Pomegranate Cosmo

Pomegranate and vodka make magic in this Pomegranate Cosmo! This spin on the classic might be even better than the original.

Here’s a spin on a classic cocktail we think might be even better than the original. The Pomegranate Cosmo! Also known as a Pomegranate Cosmopolitan, this sweet tart drink pairs pomegranate, vodka, and orange liqueur in a symphony of flavor. You can use bottled pomegranate juice from the store, or make your own using the seeds from the fresh fruit. Of course, we love us a classic Cosmopolitan as much as anyone. But the Pomegranate Cosmo…well, you’ll just have to taste for yourself!

What’s in a Pomegranate Cosmo?

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, we used pomegranate juice instead of cranberry and tweaked the quantities slightly. Here are the ingredients for a Pomegranate Cosmo:

• 100% pomegranate juice (bottled or fresh squeezed; see below!)
• Vodka
• Cointreau
• Lemon juice
• Simple syrup or maple syrup

Bottled pomegranate juice vs homemade

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 (basic steps)

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:

1. 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!
2. 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.

Or, make a Cosmo pitcher!

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.

More pomegranate cocktails

We love pomegranate, and we’ve got lots of pomegranate recipes to prove it! It’s great in salads, smoothies, and of course: drinks. Here are a few of our top pomegranate cocktails:

• Go for a sweet tart Pomegranate Margarita
• Try a Pomegranate Martini for the perfect mix of pomegranate and vodka
• Opt for a bubbly Pomegranate Mimosa

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

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