Have cosmopolitans gone out of fashion? Ten years ago or so they were all the cocktail rage, and pomegranate juice was the be-all and end-all of elixirs. But no matter … in style or not, they’re still a tasty and celebratory way to ring in the new year. Why not make up a pitcher of this fun Pomegranate Cosmopolitan if you’re having a New Year’s Eve party (and then call everyone a cab)?
The tree is trimmed and the countdown to the New Year is on. To celebrate the holiday spirit, it’s time for a Pomegranate Cosmopolitan, my holiday tipple of choice for an evening in. Tis the season!
Cosmopolitan Memories
My introduction to the cocktail known as the cosmopolitan occurred the first time I arrived at my dear friend’s cottage, following a limb-stiffening nine-hour road trip. After I stumbled down the steep staircase leading down to her home-away-from-home, she gave me a huge hug of welcome, guided me to her deck overlooking beautiful Lake Lauzo, and pressed a huge martini glass holding a cosmo into my hand. And what can I say, imbibing history was made. (And my limbs loosened up quite nicely, thank you very much!)
The Pomegranate Cosmopolitan
I’m a huge fan of Ina Garten’s cookbooks. I watched her cooking show religiously back when I was glued to the Food Network every moment possible. In addition to delicious food, she offers up many cocktail recipes, including one for a Pomegranate Cosmopolitan.
What can I say, what’s more fun than pouring liqueurs and juices into a cocktail shaker with ice, and then dancing about doing that ever-so-satisfying swishing and clinking shake shake shake? Well, straining that ruby red elixir into a huge martini glass is pretty sweet too. And then there’s the first sip …
To my 2020 (wow, did I just say that?) sensibilities, this is a pretty sweet drink. But hey, it still makes a festive, celebratory treat!
You may notice from the photos that the stem of my cocktail glass is slightly askew. I always say that when it looks straight, it’s time to stop drinking. After a couple of these, I’m barely fit to walk to bed. That said, have a good time but imbibe responsibly!
Here’s the recipe as I adapted it from Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics.
Here's the recipe as I adapted it from Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics.
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur I use Marie Brizzard, you can also use cointreau
- 1/4 cup cranberry juice cocktail
- 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
- juice of one lime
-
Pour all the ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake like a barkeep, enjoying the captivating sound of swishing and clinking, until the shaker is very cold. Pour into martini glasses. Savour and relax, enjoying the twinkle and glow of the season. Cheers!
You can omit the cranberry juice and use 1/2 cup pomegranate juice instead for an even more ruby red and delicious cocktail. This is a pretty potent drink, at least in my opinion. If you prefer something a little milder, decrease the vodka or add extra juice.
I like the addition of pomegranate to a Cosmo as well.
Yes, all those antioxidants make it practically health food!
[…] And while I heartily recommend serving a good bubbly
at the magical hour of midnight, before that you just might like to
enjoy a cocktail like this sophisticated pomegranate cosmopolitan.
[…]
[…] A New Year’s Eve celebration is just the time for a fizzy and festive beverage, whether alcoholic or not. Of course, a glass of bubbly is the quintessential New Year’s Eve quaff, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, these days my choice is kombucha. Serve it in a special glass, and add some adornments that complement that flavour you’ve chosen. Or, why not try this pomegranate cosmopolitan? […]