Pomegranate Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

I’ll be honest, there’s something satisfying about whipping up a good drink at home with just a handful of fresh stuff. The Pomegranate Bourbon Smash is a super simple cocktail—think sweet pomegranate juice mixed with smooth bourbon, and you get this cool, refreshing flavor.

You don’t need to be a pro bartender either. Just a bit of mixing, maybe some shaking, and you’re set.

Whenever I want to impress friends (or just treat myself after a long day), this is the drink I reach for. That splash of citrus and the fresh mint make it pop, both in taste and looks.

If you’re after a quick and tasty cocktail, you might want to give this one a shot.

Pomegranate Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

What I love about the Pomegranate Bourbon Smash is how it brings together those fresh fruit flavors with bourbon’s cozy richness. You’ll want the right tools, your ingredients lined up, and a few easy steps to get the best results.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker: This gets everything mixed and chilled fast.
• Muddler: I use this to gently crush mint leaves, pomegranate seeds, and lemon slices—lets their flavors seep right in.
• Jigger or measuring spoon: Helps you pour just the right amount of each thing.
• Rocks glass: The classic way to serve this over ice.
• Fine mesh strainer: Keeps big fruit bits out of your final drink.
• Bar spoon: Handy for a quick stir before serving.

Having these tools nearby just makes things smoother. Honestly, using a muddler and shaker really brings out those mint and pomegranate notes.

If you don’t own a jigger, a regular tablespoon works fine for measuring.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz pomegranate juice (fresh is best, but bottled isn’t bad)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (store-bought or homemade, up to you)
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds (plus some extra for garnish)
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves (plus a sprig for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Each ingredient does its own thing. Bourbon’s got that warmth and strength.

Pomegranate juice brings tartness and such a nice color. Lemon juice adds a fresh zing and keeps things balanced.

Simple syrup sweetens it up. Pomegranate seeds and mint—well, they just make it look and feel a bit fancy.

Instructions

• Toss the mint leaves and pomegranate seeds into your cocktail shaker.
• Gently muddle them—don’t go overboard, or the mint gets bitter.
• Pour in the bourbon, pomegranate juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
• Add ice to the shaker, then shake it for about 10-15 seconds until it’s nice and cold.
• Strain everything into a rocks glass filled with ice.
• Garnish with a mint sprig and a few extra pomegranate seeds.
• Serve right away and enjoy.

I always muddle softly—otherwise, the mint can turn harsh. Shaking with plenty of ice gets it super cold and smooth.

Straining keeps out those seed bits, so the drink stays easy to sip.

Notes

I’m a fan of using freshly squeezed lemon juice—it just tastes brighter than the bottled stuff. Want it sweeter? Add a bit more simple syrup.

If you swap in a spicier bourbon, you’ll get a whole new twist on the flavor.

Fresh pomegranate seeds as a garnish? They’re not just pretty—they pop with flavor when you sip.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try honey syrup instead of simple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.

Just don’t wait too long—this drink is best enjoyed right away.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip, honestly, the very first thing that hits me is how the sweet pomegranate and bold bourbon somehow find their groove together. The fruitiness pops, but it never feels cloying.

There’s a bit of a kick from the bourbon—just enough heat to remind you it’s there. That warmth kind of melts right into the tartness from the pomegranate juice.

Fresh mint comes through with this cool note. I have to say, the herbs really do make each sip feel extra refreshing.

Flavor breakdown:

• Sweetness: Mild and fruity, definitely not too much.
• Tartness: Noticeable, but it’s balanced out by the pomegranate.
• Minty finish: Crisp, light, and honestly pretty satisfying.

The ice keeps the whole thing nice and chilled. Every sip stays crisp and cold, which I appreciate. Sometimes I toss in a lemon wedge and get a whiff of citrus that perks everything up.

The color? It’s honestly gorgeous—a deep, ruby red that just looks good in any glass. I love how the crushed mint leaves float on top, giving off this fresh aroma every time I go in for a sip.