Pomegranate Rosemary Cocktail Recipe

I love this cocktail recipe because it perfectly blends the botanical notes of gin with the tangy sweetness of pomegranate and lime, creating a refreshing and sophisticated drink. Plus, the rosemary garnish not only adds a beautiful touch of aroma but also makes it incredibly Instagram-worthy!

Creating one-of-a-kind cocktails is my jam, and this Pomegranate Rosemary Cocktail is a good example of that. Fresh rosemary gets a friendly infusion from simple syrup and a good amount of shaking and stirring, which both activate the fresh rosemary’s oils and evenly distribute the simple syrup throughout the drink.

After this cocktail is built (and yes, you do need to stir, plus shake, with ice, to get the desired effect), it is garnished with two absolutely stunning garnishes: fresh rosemary and pomegranate seeds.

Ingredients

Gin: A spirit with herbal notes that adds complexity and a botanical aroma.

Juice of Pomegranate: Adds a taste that is sweet and tart and a color that is vibrant.

An abundance of antioxidants makes it a juice with extra health benefits.

Lime juice: It gives a deliciously citrusy and tingly flavor; it is so refreshing.

Lime juice is a great source of Vitamin C.

Rosemary simple syrup: Imparts an earthy, pine-like sweetness to the cocktail.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 oz rosemary simple syrup
• 1/2 oz club soda
• Ice cubes
• Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish
• Pomegranate seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Ice cubes fill a cocktail shaker.

2. Add 2 oz of gin to the mixing container.

3. Add 1 oz of pomegranate juice.

4. Squeeze 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice into the mixture.

5. Integrate 1/2-ounce rosemary simple syrup into the mix.

6. Vigorously shake the mixture for about 15 seconds to thoroughly combine and chill the components.

7. Strain the cocktail into an ice-filled glass.

8. Finish the drink with 1/2 oz of club soda.

9. Add a fresh rosemary sprig to bring more of that delightful aroma into the drink.

10. For a burst of color and flavor, sprinkle a few pomegranate seeds on top.

Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker
2. Jigger or measuring tool
3. Mixing container (can be part of the shaker)
4. Strainer
5. Knife
6. Citrus juicer (optional, for squeezing lime)
7. Serving glass
8. Ice cube tray (for producing ice cubes)

FAQ

• Can I use a different spirit instead of gin?Sure, if gin doesn’t suit your palate, vodka can be a good alternative; it provides a neutral base that lets the flavors of pomegranate and rosemary sing.
• How do I make rosemary simple syrup?In a saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water. Add some sprigs of fresh rosemary and heat everything together until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture steep until cool. Strain out the rosemary to finish your simple syrup.
• Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?Certainly! You can eliminate the gin and up the amounts of pomegranate juice and club soda for a revitalizing mocktail.
• What can I use if I don’t have fresh lime juice?An option is bottled lime juice; however, we prefer fresh lime juice for its brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• How far in advance can the rosemary simple syrup be made?You can prepare the simple syrup a week in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just pour it into a sealed container.
• What is the best way to juice a pomegranate?Halve the pomegranate, place it in a bowl of water, and delicately pry the seeds from the pith. Blend the seeds and strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve.
• Can I use tonic water instead of club soda?Indeed, tonic water will impart a somewhat bitter flavor because of the quinine, which can enhance the herbal characteristics of the mixed drink.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use vodka in place of gin for a different taste sensation.
Cranberry juice can be used as an alternative to pomegranate juice, and it will give you a slightly different flavor.
Juice of lime: Use lemon juice in place of freshly squeezed lime juice for a different take on the citrus taste.
You can use simple syrup flavored with thyme if you want a different herbal note, or you can use plain simple syrup if you don’t want any herbs.
If you don’t happen to have club soda, you can use sparkling water for the same fizz.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Glass Before preparing the cocktail, place your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes. A chilled glass will keep your drink cooler for longer and enhance the overall experience.

2. Fresh Ingredients Use fresh-squeezed lime juice and high-quality pomegranate juice for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in the taste of your cocktail.

3. Balance the Sweetness Adjust the amount of rosemary simple syrup to suit your taste preference. You can start with 1/4 oz and add more if needed, depending on how sweet you like your drinks.

4. Control the Carbonation Add the club soda just before serving and gently stir to preserve the bubbles. This step keeps the drink refreshing and bubbly.

5. Express the Rosemary Gently clap the fresh rosemary sprig between your palms before using it as a garnish. This action releases more of the herb’s aromatic oils, enhancing the drink’s fragrance.