Pomegranate Christmas Cosmopolitan Cocktail
A Christmas cosmopolitan with vodka, pomegranate juice, lime and a splash of triple sec. Shaken in 5 minutes, ruby red and tart. Serves 1, easy to scale up.
This is the cocktail I make when I want something elegant without any fuss. The pomegranate gives it a gorgeous ruby color, and the lime keeps it fresh and tart rather than syrupy. Five minutes, one shaker, and it feels like a party.
Saúl’s Tip
Put your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before you shake. A very cold glass keeps the drink crisp to the last sip, because a short drink warms up fast.
Tips for Success
- Squeeze the lime juice fresh. Bottled lime juice tastes flat in a short drink like this.
- Use plenty of ice and shake hard. A well-chilled cosmopolitan tastes smoother.
- Taste before serving. If it is too tart, add a teaspoon of simple syrup next time.
- For a spicy twist, drop one thin slice of fresh chile into the shaker before you shake.
Make-Ahead and Storage
For a party, mix the vodka, juices and triple sec in a bottle, multiplying each amount by the number of guests. Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When guests arrive, pour 3 ½ oz of the mix per drink into a shaker with ice, shake and strain.
Variations
- Non-alcoholic swap: replace the vodka and triple sec with 2 oz sparkling water and 1 tsp orange juice.
- Swap the vodka for white rum for a softer, sweeter drink.
- Add a cinnamon stick to the glass as a stirrer.
- No alcohol? Shake the pomegranate juice and lime juice with a splash of orange juice and ice, strain, and top with sparkling water for a bright zero-proof version.
Pomegranate Christmas Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put a martini glass or coupe in the freezer for 10 minutes so it is cold.
- If you are using a fresh pomegranate, cut it in half and squeeze the juice through your fingers into a small cup. Pour ¾ oz into a measuring jigger.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add the vodka, pomegranate juice, lime juice and triple sec.
- Close the lid and shake hard until the outside of the shaker feels frosty, about 15 seconds.
- Strain (pour through the shaker's built-in strainer to hold back the ice) into the chilled glass.
- Cut a strip of peel from an orange with a vegetable peeler. Twist it over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in.
- Add a few pomegranate seeds and serve right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a Christmas cosmopolitan?
A classic cosmopolitan has vodka, orange liqueur and lime juice. The Christmas version uses pomegranate juice for the red color and a tart, berry-like flavor.
Can I use cranberry juice instead of pomegranate juice?
Yes. Use unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice in the same amount. The drink will be a little less deep in flavor but just as festive.
What glass do I use for a cosmopolitan?
A martini glass or a coupe works best. Chill it first so the drink stays cold while you sip.
