Spiced Pomegranate Gin Cocktail Recipe

A good cocktail should feel simple but taste layered, right? That’s exactly what I was after when I threw together this spiced pomegranate gin cocktail.

The mix of tart pomegranate and warm spice hits that sweet spot between crisp gin and something a bit cozier. It’s one of those drinks that just feels refreshing, but there’s a little warmth tucked in there too.

This cocktail recipe is honestly great for a quiet night in or when you’ve got a couple friends over.

I love how the pomegranate juice brings this bold color and a natural sweetness that doesn’t just bulldoze the other flavors. The spices? They add a subtle heat—nothing too wild, just enough to keep things interesting.

It’s just a handful of ingredients and some easy steps. No need to be a pro bartender or anything.

You’ll see tasting notes sprinkled in to give you a sense of how everything comes together in the glass. That way, you know what you’re getting into before you even start shaking.

Spiced Pomegranate Gin Cocktail Recipe

I like to keep this cocktail bright and balanced—and honestly, it’s not hard to make. It’s all about blending tart pomegranate juice with smooth gin, plus a little warm spice.

Fresh herbs and citrus give it a clean finish, so it never feels heavy.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker with a tight lid for mixing
• Strainer to keep out ice and seeds
• Jigger or small measuring cup for accurate pours
• Bar spoon for stirring if you need it
• Martini glass or coupe glass for serving
• Small saucepan if you want to make rosemary or spiced simple syrup
• Citrus juicer for fresh lemon or lime juice
• Muddler if you want to press rosemary or pomegranate seeds
• Ice cubes for shaking and chilling the drink

Having the right tools really does make things easier. A shaker is kind of essential—it chills the drink fast and blends everything together.

The strainer keeps the texture nice and clean.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin (dry gin or Empress 1908 gin)
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice or lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup or rosemary simple syrup
• 2 dashes spiced syrup made with cinnamon sticks and star anise
• Ice cubes for shaking
• Pomegranate arils or seeds for garnish
• 1 rosemary sprig for garnish
• Optional: splash of club soda, tonic water, or seltzer water for a lighter finish
• Optional: a small piece of cinnamon stick for garnish

I try to use fresh pomegranate juice when I can—honestly, the flavor just pops more. The rosemary sprig? It adds this herbal note that plays really well with the spices.

Instructions

• Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
• Pour in the gin, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Add 1 or 2 dashes of spiced syrup (the cinnamon and star anise one).
• Shake it up hard for about 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
• Strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass.
• Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a few pomegranate arils.
• If you want it lighter, top with a splash of tonic water, soda water, or even ginger beer.

I usually shake until the shaker starts to frost over—that’s when I know it’s cold enough and everything’s mixed just right.

Notes

Sometimes I swap between dry gin and Empress 1908 gin, just depending on the vibe. Empress gives this wild purple color that looks amazing next to the red pomegranate juice.

If I’m in the mood for something sweeter, I’ll just add a little more simple syrup. When I want a stronger herbal kick, I go for rosemary simple syrup instead of regular.

Pomegranate seeds are fun for texture, but I don’t go overboard—just a few so the drink doesn’t get chunky. A cinnamon stick or star anise on top is a nice touch if you’re after that spiced aroma.

And when I’m using martini glasses, I’ll chill them first with some ice water. It’s a tiny step, but it really keeps the cocktail cold and makes the whole thing look a bit fancier.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the bright tartness of pomegranate jumps out at me. It feels lighter than a negroni—but there’s still that familiar balance of fruit and bitterness.

The gin adds this crisp, herbal edge, which keeps things from leaning too sweet. I notice the spices kind of sneaking in behind everything else.

They remind me of the warmth you get from a winter cocktail or maybe something you’d sip at a holiday party. Honestly, that makes it feel way more comforting than your average gin and tonic.

The flavors shift as I go—at first, the fruit really pops, but then the spice starts to linger on my tongue. Compared to a pomegranate martini, this one feels less sharp, a bit more rounded off.

It’s definitely one of those festive cocktails I’d want to bring out at a gathering. You get that classic pomegranate color and flavor, but the gin and spice give it a personality all its own.

I’d probably group it with other pomegranate gin cocktails—still, it manages to stand out.