This Pomegranate Cosmo is a spin on the classic using tart, bright-red pomegranate juice and Cointreau. Shake one up in just in 5 minutes, or batch a pitcher for a crowd!
Here’s a spin on a classic cocktail I think might be even better than the original: the Pomegranate Cosmo! Also known as a Pomegranate Cosmopolitan, this drink pairs pomegranate, vodka, and orange liqueur for a delicious sweet tart flavor.
You can use bottled pomegranate juice from the store, or make your own using the seeds from the fresh fruit. Of course, I love a classic Cosmopolitan as much as anyone. But the Pomegranate Cosmo is one step up, in my opinion!
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great recipe! Pomegranate Cosmo with Maple Syrup? Who would have thought, delicious!” -Lee
Pomegranate Cosmo Ingredients
The Cosmopolitan is a classic cocktail that features vodka and cranberry juice. The history of the Cosmo is disputed: some claim it was invented in the 1930’s, others in the 1970’s. Whatever the case, it makes the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails.
For this pomegranate spin, I used pomegranate juice instead of cranberry and tweaked the quantities slightly. Here are the ingredients for a Pomegranate Cosmo:
- 100% pomegranate juice: Look for 100% juice like POM brand, not a sweetened juice.
- Vodka: Regular vodka is all you need; use a mid-priced version (I like Tito’s).
- Cointreau: This is my go-to orange liqueur for its nuanced flavor, but you can also use triple sec if you have it.
- Fresh lemon juice: Always squeeze it fresh!
- Simple syrup or maple syrup: This rounds out the tartness of the drink with a hint of sweet.
Bottled vs. Fresh Pomegranate Juice
The Pomegranate Cosmo works with either bottled pomegranate juice from the store, or fresh squeezed juice from the seeds of the whole fruit. So, it’s customizable to whatever form of pomegranate you have on hand! The flavor and color of the fresh juice is sweeter and brighter, so it makes a slightly better drink. But bottled pomegranate juice is so easy: and it’s extremely tasty too! Here’s what to know for when you shop:
- Buy bottled 100% pomegranate juice. Some pomegranate juice is sweetened, other is 100% juice. Look for the unsweetened version!
- Make juice from pomegranate seeds. Go to How to Make Pomegranate Juice! It takes a few minutes, but it’s fun and makes beautiful bright red juice. Cut and seed the pomegranate, then place the seeds in a jar and smash them. Strain it out and use it right in cocktails (or refrigerate for up to 1 week).
How to Make a Pomegranate Cosmo
Once you’ve got your pomegranate juice in hand, the Pomegranate Cosmo is a breeze! All you have to do is shake and strain. If you’re making multiple drinks at once, see the “pitcher” section below. Here’s what to dO:
- Shake: Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake for 15 seconds until cold. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar!
- Strain and garnish: Strain the drink into a glass and serve! (Use any type of strainer if you don’t have a cocktail strainer). Use an orange or lemon twist for the garnish, or go simple and use a wedge. You can also use pomegranate seeds: just keep in mind they sink to the bottom of the drink.
Making a Batch: Cosmo Pitcher for a Crowd
Serving this Pomegranate Cosmo to a crowd? It’s a great signature drink for dinner parties, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or other festive occasions. Shaking up each drink individually takes a lot of time, so instead, make a pitcher! Here’s how to make a Cosmo pitcher for 8 servings:
- In a pitcher, mix together 1 ½ cups vodka, 1 ½ cups 100% pomegranate juice, ½ cup Cointreau, ½ cup fresh lemon juice, and 2 ½ tablespoons simple syrup or maple syrup.
- Add 3 handfuls of ice and stir until cold. Pour into glasses and serve.
When to serve a Pomegranate Cosmo
The Pomegranate Cosmo is fun and festive! It’s great to use as a:
- Happy hour drink or dinner party drink
- Fall cocktail or fall drink
- Christmas cocktail or winter drink
- Valentine’s Day drink
- Girls night or bachelorette party
- Cocktail hour drink
Pomegranate Cosmo Recipe
This Pomegranate Cosmo is a spin on the classic using tart, bright-red pomegranate juice and Cointreau. Shake one up in just in 5 minutes, or batch a pitcher for a crowd!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) 100% pomegranate juice*
- 1 ½ ounce (3 tablespoons) vodka**
- ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) Cointreau
- ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup or maple syrup, plus more to taste
- For the garnish: Orange twist or lemon twist
Instructions
- Place the pomegranate juice, vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, and syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake 15 seconds until cold.
- Strain the liquid into a martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist or lemon twist if desired.
Notes
*If all you can find is sweetened pomegranate juice, use half the simple syrup quantity (or add it to taste).
**How to make 8 drinks for a crowd: In a pitcher, mix together 1 ½ cups vodka, 1 ½ cups 100% pomegranate juice, ½ cup Cointreau, ½ cup fresh lemon juice, and 2 ½ tablespoons simple syrup. Add 3 handfuls of ice and stir until cold. Pour into glasses and serve.
great recipe….Pomegranate Cosmo with Maple Syrup? who would have thought, delcious