Spiced Pomegranate Martini.

The most festive cocktail to make and enjoy with family and friends this season. This batch-style martini is a mix of sweet pomegranate juice, orange liqueur, and vodka, shaken together with a homemade spicy honey simple syrup. The syrup has warm notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger – because it’s the holidays and I love a little extra warmth this time of year. We will definitely be serving this one alongside our holiday meals!

It’s officially the first cocktail of the holiday season, and I couldn’t be more excited. I mixed this festive martini into this year’s Thanksgiving menu, and I’ve been wanting to share the final recipe with you, but needed to get it photographed. I love sharing cocktails on Saturdays, but so many of you have reached out asking for all the new holiday recipes as soon as possible. So here it is!

If you’re open to adding a cocktail to your menu, this is an easy, pretty, and very crowd-pleasing option. It’s not fancy or complicated, which is exactly what we all want on a busy holiday. And the best part? You can make the mix ahead of time so it’s ready to go when guests arrive. Serve this as everyone walks in the door, and it immediately feels cozy, welcoming, and so holiday-perfect. Cheers to kicking off the season with this delicious Holiday Spiced Pomegranate Martini!

These are the Details

Ingredients

• pomegranate juice
• vodka
• Cointreau (orange liqueur)
• ginger beer

For the spicy Chai Honey

• water
• honey
• chai

To Make it Festive

• sugared rosemary
• pomegranate arils
• star anise

Barcart Tools

All that’s needed is a glass pitcher and a spoon for mixing. Plus a small saucepan or pot to simmer the honey syrup.

The Steps

Step 1: Make the Spiced Honey

Combine water and honey (about 1 cup water and 1/3 of a cup honey) in a small pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and add the spices you’re using. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Cover and let steep for 10 minutes, or simply allow it to sit until you’re ready to use it. This syrup can be made up to 1 week ahead and kept in the fridge. If you used loose spices, strain before storing.

Step 2: Mix the Martini

In a pitcher or punch bowl, combine the pomegranate juice, vodka, and orange liqueur (such as Cointreau). Stir in as much of the spiced honey syrup as you like. I usually start with about half and adjust to taste.

Holiday Hosting Tip

Use any leftover spiced honey to make sugared rosemary. Lightly dip fresh rosemary sprigs into the honey, then coat with granulated sugar. Let dry at room temperature for about one hour until set. It’s beautiful and adds a sparkling, snowy touch to every glass.

How to Serve

When you’re ready to serve, pour in the bubbly. I like to use ginger beer for a cozy, lightly spiced flavor, but sparkling water or prosecco work well too.

Give everything a gentle stir, then pour into glasses and garnish as desired. No matter how you serve it, this martini always feels pretty and festive.

Make It Friendly for Everyone (No Alcohol Version)

To make a non-alcoholic batch, combine:

• spiced chai honey
• pomegranate juice
• orange juice
• water
• ginger beer or ginger sparkling water
• pomegranate arils, rosemary, and star anise for garnish

Stir everything together, chill, and serve. So easy, and everyone can enjoy a glass.

Make the Drink Extra Pretty

Candied rosemary is one of my favorite garnishes this time of year. It’s delicious, sparkly, and reminds me of fresh snowfall. But I also love adding pomegranate arils for a pretty pop of red.

Photography by Johnny Miller

Looking for other Christmas drinks? Here are my favorites: 

White Christmas Mojito

The North Pole Cocktail

Santa’s Nightcap

Frosted Mistletoe Margarita

Creamy Coconut White Russian

Sparkling Mistletoe Cosmo Punch

Lastly, if you make this Spiced Pomegranate Martini, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!