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.
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!