Pomegranate Cosmo!

Pomegranate and vodka work their magic in this pomegranate cosmos! This version of the classic might even be better than the original.

Here’s a twist on a classic cocktail that we think could be even better than the original. The Cosmo pomegranate! Also known as Pomegranate Cosmopolitan, this tangy sweet drink combines pomegranate, vodka and orange liqueur in a symphony of flavors. You can use store-bought bottled pomegranate juice or make your own using the seeds of the fresh fruit. Of course, as classic cosmopolitans, we love each other just as much as anyone else. But the Cosmo Grenade… well, you just have to try it yourself!

What is in a pomegranate cosmos?

The Cosmopolitan is a classic cocktail made from vodka and cranberry juice. The history of the Cosmo is disputed: some claim it was invented in the 1930s, others in the 1970s. Regardless, it is on the International Bartender’s list of official IBA cocktails. Association. For this pomegranate rotation, we used pomegranate juice instead of cranberry and adjusted the amounts slightly. Here are the ingredients of a Cosmo pomegranate:

• 100% pomegranate juice (bottled or freshly pressed; see below!)
• vodka
• Cointreau
• lemon juice
• Plain syrup or maple syrup

Bottled vs. Homemade Pomegranate Juice

The Pomegranate Cosmo works with either store-bought bottled pomegranate juice or freshly squeezed juice made from the seeds of the whole fruit. So it’s adaptable to whatever grenade shape you have on hand! The taste and color of fresh juice is sweeter and lighter, making it a slightly better drink. But bottled pomegranate juice is so easy: and it’s extremely delicious too! You should pay attention to this when shopping:

• Buy 100% bottled pomegranate juice. Some pomegranate juices are sweet, others are 100% juice. Look for the unsweetened version!
• Make juice from pomegranate seeds. Go to How to Make Pomegranate Juice! This takes a few minutes but is fun and makes a nice bright red juice. Cut and core the pomegranate, place the seeds in a jar and mash them. Strain and use directly in cocktails (or refrigerate for up to 1 week).

How to Make a Pomegranate Cosmo (Basic Steps)

Once you have your pomegranate juice in hand, Pomegranate Cosmo is a no-brainer! All you have to do is shake and strain. If you’re making more than one drink at a time, see the pitcher section below. Here’s what to do:

1. Shake: Put the ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 15 seconds until cool. If you don’t have a shaker, you can use a mason jar!
2. Filter and garnish: Strain the drink into a glass and serve! (Use whatever strainer you like if you don’t have a cocktail strainer). Use a slice of orange or lemon to garnish, or just use a wedge. You can also use pomegranate seeds: remember that they will sink to the bottom of the drink.

Or make a Cosmo Pitcher!

Serve this pomegranate cosmos to a crowd? It’s a great signature drink for dinner parties, Christmas, Valentine’s Day or any other celebratory occasion. Shaking each drink individually takes a lot of time, so make a pitcher instead! To prepare an 8-serving Cosmo Pitcher:

• In a pitcher, combine 1½ cups vodka, 1½ cups 100% pomegranate juice, ½ cup Cointreau, ½ cup fresh lemon juice, and 2½ tablespoons plain syrup or maple syrup.
• Add 3 handfuls of ice and stir until cool. Pour into glasses and serve.

More pomegranate cocktails

We love pomegranates and we have plenty of pomegranate recipes to prove it! It’s great in salads, smoothies and of course: drinks. Here are some of our best pomegranate cocktails:

When to serve Pomegranate Cosmos

The Cosmo Grenade is fun and festive! It’s great to use as: