils burst. Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and dump the contents of the bag into the sieve to separate the juice from the white seeds and other solids.
Can I use pomegranate arils as a garnish?
While it may seem like a good idea in theory, pomegranate arils will sink to the bottom of the glass. They don’t float on top like the three espresso beans on an espresso martini. And honestly, the arils can be a bit annoying while you sip, so I would stick to the lemon slice.
However, you could freeze the arils in ice cubes and place one ice cube in your pomegranate martini. That way you’ll have a lovely pomegranate garnish without accidentally swallowing whole arils.
