Ingredients
- 1½ ounces vodka
- 1½ ounces pomegranate juice
- ½ ounce orange liqueur
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, pomegranate juice, orange liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into chilled glass.
- Garnish with lemon wedge.
Variations and Substitutions
If some of these ingredients aren't for you or you don't have them on hand, there are other options for shaking up a pomegranate martini.
- Skip the pomegranate juice in favor of pomegranate liqueur for a boozier twist, or use a little of both in equal parts.
- Punch up the pomegranate with pomegranate vodka.
- Add additional lemon juice for a tarter flavor.
- Opt for lime juice instead of lemon juice.
- A splash of simple syrup can add sweetness.
Garnishes
Go ahead and skip the lemon wedge if it doesn't speak to your pomegranate martini heart and opt for one of these instead.
- Instead of a lemon wedge, use a lemon wheel or slice.
- Use a lemon peel, twist, or ribbon for a colorful pop without as much lemon flavor.
- For a stronger touch of lime, use a wedge, wheel, or slice.
- Skip the lemon in favor of a lime peel, twist, or ribbon.
About the Pomegranate Martini
The flavored martini rocketed in fame and popularity during the cocktail revival in the 1990s, similar to the timing of the appletini, espresso martini, and other flavor-forward drinks. The name martini is a bit misleading, as they are martini in spirit and look only, especially since it includes ingredients other than a spirit, vermouth, and a simple garnish.
As available martini flavors multiplied, whether through infusion, muddling fruit, or adding fruit juice, and the martini menu flourished. Pomegranate juice and pomegranate liqueur offer the much sought-after sweet yet tart essence to the flavored martini; the cutting and dry notes complement the orange liqueur and agave sweetness to keep the martini well-balanced from start to finish.
A Pom of Flavor
Other flavored martinis don't hold a candle to the pomegranate martini. Its tart and dry flavors are a unique and incredible burst of sweet and citrus. Go ahead and shake this up; you'll blow your friends and family away.
