Ingredients
- 5 Parts Cherry Vodka
- 4 Parts Pomegranate Juice
- 2 Parts Lime Juice
- 1 Parts Sugar Syrup
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cherry vodka, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake:
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
Strain and Serve:
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish with a lime wedge or pomegranate seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This kind of fruit-driven, vodka-based cocktail doesn’t usually come with a grand origin story. It’s more likely a product of modern bar experimentation or a home bartender’s creative impulse, combining readily available flavored spirits with popular fruit juices. Think of it as a contemporary riff on the classic sour formula, designed for broad appeal rather than historical gravitas.
The Pom Pom Cocktail sits comfortably within the broad family of shaken fruit sours, akin to a Cosmopolitan or a modern Cherry Sour. What sets it apart is the specific pairing of cherry vodka and pomegranate, which offers a unique balance of stone fruit sweetness and a more complex, slightly tannic tartness than a standard cranberry or plain cherry juice would provide.
You’d typically find a drink like this at a casual bar, a lively brunch spot, or as a welcome offering at a house party. It’s the sort of cocktail that’s easy to build in volume and is generally a crowd-pleaser, especially for those who prefer their drinks on the sweeter, fruitier side without being overly boozy.
The Pom Pom Cocktail doesn’t come with a storied past or a specific inventor. It’s more likely a contemporary creation, born from the modern bartender’s inclination to combine popular flavored spirits with accessible fruit juices. Think of it as a build-your-own type of drink, often found in home bar repertoires or on casual bar menus, designed for broad appeal and easy enjoyment.
What it tastes like
On the first sip, you get a clear hit of sweet cherry from the vodka, quickly followed by the distinct, slightly earthy tartness of pomegranate. The lime juice cuts through the sweetness, providing a bright, refreshing acidity that keeps the drink from becoming syrupy. The finish is clean, with the lingering taste of fruit and a subtle citrus zest.
Using a standard 35% ABV cherry vodka, this drink comes in around 14.6% ABV. That puts it stronger than your average beer, which typically ranges from 4-6% ABV. Compared to a standard cocktail, which can range from 15% to 25% or more, the Pom Pom Cocktail sits on the lighter end, making it a pleasant, sessionable choice without being a lightweight.
The technique
Building this drink is straightforward. Combine all your liquid ingredients in a shaker. Fill that shaker with ice, then seal it up tight. Give it a good, hard shake until the shaker feels thoroughly cold to the touch, indicating proper chilling and dilution. Then, strain the perfectly chilled mixture into a rocks glass, also filled with fresh ice. A lime wedge or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds makes a decent garnish.
The most important technique here is a proper, vigorous shake. Don’t just swirl it around. A hard shake ensures not only that the drink is ice-cold, but also that the ingredients are fully integrated and adequately diluted. Skimp on the shake, and you’ll end up with a lukewarm, overly concentrated drink that lacks the refreshing crispness it needs.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Cherry Vodka
- Use
- Any decent quality cherry-flavored vodka works here. Brands like Smirnoff Cherry, Absolut Cherrys, or even a house-infused cherry vodka (if you’re feeling ambitious) are good choices. Aim for a standard 35-40% ABV spirit.
- Skip
- Don’t try to substitute cherry liqueur directly for the vodka. Liqueurs are much sweeter and lower in alcohol, which will throw off the balance and potency of the drink. Also, avoid artificial cherry flavoring that tastes like cough syrup.
- Why
- Cherry vodka is the primary spirit and flavor driver. It provides the foundational fruit sweetness and alcoholic backbone, defining the character of the Pom Pom Cocktail.
Pomegranate Juice
- Use
- Opt for 100% pure pomegranate juice. Brands like POM Wonderful or similar quality juices provide the best tart and sweet balance. Avoid blends that include apple or grape juice, as they can dilute the distinct pomegranate flavor.
- Skip
- Grenadine is not a substitute for pomegranate juice. Grenadine is a pomegranate-flavored syrup, often made with artificial colors and flavors, and is far too sweet to replace the fresh, tart juice needed here.
- Why
- Pomegranate juice delivers the signature tartness, a beautiful ruby color, and a complex fruit flavor that balances the cherry and lime. It’s essential for the drink’s namesake and overall profile.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Spicy Pom Pom
- A kick for your fruit fix
- Muddle a thin slice of jalapeño or add a dash of a spicy tincture to the shaker for a hint of heat that plays well with the fruit.
Sparkling Pom Pom
- Bubbly and bright
- After straining into the glass, top the cocktail with a splash of soda water or dry sparkling wine for an effervescent touch.
Herbal Pom Pom
- Aromatic and intriguing
- Muddle a few fresh mint leaves or a small sprig of rosemary in the shaker before adding other ingredients for an herbaceous counterpoint to the fruit.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use regular vodka and add a splash of cherry liqueur or a barspoon of grenadine, but be mindful of the added sweetness and adjust the sugar syrup accordingly.
Cranberry juice is a decent alternative for tartness and color, though the flavor profile will shift from pomegranate to cranberry. Tart cherry juice could also work.
Lemon juice can substitute for lime, providing a similar acidic brightness, but expect a slightly different citrus note.
A mason jar with a tight-fitting lid or any container that can be sealed and vigorously shaken will work in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Pom Pom Cocktail?
A Pom Pom Cocktail contains cherry vodka, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and sugar syrup, shaken with ice and served over fresh ice.
Is the Pom Pom Cocktail sweet?
Yes, the Pom Pom Cocktail is designed to be on the sweeter, fruit-forward side, balanced by the tartness of lime and pomegranate.
Can I make the Pom Pom Cocktail non-alcoholic?
Yes, you can omit the cherry vodka and use a non-alcoholic cherry syrup or a cherry-flavored sparkling water to maintain a similar flavor profile.
What glass should I use for a Pom Pom Cocktail?
A rocks glass filled with ice is the standard serving vessel for the Pom Pom Cocktail.
Can I make a batch of Pom Pom Cocktails ahead of time?
You can pre-mix the juices and sugar syrup, but always add the vodka and shake with ice just before serving to ensure proper chilling and dilution.
What kind of vodka should I use?
Any quality cherry-flavored vodka will work. Look for brands that offer a natural cherry taste rather than an artificial one.
Is pomegranate juice always tart?
Pomegranate juice naturally has a balance of sweetness and tartness. Using 100% pure juice will give you the most authentic flavor profile.
What’s the difference between pomegranate juice and grenadine?
Pomegranate juice is the pure juice extracted from pomegranates. Grenadine is a syrup, traditionally made from pomegranate juice, but often artificially flavored and much sweeter.
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