Pomegranate Cosmopolitan
Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 21.9% ABV ∙
The Pomegranate Cosmopolitan shakes vodka with orange liqueur, lime and pomegranate and hibiscus liqueurs, served up in a coupe. Tart lime and deep pomegranate lead, with floral hibiscus and orange rounding the edges into a crisp, dry finish — a striking pre-dinner or celebration pour.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake all ingredients with ice: Vodka 30 mlTriple sec 15 mlHibiscus (sorrel) liqueur 15 mlLime juice 15 mlPomegranate liqueur 20 mlOrange bitters 1 dashSaline solution 1 dash
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Express flamed an orange twist over the cocktail, then use as garnish
Tips
- Shake hard 12 to 15 seconds over plenty of ice; the citrus and liqueurs need a cold, brisk chill.
- Double-strain into a chilled coupe to catch ice shards and keep the deep-red drink clear.
- Express an orange twist over the surface before dropping it in — the oils lift the pomegranate and hibiscus.
- A single dash of saline tames the sweetness of the pomegranate liqueur; add it only if the drink tastes flat.
History
The Pomegranate Cosmopolitan is a fruit-forward variation on the Cosmopolitan, swapping pomegranate and hibiscus in for part of the classic cranberry profile. No single bartender or bar is documented for this specific version; it circulates as one of many craft-era riffs on the drink.
The Cosmopolitan's modern form is most often credited to bartender Toby Cecchini at The Odeon in New York in the late 1980s, though its origin is disputed among several claimants, and it reached global fame in the late 1990s through the television series Sex and the City.
FAQ
What is in a Pomegranate Cosmopolitan?
It is built on vodka with triple sec, freshly squeezed lime juice, and pomegranate liqueur, plus hibiscus (sorrel) liqueur for a floral note. A dash each of orange bitters and saline solution can be added to sharpen and balance the drink.
What four ingredients are in a classic Cosmopolitan?
A classic Cosmopolitan uses vodka, an orange liqueur such as Cointreau or triple sec, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice. This pomegranate version keeps the vodka, orange liqueur, and lime but replaces cranberry with pomegranate and hibiscus liqueurs.
What is the difference between a Cosmo and a pomegranate martini?
A Cosmo is vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry, and lime, giving a tart citrus profile, while a pomegranate martini leads with pomegranate and usually skips the cranberry. This pomegranate Cosmo bridges the two, using pomegranate and hibiscus liqueurs in the Cosmo framework.
Is a Pomegranate Cosmopolitan shaken or stirred?
Shaken. Because it contains citrus and fruit liqueurs, it is shaken hard over ice for a cold, brisk chill, then strained into a chilled coupe. Stirring would leave it under-chilled and dull the tart edge.
What glass is a Pomegranate Cosmopolitan served in?
It is served up in a chilled coupe glass with no ice, garnished with an orange twist. The stemmed coupe keeps the drink cold and shows off its deep red color.
What alcohol goes well with pomegranate?
Vodka is the most common pairing, as in this drink, because it lets the pomegranate flavor lead. Pomegranate also works with gin, tequila, and sparkling wine, and pairs nicely with orange and hibiscus liqueurs for depth.
