Looking for a delicious Christmas or New Years cocktail to serve to your family and friends? I have two recipes to make you swoon with holiday delight.

I recently had the pleasure of taking the Pomegranates Cocktail Workshop by Mint & Mirth. If you’ve yet to try their incredible concoctions, I highly recommend booking them for your next event or gathering. They offer personalized cocktail making classes as well– what a fun way to get your friends together and for only $30 per attendee!

If you are a cocktail making novice, don’t sweat it, Joni, owner of Mint and Mirth starts all of her classes with a list of important ‘Drink Terminology’ and is happy to answer your most burning cocktail questions (such as what is the best bang for your buck tequila–which she happily shared the industry favorite is Omeca Altos).

Next we learned how to taste and compare spirits; sipping the gin to detect its flavor profile! Joni explains this step is about: 1. The Nose 2. The Palate and 3. The Finish.

Together we created the two recipes which I share below and let me tell you, they do not disappoint!

All photography by Hazelwood Photo

Pomegranate Margarita

Homemade pomegranate syrup adds an earthy-sweet nuance to the classic margarita. If you are short on time, skip the Pomegranate Syrup and instead muddle pomegranate seeds and a sugar cube before adding your liquids and shake.

1 ½ oz. tequila

1 oz. pomegranate syrup

½ oz triple sec

¼ oz. fresh lime juice

 

Tools: shaker, strainer

Glass: rocks

Garnish: fresh lime wedge and salted rim

 

Combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into an ice-filled glass and garnish.

*Pro Tip: shake until the shaker is frosty on the outside!

 

 

Pomegranate Syrup

This easy pomegranate syrup can make a great addition to any winter cocktail.

 

½ pint pomegranate seeds

2 cups water

½ cup sugar

 

Cut the pomegranates in quarters, to remove the seeds. In a small pot, bring the pomegranate seeds to a boil with the water and sugar, lower the heat and let simmer until the syrup has reduced by half. Let cool to room temperature and strain into a clean glass jar. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

 

 

Sparkling Winter Pomegranate Punch

 

Cheery, wintry citrus is perfect in this pomegranate punch, not only for its color but also for the brightness it brings to the recipe. It’s easy to double if you’re expecting a large crowd.

 

 

1 (750 ml.) bottle dry chilled sparkling wine

½ navel orange, sliced

½ lemon, sliced

5 oz. gin, chilled

½ cup pomegranate seeds

¼ cup sliced ginger root

1 oz. pomegranate syrup

 

Tools: punch bowl, ladle

Glass: punch

Garnish: rosemary sprig

 

Add ice and sparkling wine at the last minute, just before serving. Serves 4.

 

All cocktails created by Joni of Mint and Mirth