4 Refreshing Pomegranate Cocktail Recipes

Pomegranate is all the rage right now. In addition to having many health benefits, it's also delicious! So why not treat yourself to a refreshing pomegranate cocktail? This fruit has long been used to make grenadine, which has lent flavor and color to many a drink over the years. But these days, with the emphasis on using as many fresh ingredients as possible, we're moving towards using pomegranate juice instead. It's incredibly versatile, and pairs well with light and dark liquors, as well as champagne and rosé. I've included a variety of favorites below, so there's sure to be something to fit your personal taste!

I recently wrote a Hub about rye whiskey cocktails that included the traditional Manhattan recipe, but this is a really fun twist.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz whiskey (your choice)
• 1/4 cup pure pomegranate juice
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, then fill with ice and shake until a few seconds after the outside feels cold to the touch. Strain into a cocktail glass.

Note: if your taste runs to the sweeter side, add 1/2 tsp of fine sugar or simple syrup. When using sugar, make sure you have shaken the cocktail until it has dissolved!

This rum cocktail uses both fresh pomegranate juice and grenadine, creating a pom-tastic explosion of flavor in your mouth. This recipe serves one, but why not serve up a pitcher at your next backyard barbecue?

Ingredients

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1/3 cup pure pomegranate juice
• 1/3 cup seltzer or soda water
• 2 Tbsp grenadine
• squeeze of lime

Instructions

Stir together all ingredients and pour into a tall glass. Top with ice, and garnish with a twist of lime.

These are easiest to make in a batch, with an entire bottle of champagne. They're great for a brunch with the ladies, or a pick-me-up on a hot summer afternoon.

This recipe makes about 8 servings.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle Champagne or Cava, pre-chilled
• 2 cups pure pomegranate juice, chilled
• 1 cup fresh orange juice, chilled
• 1/2 cup Cointreau or other orange liqueur

Instructions

First, combine the orange liqueur with both juices in a large pitcher. Slowly add the sparkling wine, stirring gently. Serve immediately, in Champagne flutes.

This less-than-traditional sangria recipe is super easy, and super delicious. Like the mimosa recipe, it makes more sense to mix this up in a batch. This recipe makes about 8 drinks.

Ingredients

• 2 bottles of rosé wine
• 1 cup pure pomegranate juice
• 1 large green apple
• 1 large ripe orange
• 1 cup raspberries

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large container, and let chill at least 1 hour before serving. Can be served over ice, or as is. You can also use additional frozen raspberries as ice cubes, which keeps the drink cold without diluting it.