Pomegranate Martini (with sparkler, mocktail, and pitcher options)
Yield: 1 serving
Fruity yet not overly sweet, this martini is delightfully crisp and refreshing—and not too potent! And ever wonder how to make crushed ice, or better yet, "soft" ice? I've included the easy how-to above, as well as how to make a citrus twist, in the article above.


Ingredients

  • 3 ounces pomegranate juice (unsweetened)
  • 1 ounce regular or citrus flavored vodka (like mandarin Absolut)
  • ¼ – ½ ounce Triple Sec
  • Optional: Crushed ice; lemon, lime, or orange twist
  • To make it a sparkler: 1(-2) ounces sparkling water or lemon-lime soda (like Sprite) and more ice

Ingredients

  1. Place the pomegranate juice, vodka, and triple sec in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Cover the shaker and shake vigorously for a few seconds until well chilled. Strain the cocktail into the martini glass, adding some crushed ice and a citrus twist or orange wheel, if desired. For a sparkler, top off with sparkling water (for a less sweet drink) or lemon-lime soda (for more sweetness). A sparkler may be served in an ice-filled Collins glass (or glass of choice).

    Shortcut: Though it’s not customary, I have been known to skip the shaker and add the ingredients straight to the glass (chilled glass if I’ve thought ahead, room temp if not).

    For a mocktail: Omit the vodka and replace the triple sec with 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) freshly squeezed orange or clementine juice. Top with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda to taste.

    For a pitcher drink: multiply by the number of servings desired and add the pomegranate juice, vodka, and triple sec to a pitcher and chill until ready. Add an optional splash of sparkling water or soda to the pitcher, or top off individual glasses, if desired, when served.

     


Notes

Although pomegranate juice is on the tart side, the level of sweetness does vary slightly from one brand to another. For example, Pom was slightly sweeter than a grocery store brand I purchased recently. Also, the higher amount of triple sec will make the drink slightly sweeter. Feel free to choose the amount according to taste. A squeeze of lime is also complementary for those who enjoy an added hint of tart citrus.


More recipes at FountainAvenueKitchen.com