Pomegranate Vodka Cocktail with Lemon and Rosemary

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Pomegranate Vodka Cocktail | This easy vodka cocktail is tart, slightly sweet and so refreshing. The pomegranate juice and sugar rim create the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making this the perfect boozy cocktail for any occasion.

Pomegranate vodka cocktail in a coupe glass with rosemary and a lemon slice.

This is the best pomegranate vodka cocktail! The pomegranate juice is so tart and fruity while the sugar rim adds a touch of sweetness, the lemon balances it all out and the vodka adds that boozy warmth. Made with simple ingredients that you can easily buy if you don’t already have them.

The sugar rim is essential to this fruity cocktail unless you like very tart drinks. I find that the pomegranate juice is tart and adds depth of flavour rather than sweetness. The sugar balances the tartness and also adds a slight crunch.

This easy pomegranate cocktail takes only 2 ounces of vodka and 6 ounces of pomegranate juice. A squeeze of lemon for added flavour and a sugar rim to balance the tartness. Serve over ice or pour from a cocktail shaker.

This pomegranate cocktail makes the perfect Christmas cocktail! With its deep shade of red and a pop of green from the rosemary, it displays the festive colours of Christmas. The sugar rim almost looks like ice crystals too.

Pomegranates are readily available in the Christmas season since they are a winter fruit. Why not make this easy beverage for those you love this holiday season?

Can I customize the sweetness in a pomegranate cocktail?

Yes, you can customize the sweetness to your liking. This cocktail is quite tart on its own, that’s why I recommend using the sugar rim. You can also make a quick simple syrup, by dissolving 1 part sugar in 1 part hot or warm water and then adding it to the cocktail. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and move from there.

Close up of a pomegranate vodka cocktail with a sugar rim, rosemary and a lemon slice.

How to make vodka cocktails look fancy

Making fancy looking cocktails is all about aesthetics. Choosing the right glass, rimmers, colours and garnishes is key.

The base of this cocktail is pomegranate juice, which is a deep shade of red, so the colour alone already looks vibrant and. A sugar rim adds contrast with its crystal-like texture. Adding shaped ice cubes, like small hexagons or spheres, adds a unique look. Garnishing with pretty, aesthetically pleasing ingredients makes a huge difference. Try rosemary sprigs or mint, pomegranate seeds, and a lemon slice twist.

The final step in creating a fancy cocktail is choosing the right glass. Choose a classy glass, like a coupe glass or rocks glass. Glassware with unique designs, like indents, ridges or fluting can be aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Are there non alcoholic alternatives to pomegranate vodka cocktails?

For sure there are non alcoholic alternatives! Turn this cocktail into an equally refreshing mocktail by omitting the vodka. You can still enjoy the tart flavours of the pomegranate and lemon juice, and the sweetness of the sugar rim without the use of alcohol.

Ingredients

More about the ingredients in this recipe. The exact measurements are below.

Pomegranate vodka cocktail ingredients
  • Pomegranate juice- It’s tart and fruity with a hint of sweetness. I used Pom Wonderful juice that I bought at my local grocery store in the refrigerated juice section.
  • Vodka- I use Smirnoff vodka but you can use any vodka you have.
  • Lemon- Juice for the sugar rim, a squeeze in the cocktail for added tartness and depth of flavour, and a lemon slice for garnish.
  • White sugar- For the sugar rim. It balances the tartness of the pomegranate juice and lemon.
  • Rosemary sprig- For garnish.
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  • Chill the vodka for an extra cold cocktail.

Add the sugar to a small plate, tapping it on the counter to evenly spread it around.

Rimming the glass with lemon juice.

Rim the glass with a wedge of lemon.

Rimming the glass with sugar.

Turn the glass upside down and gently press it into the sugar, rotating it, to coat the rim.

Adding the vodka.

Add ice cubes to the glass and pour in the vodka.

Adding the pomegranate juice.

Add the pomegranate juice.

Adding lemon juice to the cocktail.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice.

Garnishing the cocktail with lemon and rosemary.

Give it a stir. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a lemon slice.

To make a lemon twist: Cut a slice of lemon, and then cut a slit from the rind to the centre or a little bit past it. Then twist the two pieces in opposite directions, turning the circular slice into an S shape.

Pomegranate vodka cocktail in a coupe glass with rosemary and a lemon slice.

Tips for making vodka cocktails

  • Ice cubes: Use unique ice cube molds to personalize the cocktails.
  • Garnishes: A few garnishes can be aesthetically pleasing and add flavour. Try rosemary or mint, pomegranate seeds, and a lemon slice.
  • Chill the vodka and juice: Store plain vodka in the freezer, and the juice in the fridge for extra cold cocktails.

What to serve with pomegranate cocktails

Hydrate! Remember to enjoy a glass of refreshing water after each cocktail to maximize hydration.

I suggest pairing these tart cocktails with something salty rather than sweet so as to not minimize the sweetness of the sugar rim. Try savoury snacks like pretzels and dip, charcuterie boards, or popcorn.

If you’re hosting a gathering, serve appetizers like chips and dip, spanakopita spring rolls, or vegan spanakopita.

If you’re hosting a cocktail party, add my dairy free white russian recipe to the menu.

Substitutions

  • This recipe is vegetarian
  • This also makes a lovely mocktail, just omit the vodka!
  • Swap the lemon juice for lime juice, it will work the same.
  • Instead of a sugar rim, try adding simple syrup (1/2 teaspoon of sugar dissolved in 1/2 teaspoon hot water) for a bit of sweetness. Or savour the tart flavours without the added sweetness.
  • Substitute for pomegranate juice in vodka cocktail: Try cranberry juice or cherry juice instead, they have a similar tart yet fruity flavour.
  • Craving a bubbly drink? Use pomegranate soda instead of pomegranate juice.

Storage

You can make a large batch of the pomegranate vodka cocktail and store covered in the fridge for convenience. Then all you have to do is rim some glasses, fill them with ice and pour the cocktail for your guests.

Pomegranate vodka cocktail in a coupe glass with rosemary and a lemon slice.

FAQ’s

Can I use fresh pomegranate in vodka drinks?

Absolutely, fresh pomegranate seeds are perfect for garnishes in a number of vodka drinks, especially pomegranate vodka cocktails.

Can I prepare pomegranate vodka cocktails ahead of time for a party?

Yes, just make a large batch of the cocktail and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Then, pour over sugar rimmed glasses filled with ice.

Pomegranate vodka cocktail square image.

Pomegranate Vodka Cocktail with Lemon and Rosemary

5 from 1 vote
Author: Erika Piper
This easy vodka cocktail is tart, slightly sweet and so refreshing. The pomegranate juice and sugar rim create the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making this the perfect boozy cocktail for any occasion.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 1

Equipment

  • 1 coupe cocktail glass any other small cocktail glass will work too

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ounces vodka I use Smirnoff Vodka
  • 6 ounces pomegranate juice
  • squeeze of lemon juice
  • white sugar for the rim
  • lemon slices for garnish and the rim
  • rosemary sprig for garnsih
  • ice cubes I use lots of small ice cubes

Instructions
 

  • Add the sugar to a small plate and gently tap it on the counter to spread it out evenly.
  • Rim the top of the glass with a lemon wedge and gently press it into the sugar, coating the rim evenly.
  • Add the ice cubes to the glass and add the vodka.
  • Add the pomegranate juice and a squeeze of lemon.
  • Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of rosemary. This is optional.

Video

Notes

Hydrate with water between each cocktail!
Chill vodka in the freezer for extra cold cocktails.
If you don’t want a sugar rim, try adding simple syrup (1/2 tsp sugar dissolved in equal parts hot water) to the cocktail.
If you don’t have pomegranate juice, use cranberry or cherry juice.
If you don’t have lemon juice, lime juice will work.

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcalCarbohydrates: 22gSugar: 21g
Tried this recipe?Mention @theveggieyaya or tag #theveggieyaya!

Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

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Picture of Erika Piper, the veggie yaya blogger

Erika Piper

Hey there, I’m Erika. I’ve been meat-free for over a decade.
I’m here to provide delicious and affordable plant-based recipes for anyone interested.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just curious about trying it out, I’m here to support you with my easy and accessible recipes.

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