Put a fruity twist on a classic citrus based cocktail with this pomegranate lemon drop martini. With just 5 ingredients and a few minutes needed to throw it together, it’s perfect for entertaining! Vibrant red colors are perfect for both fall and the holidays, or anytime!
I love simple cocktails, especially when they’re flavorful and festive! This lemon drop martini adds pomegranate for some fruity flavor and beautiful hues, and it’s naturally low fat too.
Like most cocktails, there are a variety of different ways to throw this drink together, depending what you have on hand or can find. I’ll give you some options below!
Nowadays, you can get pomegranate juice and at least the arils year round, so really you can make this drink anytime. I just think the flavor profile and bright red colors are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday get togethers.
For a more summery option, make sure to check out my Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini too!
Ingredient List
1 ½ ounces vodka
½ ounce triple sec liquor
1 ounce fresh lemon juice (about ½ a medium lemon)
2 ounces pomegranate juice
1 ounce simple syrup
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can use regular or citrus flavored vodka. I also saw that Ciroc is making a pomegranate vodka now, and that would be a great option as well!
If you don’t have triple sec, you can use Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or any other orange-flavored liquor
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but you can cheat and use the bottled stuff in a pinch. You can also use limoncello liquor and reduce the simple syrup by half!
I use Pom brand pomegranate juice. You can definitely use the blended (such as pomegranate cherry or pom blueberry) to create different flavor profiles! Alternatively, you can also use pomegranate liquor like Pama
The simple syrup can be homemade (cook a 50/50 mixture of sugar and water on the stovetop until the sugar dissolves, then cool) or you can use a pre-made version like I am. For substitution options, try honey or maple syrup!
Step By Step Directions
Add all ingredients into a shaker (or a mason jar), along with a few ice cubes
Shake for 30 seconds, until well combined and chilled
Strain into a chilled martini glass (or similar)
Garnish with pomegranate arils or a twist of lemon if desired, and enjoy!
What’s the Best Way to Rim the Glass for a Pomegranate Lemon Drop Martini?
Moisten the rim of the glass with a lemon wedge, then dip it into a plate of sugar for a sweet rim.
However, rimming the glass is entirely optional for this recipe, so don’t feel like you have to.
Can I Substitute Pomegranate Juice with Another Fruit Juice?
You can experiment with other fruit juices, but pomegranate juice gives this martini its signature taste.
For a variation, try a mixed juice, such as pom blueberry or pom cherry, to preserve the original intent.
Is It Necessary to Use Simple Syrup, or Can I Use Another Sweetener?
Simple syrup blends well, but you can use alternatives like agave nectar or honey for a different taste.
I also like maple syrup sometimes with this pairing!
What’s the Recommended Garnish for a Pomegranate Lemon Drop Martini?
Garnish with a lemon twist or a few pomegranate arils for an appealing presentation.
Alternatives would be a slide or wedge of lemon, or a lemon juice and sugar-dipped rim on the glass.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness or Tartness of the Martini According to My Preferences?
Absolutely! Adjust the sweetness by altering the amount of simple syrup or adding more lemon juice for tartness.
You can also use limoncello instead of lemon juice, which will add more sweetness as well (you may want to balance the alcohol with more pom juice, though).
Can I Make a Mocktail Version of the Pomegranate Lemon Drop Martini?
Yes, simply omit the vodka, and use non-alcoholic triple sec or orange juice instead, as well as the rest of the already non-alcoholic ingredients.
For a special twist, use lemon or pomegranate sparkling water in place of the vodka to add some fun!
Recipe Pro Tips
If you are using pomegranate arils to garnish your drinks, I highly recommend freezing them ahead of time! This helps to keep your drinks cool with minimal dilution
Glassware: This cocktail is most traditionally served in a martini glass (stemmed or stemless). However, other good options would be a champagne coupe, goblet, or a white wine glass in a pinch!
Presentation and Storage Tips
Adding a rim to your glass is entirely optional, but it can add sweetness and visual appeal. To add one, run a cut lemon along the outside edge of the glass, then dip it into some granulated sugar on a flat surface (like a plate)
A pomegranate lemon drop martini is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prepare for a party by scaling up the recipe to the desired number of servings. Combine in a pitcher and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours (due to the fruit juice used, I don’t risk it much more than that). Stir and pour into chilled glasses for serving (don’t use any ice or you’ll dilute it too much)
This tasty pomegranate lemon drop martini has the perfect tanginess of a lemonade combined with pomegranate flavors. It’s great for fall and winter entertaining because of its lovely color, but also how easy it is to make!
Just measure, shake, and enjoy! It takes less than 5 minutes to throw together, so you can get back to spending time with family and friends that much faster.
Of course, you could easily serve this drink in the spring or summer as well, with the summery lemon vibes carrying it forward. Plus, you can get pomegranate juice year round, so there’s no stopping you!
I love to serve my cocktail with some pomegranate arils and a lemon slice to fancy things up, but it’s so good you could serve it in a solo cup and no one would care!
Easy Pomegranate Lemon Drop Martini
This easy pomegranate lemon drop martini requires just 5 ingredients and a few minutes to throw together. It’s a fruity twist on a classic cocktail that’s perfect for fall and winter entertaining!
Shake for 30 seconds, until well combined and chilled
Strain into a chilled martini glass (or similar)
Garnish with pomegranate arils or a twist of lemon if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
You can use regular or citrus flavored vodka. Ciroc seasonally makes a pomegranate vodka, and that would be a great option as well!
If you don’t have triple sec, you can use Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or any other orange-flavored liquor
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but you can cheat and use the bottled stuff in a pinch. You can also use limoncello liquor and reduce the simple syrup by half!
I use Pom brand pomegranate juice. You can definitely use the blended (such as pomegranate cherry or pom blueberry) to create different flavor profiles! Alternatively, you can also use pomegranate liquor like Pama
The simple syrup can be homemade or you can use a pre-made version like I am. For substitution options, try honey or maple syrup!
If you are using pomegranate arils to garnish your drinks, I highly recommend freezing them ahead of time! This helps to keep your drinks cool with minimal dilution
Adding a rim to your glass is entirely optional, but it can add sweetness and visual appeal. To add one, run a cut lemon along the outside edge of the glass, then dip it into some granulated sugar on a flat surface (like a plate)
A pomegranate lemon drop martini is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prepare for a party by scaling up the recipe to the desired number of servings. Combine in a pitcher and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir and pour into chilled glasses for serving
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes or substitutions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword fall cocktails, lemon drop martini variations, lemon pomegranate cocktail, pomegranate cocktail recipe, pomegranate lemon drop martini, pomegranate lemon drop martini with vodka, pomegranate martini, winter cocktails
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
