Pomegranate Margarita

The Pomegranate Margarita is so perfect during winter when fresh pomegranates are readily available at the market.

If pomegranates and cranberries are synonymous with the holidays then I'm lucky; I love them both. They are two of the things I look most forward to each winter; and I use them for both foods and cocktails that I love and this delicious Pomegranate Margarita is my latest example. Can you blame me?

It's no big surprise that I love margaritas and making my own is what had me turn the corner years ago and start making cocktails at home. I might even be a bit of a margarita snob...if being snobby is categorized by using quality products and fresh fruit for my libations.

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I learned long ago, and yes I am repeating myself here...use a decent tequila, none of that really cheap stuff. I also don't recommend using really expensive stuff either...somewhere in the middle is good; I like a nice Reposado tequila. Reasonably priced and slightly aged makes it my go to. Plus as important? Real orange liqueur.

Cheap triple sec does not count. I like using Patron's Citronge but have also used Grand Marnier and both are good but now when I'm at the liquor store I try to find something from France with a good review; the name brands are pricier and I think unnecessary. Just look at the label; it should include the essence of orange, not just sugar and artificial flavors.

Start with those two and the rest is easy. Fresh fruit is a must but I won't lie, in a pinch I have used frozen lemonade and limeade in lieu of the fresh citrus fruit and simple syrup. In a pinch means a blizzard is raging and I want a Pomegranate Margarita. Bad.

Pomegranate Margarita

Although pomegranate arils are now available for purchase without having to bother with seeding a pom...they are pricey and I've found the arils have a very short shelf life in the fridge...so I don't use them. I've discovered the easiest (read less messy) way to remove the arils from a pomegranate so I always buy them fresh and do the work myself. Try my method for How to Seed a Pomegranate and see if it's not worth it for you too.

The Pomegranate Margarita is a gorgeous cocktail with a nice citrus bite and I can't deny it certainly embodies the colors of the holidays. I say that even as I look at a Christmas tree that is standing in the corner of my family room with zero ornaments on it; yikes...please don't judge! I have cocktails to make and photographs to take!

I have other pomegranate and cranberry favorites too. I recently made this Spinach, Pomegranate and Prosciutto Salad and it was so divine I want one everyday. I was served this Cranberry and Sage house special 'winter' cocktail a few years ago at a favorite restaurant and it remains a favorite, and I'm dying to try this David Lebovitz recipe that uses cranberry sauce in a glaze for meatballs. It feels good knowing I am not alone!