This sparkling pomegranate cocktail is one of our favorite ways to greet guests at a holiday party. It looks like a ruby in the glass, with pomegranate juice, a splash of citrus and chilled bubbles, then a few arils that float and dance as people mingle. At events we bartend, this is usually the first tray to disappear because it feels light and celebratory instead of heavy or overly sweet.
Behind the bar we like to build a quick base with pomegranate and orange, then top each flute with Prosecco as guests walk in so every glass still has that fresh pop of bubbles. For a lighter crowd we swap in sparkling water or non alcoholic bubbles and keep the same garnish so no one can tell who is drinking what at a glance.
How to Make a Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail
- Chill your ingredients and glass. At least 30 minutes before serving, chill the pomegranate juice, sparkling wine and coupe or flute glasses. Cold ingredients keep the bubbles lively and the drink crisp.
- Build the base. In a mixing glass or small pitcher, combine the pomegranate juice, orange liqueur and lemon juice. If you like a slightly sweeter cocktail, add simple syrup to taste. Stir with ice if you want the base extra cold, then strain off the ice.
- Pour into the glass. Add 1 teaspoon of pomegranate arils to the bottom of a chilled flute or coupe. Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of the pomegranate base over the arils.
- Top with bubbles. Gently top the glass with chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine, tilting the glass slightly as you pour to preserve the bubbles. If the foam rises too high, pause for a second, then continue pouring.
- Garnish and serve. Express a thin strip of orange or lemon peel over the glass to release the oils, then drop it in or rest it on the rim. Add a small rosemary sprig if you like a herbal aroma. Serve immediately while well chilled and sparkling.
Bartender notes
- Use a dry sparkling wine so the cocktail does not become cloying once you add juice and liqueur. If you are using a sweeter sparkling, reduce or skip the simple syrup.
- For passed trays, we build a large batch of the pomegranate base and keep it in a wine chiller. Each glass gets a splash of base, then a pour of bubbles, so the ratios stay consistent as service speeds up.
- If your pomegranate juice is very tart, taste and adjust with a little more orange liqueur or a touch of honey syrup until the balance feels right.
Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail Variations
- Vodka pomegranate sparkler. Add 1 oz vodka to the base for a slightly stronger drink that still feels light and brunch friendly.
- Pomegranate rosemary spritz. Swap the sparkling wine for equal parts sparkling water and dry white wine, then garnish each glass with a small rosemary sprig for savory aroma.
- Pomegranate berry bubbles. Add a spoonful of mixed berries to the glass with the pomegranate arils and use a berry forward sparkling rosé on top.
- Pomegranate mocktail. Skip the alcohol and use pomegranate juice, orange juice, lemon and sparkling water. Serve in the same glassware with the same garnish so it still feels like a signature cocktail for non drinkers.
- Big batch pomegranate punch. In a pitcher, combine 2 cups pomegranate juice, 1 cup orange liqueur and 1/2 cup lemon juice. Chill well, then top with two chilled bottles of sparkling wine in a punch bowl with pomegranate arils and citrus slices just before guests arrive.
Serving Suggestions
We love serving sparkling pomegranate cocktails at holiday brunches, Christmas Eve gatherings and New Year parties when guests want something festive for toasts that is not overly boozy. Line up the flutes on a tray, add arils to each glass, then build two or three cocktails in front of guests so they can see the bubbles rise before you walk the tray.
This cocktail pairs well with salty appetizers like cheese boards, smoked nuts and baked brie, along with lighter bites like shrimp cocktail, crostini and fresh fruit. For more holiday drink ideas, visit our Christmas cocktails guide.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Mix the pomegranate juice, orange liqueur and lemon juice up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator.
- Wait to open and pour the sparkling wine until you are ready to serve so the bubbles stay strong.
- Once the cocktail is topped with sparkling wine, it is best enjoyed within 15 to 20 minutes while it is still crisp and fizzy.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 1 cocktail made with pomegranate juice, orange liqueur and dry sparkling wine. Values will change if you adjust sweetness, juice or alcohol.
- Serving size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 170
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
More Sparkling and Holiday Cocktail Recipes
- Cranberry Mimosa
- Sparkling Cranberry Cocktail
- White Cranberry Cosmo
- Holiday Cranberry Margarita
- Candy Cane Martini
Planning a holiday party and not sure how many bottles of sparkling wine to buy for toasts and 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 pouring, garnishing and cleanup.
You can also explore more drink ideas in our cocktail recipes collection and the full Christmas cocktail recipes guide.
Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail FAQs
What alcohol goes best with pomegranate in a sparkling cocktail?
Dry sparkling wine and pomegranate are a natural pair, and you can layer in orange liqueur or vodka if you want a little more backbone. Gin can also work with pomegranate, especially if you enjoy herbal notes, but for crowd pleasing holiday cocktails we most often use Prosecco, cava and a small splash of orange liqueur.
Can I make a non alcoholic sparkling pomegranate cocktail?
Yes. Use pomegranate juice, orange juice and lemon juice as the base and top with chilled sparkling water or non alcoholic sparkling wine. Serve it in the same glassware with the same garnish so it still feels like a special drink for guests who are not drinking alcohol.
What flavors pair well with pomegranate in cocktails?
Pomegranate works well with citrus like orange, lemon and lime, berries like raspberry and blueberry, tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, and herbs such as mint or rosemary. For winter cocktails we often combine pomegranate with orange, lemon and a small rosemary sprig for aroma.
How far in advance can I batch sparkling pomegranate cocktails?
You can batch the pomegranate juice, citrus and any orange liqueur up to 24 hours ahead and keep it chilled. Do not add the sparkling wine until right before serving, and always pour the bubbles directly into each glass rather than into the batch so the drink stays fizzy.
Can I use pomegranate syrup instead of juice?
You can use pomegranate syrup, but it is much sweeter and more concentrated than juice. If you swap, use a smaller amount of syrup and add water or extra citrus to balance the sweetness, then taste before topping with sparkling wine so the cocktail does not become too heavy or sugary.
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