This 4-ingredient pomegranate margarita recipe is the perfect seasonal version of the classic margarita cocktail. Pomegranate juice, tequila, triple sec and lime juice come together for a delicious quick and easy cocktail perfect for the holiday season.
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I am always looking for quick and easy holiday cocktail ideas.
This quick and easy pomegranate margarita is equally easy and delicious. With just four ingredients, it is the perfect no-fuss holiday margarita recipe.
This pomegranate cocktail was inspired by my pomegranate mimosa and I love serving them both up during the holidays for quick and simple cocktails. If you can't find pomegranates, you might try this cranberry margarita instead.
In this post, I will guide you through gathering all the ingredients and teach you how to pour, shake and serve your way to the perfect pomegranate holiday margarita at home.
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Ingredients
When it comes to cocktail recipes with very few ingredients, quality is always key! For this simple pomegranate margarita recipe, you will need:
- Pomegranate Juice: 100% juice is best. Stay away from anything with "cocktail" on the label which may result in an overly sweet margarita or some background flavors that interfere with the simple ingredients in this drink.
- Blanco Tequila: The best tequila for margaritas is 100% agave blanco tequila. It is completely clear with a clean, predictable flavor that's perfect for a classic margarita.
- Triple Sec: The vibrant, fresh orange flavor pairs excellent with the pomegranate juice.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Whenever, possible use fresh squeezed for the best flavor.
- Optional Garnishes: Extra fresh limes, margarita salt, fresh pomegranate arils and rosemary make a splash when it comes to holiday cocktails.
- Ice: Use clear, purified ice if possible. Cubes are best as they won't water down the cocktail from melting too fast.
See the recipe card further down the page for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
Substitutions
This holiday margarita recipe is so delicious as written, but in a pinch you can make the following substitutions.
- Triple Sec: When it comes to adding orange flavor to margaritas, Triple Sec is an affordable mixer option and its vibrant flavor goes great with the pomegranate. Other options include Cointreau, which has a softer, deeper flavor or even Grand Marnier or Orange Curaçao. Just keep in mind that the and alcohol content will vary with these substitutions.
- Blanco Tequila: I prefer to make my margaritas with blanco tequila that is sourced from 100% agave. However, if you are a fan of dark, more complex tequila you can replace the tequila with your preferred type or brand. I love this article breaking down some of the best tequila for margaritas.
- Lime Juice: if you don't have fresh lime juice on hand, you can use prepared lime juice instead. You can also use orange juice in place of the lime juice, but that is one step further away from a classic margarita! (Still delicious, though!)
Equipment
Getting the ingredients together is the hardest part of the recipe! Now that you have everything you need, you will want to gather your equipment.
To make the perfect pomegranate margarita recipe, you will need:
- Cocktail Glasses: Short glasses are perfect for an elegant holiday margarita.
- Cocktail Shaker: A handy bar tool to have for shaking and pouring cocktails.
- Jigger: The traditional way to measure out liquor for cocktails.
Some optional items to consider include margarita salt and cocktail picks for garnishes.
How to Make Pomegranate Margaritas
Now that you have everything gathered, you are just a few pours and shakes away from the best homemade pomegranate margarita recipe ever!
- Start by filling your shaker with ice.
TOP TIP: The best ice for cocktails is cubed, clear, purified ice. It's available at pretty much any grocery store and even gas stations. Avoid nugget and crushed ice which can melt quickly in cocktails. So stick to cubed for the BEST pomegranate margarita!
- Use a jigger or shot glass to measure out the tequila, triple sec, lime juice and pomegranate juice pouring each one over the ice filled cocktail shaker. The order you add it doesn't matter, it is going to be shaken anyway!
- Place the lid on the shaker glass and give it a few quick shakes. Then pour it up over ice!
TOP TIP: Classic margaritas are shaken, not stirred! But if you don't have a cocktail shaker then a quick stir will be just fine.
How to Serve a Pomegranate Christmas Margarita
Now that your pomegranate cocktail is prepared and ready, it's time to prep your glass!
You can serve this pomegranate margarita with lime over ice in a plain cocktail glass, or salt the rim for a classic margarita feeling.
- To salt the rim, simply use a wedge of lime to add juice around the rim of the glass and dip in margarita salt.
- Fill the glass with ice and pour the prepared cocktail into the glass.
- Garnish with fresh pomegranate arils, extra lime and a sprig of rosemary if desired and serve!
TOP TIP: It's a great idea to leave the strainer on the lid for margaritas so it captures some of the pulp from the lime juice.
Making Margaritas Ahead of Time
When properly stored, a homemade pomegranate margarita can last up to 3 days.
When mixing them ahead of time, prepare them without ice. Once mixed place the mixture in an airtight container in the fridge.
When it's time to serve, prepare a cocktail glass, fill with ice and pour the pomegranate cocktail into the glass.
Margarita Pitchers for a Crowd
You can make a pitcher of margaritas by multiplying the original recipe to the preferred amount of servings and serving it in a pitcher, without ice.
To chill the pitcher, place in the refrigerator and serve in the pitcher with ice surrounding the outside.
By keeping ice outside of the pitcher, you prevent the cocktail from getting watered down.
Expert Tips and FAQS
This quick and easy Christmas cocktail recipe is about to be your new favorite! When you make it for the first time remember:
- Use cubed purified ice.
- Shake the cocktail and then pour over ice.
- Salt the rim of your glass prior to adding ice.
- Use high quality blanco tequila made from 100% agave.
This holiday cocktail is made from pomegranate juice, blanco tequila, triple sec and lime juice.
Yes, to make in advance prepare the cocktail without ice and store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Yes! Multiple the recipe to reach the desired amount of servings and serve it up in a pitcher without ice. To ensure the beverage is chilled, serve the pitcher in a bowl of ice and refrigerate prior to serving.
More Drink Recipes
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card right below! You can also write a review in the comment section further down the page I always appreciate your feedback. And don’t forget to tag me @freshcoasteats in your photos on social media, I'd love to see your results!
Pomegranate Margarita
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounce blanco tequila 100% agave
- 1 ounce triple sec
- ½ ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
- 3 ounces 100% pomegranate juice
- Ice
Optional for Garnish
- Extra fresh lime wedges
- Sprigs of rosemary
- Pomegranate arils
- Margarita Salt
Instructions
- Ru a lime wedge around the rim of a cocktail glass and dip the
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Measure out each ingredient and add to the cocktail shaker.
- Shake for 20 seconds.
- Pour into a cocktail glass filled with ice and serve.
Notes
- Use cubed purified ice.
- Shake the cocktail and then pour over ice.
- Salt the rim of your glass prior to adding ice.
- Use high quality blanco tequila made from 100% agave.
Aria says
I made a big batch of these over the holiday season, and they were enjoyed by many! We loved the festive colour and great flavour from the pomegranate.
We served with a sprig of rosemary, as they reminded us of a Christmas tree, and we thought it was the perfect festive touch.