Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail

November 27, 2013
Drinks,Recipes

Yesterday I promised to share the recipe for the cocktail I featured as part of the DIY cocktail station, so let’s get right to it. I wanted something creative enough to impress my guests, but also simple and relatively quick to make. When serving cocktails to a group, it’s important to consider what type of drinkers they might be. I happened to be celebrating with some vodka fans. Also, given the fact that it’s a neutral spirit, vodka takes on the flavors of the other ingredients, which I wanted to highlight.

Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail // HonestlyYUM

Photography shot with the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 digital SLR camera. Small in size, enormous in performance.

In this case, the vanilla cardamom syrup stole the show – and it’s so easy to make! I highly recommend tracking down the Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters. They’re so delicious, and I promise that you will use them many more times this holiday season and beyond. If you can’t find them, I’d recommend replacing with their Old Fashioned Bitters, or any other bitters that has strong notes of winter spice. Leaving out the bitters altogether will certainly change the dynamic of the drink, but it will still be yummy. I hope you enjoy drinking this cocktail as much as I did making it!

Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail // HonestlyYUM

Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail // HonestlyYUM

Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail // HonestlyYUM

Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail // HonestlyYUM

Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail // HonestlyYUM

Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail // HonestlyYUM

Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail

A simple pomegranate and vodka cocktail using a homemade vanilla cardamom syrup to give it a holiday feel
Servings: 1 cocktail; about 3/4 cup syrup

INGREDIENTS

For the cocktail

For the vanilla cardamom syrup

INSTRUCTIONS

For the vanilla cardamom syrup

  1. Crack open the cardamom pods and grind the seeds using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
  2. Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Add the vanilla extract and ground cardamom and let simmer for 2 minutes before removing from heat.
  3. Let cool to room temperature, then strain through a fine mesh strainer.

For the cocktail

  1. Fill your glass with ice and add the vodka, pomegranate juice, lime juice, vanilla cardamom syrup, and bitters.
  2. Give the drink a quick 10 second stir and garnish with pomegranate seeds and a sprig of fresh mint.

(images by HonestlyYUM)

Conversation

Wondering if pre ground Cardamon could be used instead of pods? If so what would be the appropriate amount in teaspoon measure?

Love this cocktail…. I’ve made it for the last few years in the fall. By far my favorite drink!

Loving that pomegranates are in season and currently obsessed with bitters! This cocktail brings it all together and looks delish!

Thank you Brandyn. Have you tried the whiskey barrel-aged bitters? So good!!

Oh wow, what a fabulous, delicious-looking drink! And such gorgeous pictures. I could definitely go for one right now, as I prepare to peel 10 lbs of potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner! =D

Thank you so much Amy. I hope all that peeling made for a terrific Thanksgiving feast!

can this drink be put into a self serve container or is it better to stir up before pouring?

Hi Dana, a self-serve container is fine. However, my advice with those containers is always keep an eye out for any separation. Most drinks that use fresh ingredients will naturally separate as they sit, hence the “shake well” you often see labeled on containers. Because of this I prefer using containers where you can stir, for example a punch bowl with ladle. When people serve themselves with a ladle, they’re simultaneously serving and stirring the drink. Other than that, feel free to multiply the recipe into a large batch format as needed and serve over a glass full of ice. Great question!!

Oh my–I love cardamom. Love that this looks fruity and simple but is sure to be much more complex in taste! Gorgeous photos, too.

Not only does this drink look and sound fantastic, once again your photography is top-shelf. The shot with the glass and shadow is amazing. I’m in love with the photographs as much as the drinks you come up with. Beautiful stuff, Todd.

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