I decided to whip up this gladiator cocktail for a movie night, and I’m so glad I did! This cocktail is a delicious blend of honey whiskey, pomegranate, and fig – inspired by flavors found in Ancient Rome. It’s perfect for fall nights, movie nights, themed parties, and more!
What is a Gladiator Cocktail?
Traditionally, a gladiator is a bomb shot – where amaretto and Southern Comfort are dropped into an orange juice and Sprite mixture to create a fizzy “explosion” before consuming.
While that’s great for parties, it’s not so much what I was looking for when I wanted to just kick back, relax, and sip while watching movies. So, my version is instead inspired by the Gladiator movie (2000).
Since the time period of the film is set in Ancient Rome, I wanted to create a sippable cocktail inspired by flavors you might find there. That’s why my gladiator cocktail has pomegranate, fig, and honey flavors, supported by a smoky whiskey base.
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Gladiator Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 ounces honey flavored whiskey (such as Bird Dog)
- 1 Tbsp fig preserves
- 3 ounces 100% pomegranate juice (such as Pom)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You could also use another honey-flavored spirit (like vodka or rum), or substitute a pomegranate liqueur like Pama, and add 1 Tbsp honey for flavor instead
- Instead of fig preserves, you could do a fig syrup, but that’s much harder to find. Just heat the preserves a bit to loosen them up, and strain out the seeds for best results
How to Make a Gladiator Cocktail
- Heat your fig preserves in the microwave for about 30 seconds so they reach a more liquid state. Then, strain using a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds
- Add the whiskey, strained preserves, and pomegranate juice to a cocktail shaker (or similar) along with a few ice cubes
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 20-30 seconds, then strain into a lowball glass filled with ice
- Garnish with a dried fig if desired, and enjoy!
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- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Figs
Recipe FAQs
What Does A Gladiator Cocktail Taste Like?
This version of a gladiator cocktail has a unique blend of sweet and fruity flavors. Honey is the most prominent note, from both the whiskey and the natural honey note of figs.
It’s supported by the slightly tart pomegranate juice which adds a fruity note to the drink and balances the alcohol.
When Is The Best Time To Serve A Gladiator Cocktail?
This cocktail is ideal for casual get-togethers, tailgating parties and other sporting events, or movie nights (especially if you’re watching Gladiator or another movie set in Ancient Rome).
However, its sweeter flavor makes it a nice sip anytime, and the pomegranate makes it a lovely choice for both fall and winter entertaining!
Can You Customize The Gladiator Cocktail?
Absolutely! Try a different honey-flavored base liquor such as vodka or bourbon, or do a mix of different spirits to change the flavor profile.
You can also use different blends of pomegranate juice, try different varieties of figs, or swap in similar fruits like dates to change it up!
Can I Make a Gladiator Mocktail?
Yes. For a mocktail version of the gladiator, omit the whiskey. Add 1 Tbsp of honey for flavor to the pomegranate juice and fig jam.
Then, top the drink with sparkling water (lemon works well) for a fizzy finish!
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Gladiator Cocktail
- As written, this cocktail is around a medium strength, with no overly alcoholic taste. You can adjust the amount of whiskey up or down to adjust strength as desired
- This drink is on the sweeter side. To cut sweetness, use half honey whiskey, half plain or a smoky bourbon, or use a little fresh lemon juice to add tartness for balance
Gladiator Cocktail Storage and Serving Tips
- If you happen to own a cocktail smoker, smoke your drink before serving for a fun, delicious, and dramatic presentation!
- Garnishes are optional, but a dried fig or pomegranate arils are a nice choice. You could also use a piece of honeycomb
- Since there are no carbonated elements, you can make this drink up to 24 hours in advance. Store in a pitcher in the refrigerator until ready to serve!
Final Thoughts
This gladiator cocktail is a much more sippable version than the college party drink by the same name. Instead, kick your feet up and enjoy a movie night watching Gladiator or another Ancient Rome-inspired film!
A gladiator cocktail is also good for sporting events, as well as fall and winter occasions, given its sweet, pomegranate honey flavor profile and deep red color.
If you love pomegranate-based drinks, make sure to check out my Jelly Belly Pomegranate Cosmo for Easter, or my sweet and tart Pomegranate Lemon Drop Martini that’s perfect for the holiday season!
Gladiator Cocktail (Roman Inspired Drink)
Equipment
- Microwave (for heating preserves)
- Fine mesh strainer (optional; for straining seeds)
- Shaker (or similar)
- Whiskey glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces honey flavored whiskey (such as Bird Dog)
- 1 Tbsp fig preserves
- 3 ounces 100% pomegranate juice (such as Pom)
Instructions
- Heat your fig preserves in a small bowl in the microwave for about 30 seconds so they reach a more liquid state. Then, strain using a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds. You can skip this step, but then you will have seeds in your drink1 Tbsp fig preserves
- Add the whiskey, strained preserves, and pomegranate juice to a cocktail shaker (or similar) along with a few ice cubes2 ounces honey flavored whiskey, 3 ounces 100% pomegranate juice
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 20-30 seconds, then strain into a lowball glass filled with ice
- Garnish with a dried fig if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- You could also use another honey-flavored spirit (like vodka or rum), or substitute a pomegranate liqueur like Pama, and add 1 Tbsp honey for flavor instead
- Instead of fig preserves, you could do a fig syrup, but that’s much harder to find. Just heat the preserves a bit to loosen them up, and strain out the seeds for best results
- As written, this cocktail is around a medium strength, with no overly alcoholic taste. You can adjust the amount of whiskey up or down to adjust strength as desired
- This drink is on the sweeter side (but I don’t find it too sweet). However, to cut sweetness if desired, use half honey whiskey, half plain or a smoky bourbon, or use a little fresh lemon juice to add tartness for balance
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
