I love making simple, tasty drinks at home. A pomegranate martini is right up there among my favorites.
This cocktail blends pomegranate juice with vodka, so you get this fresh, bright flavor that’s easy to like. The deep red color looks gorgeous in the glass—perfect for a night with friends, or just a quiet evening in.
When I put together a pomegranate martini, I only need a few ingredients and a shaker. The steps are so straightforward that anyone can try it, even if you’re not really a pro.
With the right mix, the pomegranate martini turns out sweet but not too sweet, and there’s a pleasant tartness. If you’re into fruity drinks that aren’t too strong, maybe give this easy recipe a shot.
Pomegranate Martini Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker Mixing and chilling the cocktail
- Fine mesh strainer Removing pulp and ice shards
- Jigger Measuring liquids
- Bar spoon Stirring as needed
- Chilled martini glass Serving
- Peeler Making lemon twist garnish
- Spoon Adding pomegranate seeds for garnish
Ingredients
- Here’s what I grab for one drink:
- 1.5 ounces vodka plain or citrus, whatever you like
- 1 ounce pomegranate juice unsweetened, fresh if possible
- 0.5 ounce triple sec or orange liqueur Cointreau is a good pick
- 0.5 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 0.25 –0.5 ounce simple syrup to taste
- For garnish I’ll use a lemon twist, pomegranate seeds, or both. If I want it sweeter, I add a touch more syrup. Sometimes I swap in lime juice for lemon if I’m craving something tart.
Instructions
- I fill my cocktail shaker about halfway with ice. Then I add the vodka, pomegranate juice, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- After sealing it up, I shake hard for about 15 seconds. The goal’s just to chill it and mix everything together.
- Next, I strain it through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled martini glass. That keeps things nice and smooth, no ice chips floating around.
- For garnish, I twist a strip of lemon peel over the drink to let the oils out. Sometimes I’ll toss in a few pomegranate seeds for a pop of color.
- I serve it right away—cold is best.
Notes
Tasting Notes
First thing I notice when I sip a Pomegranate Martini? That bright, ruby color. It’s super inviting in the glass.
The scent is fresh and light, mostly pomegranate with a hint of citrus from the lime. The flavor’s a nice balance of sweet and tart.
I taste the pomegranate right away, mixed with the smoothness of vodka. There’s a slight tang from the lime juice that makes it crisp.
The texture is light—not heavy or syrupy at all. I find the finish clean, with no strong aftertaste lingering.
Honestly, I think this martini is great as an aperitif or just for a casual hangout. It feels festive without being too much.
Substitute
When I don’t have pomegranate juice on hand, I just grab cranberry juice instead. It’s got that tart edge and honestly, it works out pretty well in a martini.
Craving something different? Cherry juice does the trick too. It makes the drink a bit sweeter, but you still get that bold, bright red look.
For anyone skipping alcohol, I usually mix pomegranate juice with lemon-lime soda. A splash of lime juice brightens it up and makes a solid non-alcoholic version.
Sometimes I run out of vodka and just use gin instead. It brings a subtle herbal note that’s actually kind of nice.
No orange liqueur? I’ll just squeeze in some fresh orange juice or use triple sec. It keeps that citrus vibe going.
Ice is important for a cold drink. But if I’m low, I’ll chill the glass first or just use really cold ingredients and hope for the best.
