This pomegranate spritz is a lighter, ruby red cousin to the classic Aperol spritz. It layers pomegranate juice, a splash of Aperol and chilled Prosecco with a little soda on top, so you get bright fruit, gentle bitterness and bubbles in every sip. When we serve it at holiday parties, it is usually the choice for guests who want something festive that will not knock them over before dinner.
Behind the bar we build a simple base in a wine glass, fill it with ice, then top with bubbles right in front of guests. The pomegranate arils float and dance as the bubbles rise, which always gets a few phones out for photos before the first sip. You can also make a non alcoholic version with zero proof bubbles so everyone at the party can enjoy the same look in their glass.
How to Make a Pomegranate Spritz
- Chill the ingredients and glass. At least 30 minutes before serving, chill the pomegranate juice, Prosecco, club soda and a large stemmed wine glass. Cold ingredients keep the spritz crisp and bubbly.
- Build the base. Fill the wine glass with ice. Add the pomegranate juice and Aperol directly over the ice. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add simple syrup and give the glass a quick stir.
- Add bubbles. Pour the chilled Prosecco into the glass, tilting the glass slightly as you pour so you do not lose too much carbonation. Top with a splash of club soda or sparkling water to your taste.
- Garnish. Sprinkle pomegranate arils into the glass so they float and rise with the bubbles. Add an orange slice on the rim and a small rosemary sprig if you like a herbal aroma.
- Serve. Serve immediately while the spritz is very cold. For parties, build two or three glasses at a time so the ice and bubbles stay fresh while you move through a tray.
Bartender notes
- Use a dry sparkling wine so the pomegranate and Aperol do not turn the drink overly sweet. If your Prosecco is already on the sweeter side, skip the simple syrup entirely.
- When we set up a spritz station at events, we keep the pomegranate juice and Aperol in pour spouts next to iced bottles of sparkling wine. Guests pick their glass and we build their spritz to order in less than 30 seconds.
- Club soda is optional but helps keep the alcohol level moderate for long events while still giving a full glass and plenty of bubbles.
Pomegranate Spritz Variations
- Pomegranate vodka spritz. Add 1 oz vodka to the base with the pomegranate juice and reduce the Prosecco slightly for a slightly stronger but still refreshing drink.
- Pomegranate tequila spritz. Swap Aperol for a small splash of orange liqueur and add 1 oz blanco tequila. Top with sparkling water and a little less Prosecco for a lighter, margarita inspired spritz.
- Herbal pomegranate spritz. Muddle a small rosemary or thyme sprig with the pomegranate juice at the bottom of the glass before adding ice, then strain if you prefer fewer herbs in the drink.
- Zero proof pomegranate spritz. Use pomegranate juice, orange juice and non alcoholic bubbles, then top with club soda. Build it in the same glassware with the same garnish so it looks identical to the alcoholic version.
- Big batch pomegranate spritz pitcher. In a pitcher, combine 1 cup pomegranate juice and 1/2 cup Aperol. Chill, then when guests arrive, fill glasses with ice and add a splash of the base, topping each one with Prosecco and soda to order.
Serving Suggestions
We like to use pomegranate spritzes as arrival drinks for holiday open houses and winter bridal showers, since they are colorful without being heavy. Set up a small station with chilled wine, pomegranate juice, Aperol and garnishes, or build a tray of spritzes in the kitchen and walk them through the room as guests arrive.
This cocktail pairs well with salty snacks like marinated olives, cheese boards and charcuterie, along with light passed bites such as bruschetta, crostini and shrimp cocktail. For more festive drink ideas, visit our Christmas cocktails guide.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Stir together the pomegranate juice and Aperol up to 24 hours in advance and keep the mixture chilled in the refrigerator.
- Wait to add Prosecco, club soda and ice until right before serving so the spritz stays bubbly and does not get diluted.
- Once topped with sparkling wine and soda, the drink is best within 15 to 20 minutes while it is still crisp and cold.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 1 pomegranate spritz made with pomegranate juice, Aperol, Prosecco and club soda. Values will change if you adjust the ingredients or add sweetener.
- Serving size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Sugar: 17 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
More Pomegranate and Sparkling Cocktail Recipes
- Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail
- Cranberry Mimosa
- Sparkling Cranberry Cocktail
- White Cranberry Cosmo
- Holiday Cranberry Margarita
Planning a holiday party and not sure how many bottles of sparkling wine or spirits to buy for a spritz bar and other cocktails? Use our Alcohol Shopping List Calculator to estimate what you need by guest count, then visit our bartender booking page if you would like our team to handle the mixing, pouring and cleanup.
You can also explore more drink ideas in our cocktail recipes collection and the full Christmas cocktail recipes guide.
Pomegranate Spritz FAQs
What is in a pomegranate spritz?
A pomegranate spritz usually combines pomegranate juice, an orange aperitif like Aperol, sparkling wine and club soda, served over ice in a large wine glass with pomegranate arils and citrus garnish. The idea is a light, bubbly drink that balances tart fruit, gentle bitterness and sweetness.
What alcohol goes best with pomegranate in a spritz?
Prosecco and Aperol are the classic pairing for a pomegranate spritz, but you can also layer in vodka, tequila or gin if you want a stronger base. Vodka keeps the flavors very clean, gin adds botanical notes and tequila gives a slightly more savory, margarita like profile.
Can I make a non alcoholic pomegranate spritz?
Yes. Swap Aperol and sparkling wine for orange juice and non alcoholic bubbles or sparkling water. Build the drink the same way in a wine glass with ice, then garnish with pomegranate arils and orange so it looks just like the alcoholic version.
Can I batch pomegranate spritzes for a party?
You can batch the pomegranate juice and Aperol together in a pitcher ahead of time, then keep the sparkling wine and club soda separate. At serving time, fill glasses with ice, add a splash of the base and top with bubbles so each spritz still feels fresh and fizzy.
Are there any health or medication concerns with pomegranate cocktails?
Pomegranate juice can interact with certain medications, similar to grapefruit, and some people are advised to limit high potassium foods. If you take prescription medication or have a medical condition, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before regularly drinking pomegranate cocktails or juice based drinks.
Recent Comments