Pomegranates have a very bold flavor that can be sweet or sour, depending on when you get them. But mostly, they’re like cranberries in that they have a balance of sweet and tart taste. I think the two juices are very similar and mostly interchangeable. That said, pomegranate is a little darker and less acrid in taste. I much prefer its earthy notes and more well-rounded flavor.
1. Pomegranate Margarita
Forget diamonds: margaritas are a girl’s best friend, and this stunning pomegranate recipe is sure to be your new fave. Firstly, the color is stunning. It’s so bright and inviting, and I love how it makes those little bits of zest pop. But it’s that added berry flavor that will make you reach for a second, and a third!
2. Pomegranate Cosmo
The classic cosmo uses cranberry juice, which we’ve already established can be overly astringent. So, if you want to live out all your 90s dreams, why not try this pomegranate version instead? I’m sure Carrie Bradshaw won’t mind one bit. It’s just a simple swap, after all. Give it a quick shake, and just like that… you’ll be transported to the Big city.
3. Pomegranate Mimosas
I made these on Christmas Day, and boy, were they a hit! Sure, orange juice is fine, but this was such a nice change. They look even better when you take the time to rim the glass with sugar. And that added sweetness plays well against the dry bubbly, and tart juice.
4. Pomegranate Gin Fizz
Gin is one of those unique spirits that can taste completely different from one brand to the next. So unlike, say, tequila, which is recognizable no matter what, you might have to spend a little time trying to find your perfect gin. With that in mind, this gin fizz could be piney, floral, or super bitter, depending on which gin you buy. At least it will be colorful and loaded with pomegranate goodness.
5. Pomegranate Martini
You might have noticed that many of these cocktails call for lime juice. That’s because citrus is to drink what salt is to your dinner: it enhances the flavor with even a tiny amount. This cocktail has a double dose, using lemon vodka and lime juice. There’s also a splash of Cointreau, giving you the citrus trifecta!
6. Blushing Lady Cocktail
Most of the cocktails on this list use pomegranate juice for flavor, but this one calls for pomegranate liqueur. Pama is the most well-known brand, and it’s a fun blend of juice, vodka, and tequila. You’ll notice that this one doesn’t have the same deep color as some of the others, but that doesn’t make it any less tasty.
7. Pomegranate and Orange Champagne Punch
Since cranberry and orange are such a popular pairing, you won’t be surprised to hear that orange also goes perfectly with pomegranate. This is a little like the mimosa recipe, only it’s designed to be made for a crowd. I highly recommend making the pomegranate seed and mint ice cubes if you have the time. It’s an easy but super effective way to jazz this up.
8. Poinsettia Pomegranate Martini
Unlike the martini recipe above, this version calls for gin. So again, it will change slightly depending on which brand you like best. Oddly enough, there’s no Poinsettia in the mix (luckily, as it can be toxic). But of course, since you’re using gin, there will be a botanical element.
9. Pomegranate Spice Martini
If you’re rushing to the fridge to check for chilies, let me stop you there. This isn’t that kind of spice. Instead, this pomegranate cocktail incorporates all your favorite winter spices, including ginger. The rest comes by adding chai, which is wonderfully aromatic and warming. To make this cocktail, you’ll need to brew the tea in advance so it has time to cool. Or, you could use a pre-made chai from concentrate.
10. Pomegranate Moscow Mule
This iconic cocktail not only looks fantastic, but it’s beloved the world over. Though you can make it with rum and tequila (and anything really), this version, made with vodka, is the OG. That said, rules were made to be broken, and trust me when I say adding pomegranate to this recipe is the best thing you’ll ever do. I can’t get enough of the spicy ginger, and zesty lime blended perfectly with the intense pomegranate juice. Plus, those seeds look extra Insta-worthy in those copper mugs (that’s one rule you can’t break).
11. Ginger Pomegranate Martini
Are you sensing a theme? Ginger and pomegranate seem to be pretty popular, don’t they? One thing I haven’t mentioned yet is how pomegranate juice feels. Yes, feels. It’s pretty thick and viscous, making many of these almost heavy. So, if you want something lighter, using pomegranate liqueur will do the trick. Mix it with ginger ale for something very fresh and bubbly.
12. Easy Tangerine Pomegranate Mimosas
Tangerines are typically less tart, sweeter, and often stronger in flavor than regular oranges. If you see tangerine juice in the store, I highly recommend trying it out. And since you have it in the house anyway, why not try this yummy tangerine and pomegranate mimosa? When mixed, it looks like a sunset in a glass, and that added boost of sugar makes this dangerously delicious.
13. Holiday Cranberry Pomegranate Mojito
As the title suggests, this is a festive drink, which is why you’ll see cranberry and pomegranate. But it’s not just a matter of mixing the juices together. Instead, you’ll need to make a cranberry reduction so the flavor can shine through. Of course, you could leave the pomegranate out and just have a berry mojito. But when you taste it, you’ll see why it’s in there.
14. Pomegranate Elderflower Spritzers
Full disclosure: I’m not totally in love with elderflower. In fact, I tend to avoid it. However, I was so pleasantly surprised by this cocktail! Yes, it’s quite floral, but the strong pomegranate taste is enough to bring some depth. Also, you’ll include both sparkling white wine and club soda, adding dryness and an almost bitter note to cut through the sweetness.
15. Strawberry Pomegranate Sangria
Sangria is the type of cocktail you can drink year-round. It’s great whether you go for light or dark, and I just love all the fruity goodness inside. Although this recipe suggests making this around the holidays, I can’t find fresh strawberries in winter. So, it’s strictly a summer drink for me! To get the most out of this, make it ahead. The longer it has time to sit, the more the flavors will marry.
16. Pomegranate Prosecco Smash
A ‘smash’ cocktail can mean many things, though they usually contain some kind of fruit that is smashed into the glass, along with a carbonated drink. Although, I’ve had plenty that didn’t include bubbles, so who knows for sure? For this recipe, you don’t so much ‘smash’ the fruit but rather use it as a garnish. So I guess the ‘smash’ could just refer to a mashup of flavors? Either way, it’s light, bubbly, and has a lovely natural sweetness from the maple syrup.
17. The Belmont Jewel Cocktail
The Kentucky Derby has the mint julep, and the Belmont Stakes has the Belmont jewel. These huge horse races are attended by thousands every year, so you know their signature drinks have been well tested. With lemon juice and pomegranate, it’s pretty tart and a little sweet. But it’s the bourbon that finishes it all off with that delicious oaky note. Click on a star to rate it!
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