Pomegranate Tequila Spritz

As we move into September, the dog days of summer are behind us and we start looking for cocktails that feel a little more autumnal. The pomegranate tequila spritz is the perfect drink for this time of year – it’s crisp, refreshing and has a beautiful ruby red color from the pomegranate juice.

 

The origins of this cocktail are a mystery, but it seems to be a riff on the classic Aperol spritz. Replacing the Aperol with pomegranate juice gives it a more fruit-forward flavor that’s less bitter. The tequila adds a nice kick and a hint of agave sweetness. Put it all together with bubbly prosecco and club soda and you have a well-balanced, anytime cocktail.

 

While you can certainly enjoy this drink year-round, it feels particularly suited to early fall. Pomegranates come into peak season in September and October, so the juice has an incredible rich, tart flavor this time of year. As temperatures start to cool off, this chilled, fizzy cocktail will be delightfully refreshing before dinner or during a warm afternoon on the patio. The vibrant color also evokes autumn leaves and other seasonal touches.

 

Below you’ll find our recipe for how to make this delicious tequila cocktail at home. We’ve included details on ingredients, nutrition information, suggested serving sizes, and easy step-by-step instructions. Read on for everything you need to know!

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KEY INGREDIENTS:

 

• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) 100% pomegranate juice

• 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) blanco (white) tequila

• 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) prosecco or other dry sparkling wine

• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) club soda

• • Orange slice for garnish (optional)

TIPS TO MAKE A POMEGRANATE TEQUILA SPRITZ:

When choosing ingredients, look for 100% pure pomegranate juice with no added sugars. Pom Wonderful is a widely available brand that works nicely.

 

Espolòn and Casamigos are good options for quality tequila that won’t overpower the other flavors. Feel free to play around and use your favorite brands.

 

For the prosecco, try to avoid anything labeled as extra dry or brut – you want a touch of sweetness to balance the tart pomegranate. Freixenet and La Marca are crowd pleasing and relatively inexpensive choices.

 

Make sure your club soda is fresh, as a flat soda will fall short. The bubbles add a nice effervescence.

 

In terms of serving size, this recipe yields a standard single cocktail containing about 2 ounces of spirit. It packs a moderate alcohol punch without being overly boozy. For a lighter drink, add a splash more prosecco or club soda. Or if you want something stiffer, increase the tequila to 2 ounces.

 

While this cocktail comes together quickly, feel free to get a head start on one element. You could mix the pomegranate juice and tequila in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Then add the sparkling components right before serving.

Garnishing with an orange slice provides a nice pop of color and a subtle citrusy aroma. Try experimenting with other garnishes like lime, mint or even fresh pomegranate arils if you want to get fancy.

 

When it comes to nutritionals, this drink is relatively low calorie and low carb compared to many cocktails. The biggest contributor is the natural sugar in the pomegranate juice. You can reduce the sugar content by muddling fresh pomegranate arils rather than using juice. But the juice provides rich concentrated flavor and color, making it ideal for easy mixing and sipping. Overall, this cocktail makes a lighter spirits-based option.

 

We hope you’ll give this pomegranate tequila spritz a try the next time you want an easy, seasonal cocktail. The combination of flavors evokes the changing leaves and cooler weather. Sip this at your next autumn happy hour or cocktail party for a gorgeous conversation-starting drink that also delivers on taste. Let us know how it turns out!