Pomegranate Negroni

A Pomegranate Negroni is a sweet and tart version of the classic bitter cocktail. With an infusion of fruity flavor from the pomegranate juice, it’s a cocktail that’ll brighten up any winter evening. We’re also including an easy big batch option to serve this to a crowd!

about this pomegranate negroni

You know when someone keeps talking about something you made “that one time” and they are 100% incorrect? Like a chocolate chip cookie that was really a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie? I suppose being a food blogger, it gets stuck in my head.

Anyway, that’s where this cocktail originated from. Someone kept saying that I made a pomegranate cocktail for a party, and I didn’t have the heart to correct him every single time, so I started thinking about a pomegranate cocktail I could make. Instead of heading to vodka, which is my normal go-to, I settled on gin.

Inspiration comes from the darnedest places, I’m telling you…

That was a long and confusing way to tell you I made a pomegranate version of the classic negroni cocktail, right?? Personally I’ve never been a fan of the plain ol’ negroni. Something about the flavors never really appealed to me. But THIS negroni, well, that’s a totally different story. It’s got a fruity burst of pomegranate flavor that makes it ideal for the winter months.

It won’t be pomegranate season for long (September into December, and even into January!), so I’m squeezing out every sweet and tart drop from it while I can. This cocktail makes for a lovely holiday cocktail!

Note: this is an updated version of the original recipe posted on December 24, 2015.

what is a negroni?

A negroni is traditionally a combination of equal parts Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth (red vermouth). Thought to have originated in Florence, Italy, the cocktail is an aperitivo drink, meant to be consumed before dinner. The simplicity of the ingredients make it an ideal recipe to make your own version of, much like I have with this recipe.

ingredients

pomegranate juice. Pick up 100% pomegranate juice. Do not use a combination of juices or a fruit cocktail beverage. This will make the cocktail too sweet.

gin. Use a good quality gin, whatever your favorite brand is! I like to use Hendricks Gin or Plymouth Gin.

campari. Campari is a red bitter liqueur which is bright red in color and has a bittersweet flavor. Though the exact recipe and ingredients have been kept a secret, it likely means an infusion of a blend of natural ingredients like herbs, fruits, and/or flowers.

garnish. A sprinkle of pomegranate jewels (or pomegranate arils) in each glass is a lovely final touch.

this recipe’s must haves

To make this gin cocktail, all you need is a cocktail mixing glass and a bar spoon to stir it all together. Don’t have a mixing glass? You can stir it up in a cocktail shaker instead.

If you want to make this a big batch cocktail, you will need a pitcher to combine the ingredients in.

here’s how to make a pomegranate negroni

stir

Combine pomegranate juice, gin, and campari in a cocktail mixing glass filled with ice. Stir to combine. No need to shake, a simple stir is all you need.

serve

Pour into two cocktail glasses filled with ice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and serve.

tips and tricks

use a good-quality gin. Don’t skimp on the gin quality in this cocktail, because you’ll taste the difference! Make sure that you are choosing a nicer spirit that you would mix into a martini.

adjust as desired. The measurements in the recipe for campari are standard for a negroni cocktail. However, some people like their cocktail more bitter and others less bitter. Feel free to adjust the amount of Campari based on your preferences. Note that if you don’t like your cocktail super bitter, I recommend reducing the amount to 2 ounces for the 2 cocktails.

too tart or bitter? If you are finding the cocktail too tart or bitter, feel free to add a touch of simple syrup to sweeten it slightly.

More delicious winter cocktails to try: Lemon Mojito | Pomegranate Margarita | Lemon Agave Margarita | Limeade Margaritas

can I turn this into a pomegranate negroni sbagliato?

Yes you can! If you prefer a negroni sbagliato, you can simply swap out the gin and replace it with prosecco. This will give you a lighter cocktail that’s fizzy and fun! Adding bubbles is always a good idea, isn’t it?

what kind of gin should I use?

For a pomegranate negroni, I recommend using London dry gin. It’s a traditional go-to for Negroni! The juniper flavor pairs really well with the other ingredients in this cocktail.

is this a cocktail that can be made in advance?

Yes, this cocktail is simple to make ahead of time! Simply combine the ingredients and store in a bottle or airtight container. I recommend storing it in the fridge so the ingredients stay freshest and it will last for up to 2 days.

can I make this cocktail in a big batch?

This cocktail is super simple to make in a large batch. The recipe card below has adjustable servings so you can easily scale it up or down as desired. You can even make it large enough to serve it as a punch.

For quick reference, to serve 8, you will need: 2 cups pomegranate juice, 1 1/2 cups London dry gin, and 1 1/2 cups Campari. Combine in a pitcher with ice, stirring to combine. Add pomegranate seeds for garnish in the pitcher and in individual cocktail glasses filled with ice.

Need more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktails recipe page!

what to serve with this pomegranate negroni

The Negroni is a unique cocktail because of the bitterness from the campari. Therefore, it should be pair with bold flavors like salty dishes and anything with bacon. Here’s some recipes to choose from:

For a party, I recommend whipping up a cheese board. This hearty bbq charcuterie board is unique and boasts really bold flavors.

Another party favorite is stuffed bacon wrapped dates that are drizzled with hot honey!

Big and bold grilled steak, blue cheese and balsamic pizza is one of our personal favorites.

Balsamic glazed grilled flank steak served with herb steak fries is a winner every time.

Goat cheese stuffed bacon wrapped jalapeños are an easy appetizer with a ton of flavor.

more tasty winter cocktail recipes

A pomegranate margarita is another sweet and tart way to enjoy a pomegranate cocktail! This makes for a great holiday drink too.

Does tequila go with cranberry? It surely does! Find out why with this cranberry margarita recipe.

This spicy blood orange margarita will brighten up any night of the week!

Finally, if you make this pomegranate negroni recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!