Pomegranate Christmas Cocktail: The Pretty Pom Pom
Creating a festive atmosphere at Christmas is really about sharing special moments with the people you love, and nothing kicks off a gathering quite like a pretty cocktail. This pomegranate Christmas cocktail adds a splash of color to your holiday table and makes guests feel welcome from the very first sip. Sweet Shark loves to play bartender, and this bright, bubbly pomegranate drink is one of his best. As the official taster in our family, I can promise it is worth raising a glass to.
We’ve reached the finale of Christmas in July Week! To toast five days of holiday planning, I’m sharing a pretty pomegranate cocktail that’s as festive as it is easy.
Offering a special drink on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve elevates the whole occasion and makes everyone feel included in the celebration. We love to have a “drink of the day” when we entertain. It gets the festivities off to a happy start.
Now, Sweet Shark’s own favorite pour is a good glass of wine. But come party time, especially during the holidays, he’s the one digging through his cocktail books (always a good gift) and the recipes he has clipped from magazines and newspapers over the years. I’m always on the lookout for a new one he should try.
The Pom Pom is the drink that earned a permanent spot in that rotation. It’s festive, it’s pretty, and it’s the one I most wanted to share with you for toasting the holidays with friends, family, or your favorite guy.
Be sure to get your copy of my helpful BAR ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST below.
A Little Pom Pom Christmas Cocktail History
Most cocktails have a history. We love reading about the origins of cocktails – who, when, where, why – how did this drink come to be? Many classic drinks are rich in history and culture.
This Pom Pom Christmas cocktail came from an article in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram that Sweet Shark’s sister gave him about 10 years ago. The article was a collection of cocktails made from different vodkas. The first one to catch his notice was the Pom Pom.
The first time he made it, we were celebrating New Year’s Day 2022.
He always makes a note of the date he makes special cocktails. His notation says, “amazing”. The next time he made the drink was December 14, 2023 and he wrote, “delicious, said Carol”.
Exactly a year later, he made it for me again. Sweet Shark pulled out his cocktail folder and found the article. It seems entirely apropos that I make it for you.
My Christmas present to you.
Types of Cocktails for Christmas and New Year’s
Serving guests a special holiday cocktail is part of the season’s traditions.
When planning your holiday festivities, consider offering a variety of cocktails to cater to different tastes. Here are some popular options:
- Pomegranate Martini: A refreshing blend of pomegranate juice, orange liqueur, and vodka.
- Brandy Alexander: A rich mix of cognac, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream. There are ice cream versions, too.
- Grinch Punch: A fun green cocktail made with lemon-lime sherbet and pineapple juice.
- Naughty or Nice Punch: A bubbly drink combining chardonnay, cognac, maraschino cherry liqueur, and ginger ale.
- Hot Toddy: A warm mixture of whiskey, lemon, cloves, and sugar for chilly evenings.
Other Delicious Holiday Cocktails
Here is another collection of Christmas cocktails to add to your cocktail toolbox.
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Types of Liquors and Ingredients Used in Christmas Cocktails
To create festive holiday cocktails, various liquors and ingredients can be used.
Liquors:
- Vodka: Versatile and pairs well with many mixers.
- Bourbon/Rye Whiskey: Adds depth and warmth to drinks.
- Cointreau/Triple Sec: Provides a sweet orange flavor.
- Rum: Great for tropical or spiced cocktails.
- Champagne/Prosecco: Perfect for topping off a cocktail or festive punches.
Other Ingredients:
- Juices: Pomegranate, cranberry, orange, and lime juices are popular choices.
- Syrups: Ginger syrup or simple syrup can add sweetness.
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary or mint can enhance flavor profiles.
- Fruits: Fresh fruits like cranberries, oranges, limes, and pomegranates make excellent garnishes.
- Herbs: rosemary, mint, sage
Offering a special drink like the pom pom cocktail not only enhances your holiday gatherings but also creates lasting memories filled with joy and cheer. Cheers to a festive season!
Pomegranate Cocktail Essentials
This cocktail uses easily available ingredients at your local liquor store.
Ingredients
- granulated sugar
- good quality vodka
- Cointreau or other orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier. Cointreau is an orange liqueur that is used in dozens of cocktail recipes, including margaritas.
- Pomegranate liqueur – Pomegranate liqueur is easy to find at any liquor store. You can use pomegranate juice, but it doesn’t have quite the depth of flavor.
- simple syrup
- sparkling wine – Prosecco, Cava, Brut
- garnish options – rosemary sprig, cranberries, lime slices
NOTE: I have to share an oops about this picture. You don’t use cranberry juice in this cocktail, although it’s nice to use cranberries as a garnish. I accidentally grabbed the bottle out of Sweet Shark’s wine cooler in his bar.
TIP: Rather than buying a large bottle of juice (cranberry, pineapple, orange), or mixers (7-Up, Sprite, Ginger Ale, soda, tonic) to stock a bar, it’s much easier to buy small bottles or 6-packs.
Use your favorite vodka.
Tools to Make the Pomegranate Cocktail
This cocktail recipe is easy to make in a cocktail shaker. These make great stocking stuffers for the bartender in your life.
- single drink cocktail shaker
- jigger or cocktail measuring cup – indispensable in any bar
- martini or coupe glass
- small cutting board and paring knife with cover – if you plan to use lime slices as garnish
TIP: Always chill your glasses for cocktails in the refrigerator. We have an extra refrigerator in the garage, so we keep as many coupes, flutes, margarita glasses, and beer mugs as will fit. It’s also a great spot for extra water bottles, beer, wine, and sparkling wine.
TIP: It’s nice to have a designated small cutting board and paring knife in your bar. Better if it has a cover for safety.
Sweet Shark chose to use this martini/margarita glass because of the green stem – very festive!
Bar Essentials Printable
Use this handy checklist of essential bar tools for your favorite bartender.
Bar Essentials Tools Checklist
Don’t be caught without an essential bar tool when you’re entertaining. This checklist will make you the hostess with the mostest. You’ll get more drink and recipe ideas, too.
Making the Pomegranate Cocktail
- Make your simple syrup – combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil, then turn heat down to a simmer. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow to cool completely. Use a funnel to pour into a plastic squeeze bottle.
- Prepare your glass – place about 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar on a small (bread and butter) plate. Wet the side of the glass and roll into the granulated sugar. Shake off any excess sugar. NOTE: This step can be made ahead and glasses can be placed in the freezer until ready to use. Highly recommend if you are making more than one drink at a time.
- Prepare your garnish of choice.
- Gather ingredients except chilled sparkling wine and measure into a cocktail shaker. Top with ice and shake for about 10 seconds until shaker is cold.
- Top cocktail with sparkling wine and garnish. Serve immediately.
I decided to use a rosemary sprig as a “toothpick” and cranberries as my garnish.
Doesn’t that look so festive and yummy!
This holiday cocktail would pair beautifully with Cranberry Ricotta Crostini Appetizer, served as a welcoming gesture while enjoying the cranberry.
Can’t wait to try this Pomegranate Christmas Cocktail? Here is the recipe. It’s also a great option for New Year’s Eve. Or any time in between.
Pretty Pomegranate Holiday Cocktail Recipe
Pretty Pomegranate Christmas Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 martini or coupe glass chilled
- paring knife if you plan to use lime slices as garnish
- small cutting board optional
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ ounces good vodka
- 1 ounce pomegranate juice or liqueur
- ¾ ounce Cointreau
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- sparkling wine chilled
- rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
- fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
- lime slice for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Spread granulated sugar on a small plate. Wet about 1/2 inch around the rim of the glass. You can use water or lime juice. Roll wet side of glass in sugar to coat.
- Combine remaining ingredients except sparkling wine and garnishes in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
- Spear the three cranberries onto a cocktail toothpick.
- Strain into the prepared glass. Top with sparkling wine. Lay the toothpick on top of rim of glass. Top with the sprig of rosemary.
Pomegranate Cocktail FAQ
Is the Pomegranate Cocktail made with pomegranate?
Yes. The Pomegranate Cocktail gets its name and its pretty color from pomegranate liqueur, or pomegranate juice in a pinch. Combined with vodka, Cointreau, and a splash of sparkling wine, the pomegranate gives the drink its festive red hue and a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
What is the criteria for a good Christmas cocktail?
A good Christmas cocktail is festive, easy to make, and pretty enough to double as decoration. This pomegranate Pom Pom checks all three: it’s red for the season, comes together in a shaker, and looks lovely with a sugared rim and a cranberry-rosemary garnish. It’s perfect for any holiday occasion.
Can you make the Pomegranate Cocktail ahead for a party?
You can prep the pieces ahead, which makes it great for entertaining. Make the simple syrup in advance, and sugar-rim your glasses and chill them in the freezer beforehand. Shake and top with sparkling wine right before serving so the drink stays cold and bubbly.
What can I substitute for pomegranate liqueur?
Pomegranate juice is the easiest swap, though it won’t have quite the same depth of flavor. If you use juice, you may want to adjust the simple syrup slightly to balance the tartness. Pomegranate liqueur is easy to find at most liquor stores if you’d rather use it.
What sparkling wine is best for a Pom Pom cocktail?
Any dry sparkling wine works well, such as Prosecco, Cava, or a Brut Champagne. A drier bubbly balances the sweetness of the liqueur and simple syrup. Keep it well chilled so it doesn’t water down the drink.
Can I make the Pom Pom cocktail without alcohol?
Yes, you can make a mocktail version. Replace the vodka and liqueurs with pomegranate juice and a splash of orange juice, then top with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. You keep the festive color and the pretty presentation.
I hope you will save this holiday cocktail to your best Pinterest Board. Try Beverages and Cocktails, Party Ideas, and Holiday Inspiration Boards for more cocktail ideas.
Use this Pom Pom Cocktail to toast the holidays. Don’t forget this collection of 10 Fun and Fabulous Christmas Cocktails.
Thanks Carol for the recipe. I love trying new cocktails. I am happy to feature your Pom Pom Christmas Cocktail at Love Your Creativity. Happy New Year.
Thank you so much, Linda. You’ll love this one. Great for New Year’s Eve.
Carol
I love Pomegranate and this cocktail sounds amazing. I can’t wait to try it and will share a link on my Sunday, DRA! Have a merry Christmas.
Then you’ll love this cocktail. Thanks for your feedback a d sharing.