Pomegranate Martini

Name: Pomegranate Martini
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 30 Ml Skyy vodka; 30 Ml 100% pomegranate juice (purchased or fresh squeezed); 15 Ml Grand Marnier; 15 Ml lemon juice; 15 Ml simple syrup or maple syrup; lemon peel to garnish; ice

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PREP TIME 5 min

Cocktail Type

Martini

Great for

Valentines Day

Difficulty

Easy

JUMP TO RECIPE

Gosh, how we love a pretty Pomegranate Martini! There are so many different types of Martinis to try and shake up, but this one has a special place in our hearts because it’s so extremely photogenic. It’s also a very approachable drink, much closer in taste to a Cosmopolitan than a classic Martini. Sweetly tart, fruity, and light, it’s easy to whip up (even in batches), and adds a hint of sophistication to just about any gathering.

Learning how to make a Pomegranate Martini is also simpler than it seems. We know it has quite a few steps, but don’t get cold feet – most of it has to do with the lemon peel and that zingy note of citrus it adds to this drink is 100% worth the extra bit of effort. Promise!

QUICK TIPS

Pop the glasses in the freezer for an extra cool serve

Fresh pomegranate juice takes this cocktail to the next level

Pairs well with salty snacks like pretzels and salted nuts

INGREDIENTS

MAKE FOR

1 Person

30 Ml

1 Oz

1 Parts

Skyy vodka

30 Ml

1 Oz

1 Parts

100% pomegranate juice (purchased or fresh squeezed)

15 Ml

0.5 Oz

0.5 Parts

Grand Marnier

15 Ml

0.5 Oz

0.5 Parts

lemon juice

15 Ml

0.5 Oz

0.5 Parts

simple syrup or maple syrup

lemon peel to garnish

ice

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the vodka, pomegranate juice, triple sec, lemon juice, and syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice

Shake 15 seconds until cold

Strain the drink into a cocktail or martini glass

Use a knife to remove a 1″ wide strip of the lemon peel

Squeeze the lemon peel into the drink to release the oils

Gently run the peel around the edge of the glass, place it in the glass and serve

Garnish alternative: You can also add some pomegranate seeds to the bottom of your cocktail glass for an extra-special serve

Tips on making the best Pomegranate Martini EVER

Here are a few insider tips that will pave the way for a Pomegranate Vodka Martini that will be the talk of the town (or your supper club at least!):

Chill your glasses. Put your glasses in the freezer for ten minutes before you serve up your Pomegranate Martinis. This will allow the flavours to shine in the best way possible.
Choose the best pomegranate juice you can find. There are many pomegranate juice blends on the market, but if you really want to push out the boat with this cocktail, look for a 100% pure juice. Of course, if you have the time, making the juice yourself would really put it over the top!
Serve it up with some salty snacks. Pomegranate Martinis are on the sweet side, which means that they pair well with salty party snacks. Easy options to choose include pretzels, roasted nuts (almonds and Brazil nuts especially), nacho chips with homemade guacamole, as well as crackers with hummus.

When to serve a Pomegranate Martini?

Because this Martini is the simplest recipe ever, it’s a great choice for when you’re entertaining guests. It’s easy to scale up and is always a crowd-pleaser! It’s a quick aperitif to serve when friends pop by, or at your next book club or garden picnic.

How to make a party batch of Pomegranate Martini

Speaking of parties, if you’re looking for a cocktail that makes a great party batch, the Pomegranate Martini should definitely be on your list. To serve around 6 people, we recommend a batch of at least 12 drinks. This means your recipe will look as follows:

360ml vodka
360ml 100% pomegranate juice (purchased or fresh squeezed)
180ml Grand Marnier
180ml lemon juice
180ml simple syrup or maple syrup

Combine all of this in a large serving bowl and add ice just before your guests arrive. To ensure that the drink won’t water down too much, you can prepare a big block of ice by freezing water in a mixing bowl. We recommend adding a few lemon peels if you do – it looks really lovely!

To save even more time, you can also prep your glasses with a lemon peel rim and some pomegranate rubies in the bottom beforehand. Then all you need to do is ladle in and serve.

The origins of the Pomegranate Martini

While the classic Martini is rooted in a history filled with suave, debonair figures and timeless elegance, the Pomegranate Martini is a bit more playful. It’s a modern twist that brings together the chic appeal of a Classic Martini with the bold, vibrant flavours of pomegranate. Its inception is often attributed to the 2000s when bartenders began experimenting with fresh ingredients and fruit-infused vodka. The result? A cocktail that’s as striking in appearance as it is in taste, offering a sweet-tart profile that feels both sophisticated and fun.

Can I substitute the triple sec in a Pomegranate Martini?

Absolutely! If you find yourself without triple sec or simply want to mix things up, you can substitute it with Grand Marnier for a richer, more complex orange flavour. Or try Cinzano Bianco for a slightly more herbal and refreshing taste. Both options add their own unique twist to the cocktail while maintaining that crucial balance of citrusy goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try adding a splash of Aperol to introduce a bittersweet element that pairs beautifully with the tart pomegranate.

Also see: Grand Marnier vs. Triple Sec: The Difference Explained

Pomegranate Martini garnishes that steal the show

A beautiful cocktail deserves a beautiful garnish! The lemon peel is a classic choice, but if you want to take things up a notch, try floating a few pomegranate arils on the surface of the drink. Not only do they add a pop of colour, but they also provide a tiny burst of juicy flavour with every sip. Another great option is to rim the glass with sugar before serving, using lemon juice to make it stick. This simple step adds a subtle sweetness to each sip and looks stunning on the rim of the glass.

More cocktails to try if you love a Pomegranate Martini

If you’re a fan of the Pomegranate Martini, you’re in for a treat because there are plenty of other fruit-forward cocktails to explore. Here are a few to get you started:

Cosmopolitan: A timeless classic made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. It shares that same tart-sweet balance you love.
Aperol Spritz: Light, bubbly, and a touch bitter, this is the perfect aperitif cocktail for a sunny day.
Raspberry Martini: Another vibrant and visually appealing cocktail that uses raspberry vodka and fresh raspberries for a fruity delight.

More inspo: Cosmopolitan Variations: Modern Twists on a Classic Cocktail

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Pomegranate arils (also called rubies) are iridescent jewels. These luminous seeds are very tasty, and also look wonderful as a garnish in a cocktail glass. However, it's always a safe bet to remind your guests that these rubies have a stone, so they are careful not to bite down too hard on it by accident and damage a tooth or a crown.

Juicing a pomegranate can be a messy job, so don't wear your brand new white shirt. Put a pinny on and gently tap the outside of the fruit all over with a rolling pin. This loosens the seeds. Score the pomegranate into sections with a paring knife. Gently break open the pomegranate into sections. Pull away the arils from the sides which should already be dislodged Place the arils into a blender and blitz well. Place a sieve or strainer over a bowl and pour the juice through. Pour juice into a glass and serve. Or freeze into ice cube trays for future use.

The rich sweet flavour of pomegranate makes it a natural partner for salty spicy foods. Add a little fizz with soda water or bubbly for a delicious spritz to serve with jalapeño poppers, spicy nachos or other party snacks. The natural tartness of the fruit will a drink containing pomegranate juice will help balance rich foods, a good match for a curry!

The fruity tartness of pomegranate juice would make vodka, gin or tequila a good match

While any good-quality vodka will work, using a premium vodka like SKYY Vodka will give you a smoother, cleaner taste. For those who prefer a flavoured option, pomegranate or citrus-infused vodkas can add an extra layer of flavor that complements the juice perfectly.

Yes, you can easily make a mocktail version! Simply swap out the vodka for a bit more pomegranate juice and use a non-alcoholic orange-flavoured syrup in place of the triple sec. This way, you still get that delicious, fruity flavour without the alcohol content.