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!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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.
katie’s tip
For a more summery option, make sure to check out my Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini and Peach Lemon Drop too! Or simply enjoy my classic Lemon Drop Martini which never goes out of style!
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Ingredient List
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- ½ ounce triple sec (or another orange liqueur)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice (about ½ a medium lemon)
- 2 ounces pomegranate juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
Sugar Rim (Optional)
- Fresh lemon wedge
- Granulated sugar
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 cocktail shaker (or a mason jar), along with a few ice cubes
- Shake for around 20-30 seconds, until well combined and chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass (or similar)
- Garnish with pomegranate arils or a twist of lemon if desired, and enjoy!
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Recipe FAQs
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.
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!
How to Adjust the Sweetness or Tartness to Taste?
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?
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!
Tips For the Best Pomegranate Lemon Drop
- 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)
- Garnishes are optional, but good options include a sugar rim (note above), a lemon twist, slice, or wedge, or a few pomegranate arils
- 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 fridge 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)
- Pomegranate Vodka Fizz
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Final Thoughts
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!
Katie’s tip
If you’re celebrating the winter season, you don’t want to miss my festive White Christmas Punch cocktail!
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
Equipment
- Measuring cup (liquid)
- Cocktail shaker (or mason jar with lid)
- Martini glass (or similar; chilled)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- ½ ounce triple sec (or another orange liqueur)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice (about ½ a medium lemon)
- 2 ounces pomegranate juice (such as Pom)
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a shaker (or a mason jar), along with a few ice cubes1 ½ ounces vodka, ½ ounce triple sec, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, 2 ounces pomegranate juice, 1 ounce simple syrup, 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!
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 liqueur
- 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 adds an elegant look and extra sweetness. 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)
- 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
Nutrition
