This pomegranate martini with citrus vodka and lime has become my signature cocktail. We serve it at family gatherings and to toast the holidays. It’s especially popular during Rosh Hashanah, when pomegranates are eaten to symbolize “new fruit,” celebrating the start of the harvest season.
I used to make this Pomegranate Martini cocktail with sweetened lime juice. Lately I have transitioned to fresh lime juice for a more subtle, balanced sweetness. I have also added orange blossom water, which gives a lovely fragrance to the cocktail.
Pomegranates are what I like to call my “spirit fruit.” This ancient fruit is mentioned several times throughout the Torah. Pomegranates are said to have decorated the pillars of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. While they didn’t have pomegranate martinis back then, it is fun to imbibe with a nod to the past.
This cocktail has a bright, crisp flavor and a gorgeous deep red color. The pomegranate seeds are a delectable treat at the bottom of the glass. If you don’t have prepared seeds available at your market, you can learn to seed a pomegranate here:
Be careful with this one! You don’t taste the liquor much, it goes down easy. I have included a mocktail variation below for those who are avoiding alcohol, which is very tasty as well. L’chaim!
Recommended Products:
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Food Photography and Styling by Kelly Jaggers
Food Photography and Styling by Kelly Jaggers
Pomegranate Martini
Ingredients
Cocktail Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
- 1 1/2 ounces citrus vodka (orange or mandarin preferred)
- 1/2 ounce Cointreau (you may substitute another orange liqueur like Triple Sec)
- 1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/8 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
- 6-8 ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds
Mocktail Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/2 ounce agave syrup
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
- 6-8 ice cubes
- 1/4 cup sparkling water with orange essence (example - La Croix orange, Perrier L'Orange, etc.)
NOTES
Check for hechsher to ensure kosher certification
POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice
Absolut Mandarin Vodka
Cointreau or Leroux Triple Sec (Cointreau is only available with a hechsher in some areas) Nutritional information below refers to the cocktail version of this recipe.
Instructions
- To Make Cocktail:Place all ingredients except for pomegranate seeds into a cocktail shaker along with ice cubes. Cover shaker and shake vigorously for a few seconds until well chilled. Scoop pomegranate seeds into the bottom of a martini glass. Strain cocktail into the martini glass and serve.To Make Mocktail:Place all ingredients except for the sparkling water and pomegranate seeds into a cocktail shaker with the ice cubes. Cover shaker and shake vigorously for a few seconds until well chilled. Scoop pomegranate seeds into the bottom of a martini glass. Strain mocktail into the martini glass. Top off the mocktail with orange sparkling water. Serve.
Nutrition
tried this recipe?
Let us know in the comments!
We used blood orange Skyy vodka with fresh lemon, sans lime, fresh blackberries and raspberries for garnish and fresh pomegranate juice. They were a great hit! Not too sweet
This cocktail is amazing! My friend accidentally bought Ketel One “grapefruit” Vodka. It’s my new favorite cocktail and so beautiful! Thanks for the recipe!
Tried the recipe 3 different ways using a few different vodkas and orange liquors. The best I found is to follow the recipe exactly! So yummy 😋
Thank you. Sounds delicious!
Sabra liqueur is my go to when I have it for chocolate orange flavour!
The pomegranate in Rosh Hashanah does not symbolize new fruit, which is a term related to the harvest of another holiday, Shavuot, but rather to the many blessings one can hope for in the new year, as many as the seeds of the Rimon (Hebrew for pomegranate). The recipe is great, thank you.
Glad you like the recipe. In many families it is common to consume new fruit (often pomegranate) when reciting the Shehechiyanu blessing during Rosh Hashanah. It is of course symbolic for Shavuot as well, and likewise reflects the symbolism related to blessings/seeds and 613 mitzvot.
This is the Best Pomegranate Martini ever. Enjoyed with your latkes Tori. You are the best! Happy and Healthy New Year to you and yours.
Happy New Year Dorita!
Can you make ahead in batches for a cocktail party?
Absolutely, but I would save the seeds for serving in the cups – pour the batch drink over the seeds. Enjoy!
So crisp and light, and that touch of lime juice takes it to another level. My new favorite drink!
Had this for New Years, so good!