Pomegranate Martini Cocktail Recipe
A pomegranate martini is bright, a bit tart, and honestly pretty inviting. I make it with simple tools, easy-to-find ingredients, and steps that don’t get in the way of the flavor.
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
If I want it less sweet, I use less simple syrup. For more tartness, a splash more lemon juice does the trick.
Chilling the glass keeps the drink colder longer. I’ll double the recipe if I’m making one for a friend too.
If fresh pomegranates aren’t around, bottled juice is fine for the base—just avoid the ones with added sugar.
I try to clean my shaker and strainer right after making the drink so they’re ready next time. For extra aroma, I gently squeeze the lemon peel over the glass before dropping it in.