Pomegranate Manhattan
Perfect for holidays and dinner parties alike, this pomegranate Manhattan recipe is as beautiful as it is delicious. Enjoy a classic Manhattan cocktail with a delightfully fruity twist!
What I love about this cocktail is how pomegranate juice enhances the Manhattan’s flavor. Boy, does it make for a delicious cocktail.
It’s also a fun modern twist to the classic drink.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, my mom’s favorite cocktail was the Manhattan. She loved it with both whiskey and bourbon. I don’t think she ever had any other variations though, like one made with cherry infused bourbon or the addition of pure pomegranate juice.
But I believe that she would have loved this pomegranate Manhattan cocktail. I dedicate it to her.
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Helpful tips
- Pomegranate juice is usually 100% juice, but make sure there isn’t any added sugar; it will make your cocktail too sweet.
- Use the best bourbon you can afford because it does make a difference in taste, especially in this cocktail.
- You can imbibe this Manhattan either like a martini, without ice, which is how I drink it, or on the rocks, the way my mother enjoyed hers.
- If you’re serving it on the rocks, use either a double old fashioned glass or a traditional rocks glass.
- I love using a good sweet vermouth; my favorite brands are Antica Formula or Dolin.
- You can garnish this cocktail with a fresh rosemary sprig, pomegranate arils, or with cherries. Any of these garnishes go well during the holidays.
- I enjoy Woodford Reserve Bitters. They have a few flavors like orange bitters, aromatic bitters, chocolate bitters, and spiced cherry bitters (which is my favorite). But if you can’t find the Woodford Reserve bitters, a few dashes of Angostura bitters is perfectly fine.
How to make a pomegranate Manhattan
Pre-step
Get a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice cubes. Get a measuring glass, martini glasses, sprigs of fresh rosemary, and pomegranate arils.
After measuring out each ingredient, add it to the cocktail shaker.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – bourbon, sweet vermouth, pomegranate juice, and bitters.
Step two
Measure 4 ounces of bourbon. (A)
Step three
Measure 3 ounces of pomegranate juice. (B)
Step four
Measure 1 ounce sweet vermouth. (C)
Step five
Add 10 drops of bitters to the shaker. (D)
Step six
Once the drink ingredients are in the shaker, add a teaspoon of pomegranate arils to each martini glass.
Step seven
Place the lid on the martini shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Divide, strain, and pour the cocktail between the two glasses.
Add a fresh rosemary sprig to each glass.
Let’s see a vertical view.
How festive is that?
And delicious!
I hope you enjoyed this pomegranate Manhattan cocktail recipe.
Other popular bourbon cocktails
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Pomegranate Manhattan
Ingredients
- 4 ounces bourbon
- 3 ounces pomegranate juice
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth (or 2 ounces if you like it sweeter)
- 10 drops bitters (spiced cherry is my favorite)
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 teaspoons pomegranate arils (1 teaspoon in each glass)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail halfway with ice. Get a measuring glass and gather the garnish.
- Add bourbon, pomegranate juice, sweet vermouth, and bitters4 ounces bourbon, 3 ounces pomegranate juice, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, 10 drops bitters
- Add 1 teaspoon of arils to each glass. Or you can add maraschino cherries.2 teaspoons pomegranate arils, 2 maraschino cherries
- Cap the shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Strain, divide and pore the cocktail between the two glasses.
- Add a sprig of rosemary to each glass.2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
Notes
- Pomegranate juice is usually 100% juice, but make sure there isn’t any added sugar; it will make your cocktail too sweet.
- Use the best bourbon you can afford because it does make a difference in taste, especially in this cocktail.
- You can imbibe this Manhattan either like a martini, without ice, which is how I drink it, or on the rocks, the way my mother enjoyed hers.
- If you’re serving it on the rocks, use either a double old fashioned glass or a traditional rocks glass.
- I love using a good sweet vermouth; my favorite brands are Antica Formula or Dolin.
- You can garnish this cocktail with a fresh rosemary sprig, pomegranate arils, or with cherries. Any of these garnishes go well during the holidays.
- I enjoy Woodford Reserve Bitters. They have a few flavors like orange bitters, aromatic bitters, chocolate bitters, and spiced cherry bitters (which is my favorite). But if you can’t find the Woodford Reserve bitters, a few dashes of Angostura bitters is perfectly fine.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
Loved this pomegranate Manhattan! Such a festive twist on a delicious cocktail.
Thanks so much, Janessa!
What a delicious, fun cocktail! We’ll definitely be making this again for company. Thank you!
You’re welcome. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Gen! Thanks for letting me know.
This is one delicious and refreshing Manhattan that I can get in to! Yummy!
Thanks, Nikki! It’s a favorite around the holidays!
What a fun twist on a regular manhattan!! It’s so pretty too – I think it’ll be great to serve at our holiday party later this year!
I served it at my birthday party last month and everyone loved it! I hope you enjoy it, Anjali!