Paul Kushner
The Grapefruit & Pomegranate Sour is a bright and tangy cocktail that delivers a perfect balance of citrusy zing and rich, fruity sweetness. Vodka provides a smooth and neutral base, allowing the bold flavors to shine through. Pink grapefruit juice adds a slightly bitter, refreshing bite, while lemon juice enhances the tartness for a crisp, invigorating finish. The star of the show is the honey-pomegranate syrup, which adds a luscious depth and a touch of natural sweetness that rounds out the sour profile. Shaken over ice and served chilled, this cocktail is ideal for spring brunches, afternoon lounging, or elegant evening sipping. Garnish with a twist of grapefruit peel or a few pomegranate arils for a striking presentation.
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Tasting Notes
The Grapefruit & Pomegranate Sour is a zesty, fruit-forward cocktail with vibrant citrus notes and a touch of natural sweetness. Vodka lays a clean, neutral base, while pink grapefruit juice adds tart sophistication. Fresh lemon juice enhances the sour profile, making each sip crisp and lively. A drizzle of honey-pomegranate syrup softens the acidity with a rich, mellow sweetness and deep, fruity nuance. The result is a perfectly balanced cocktail—refreshing yet smooth, tart yet lightly sweet. It’s a versatile sour that’s as invigorating for summer sipping as it is elegant for an evening cocktail.
Equipment and Glassware
To craft this bright and balanced sour, you’ll need a cocktail shaker to chill and blend the citrus and syrup thoroughly. A jigger ensures precise measurements for flavor harmony. Use a fine mesh strainer when pouring if your grapefruit juice has pulp. Serve in a chilled coupe glass or rocks glass over a large ice cube for a longer-lasting chill. A citrus press is ideal for juicing lemons and grapefruit fresh, while a bar spoon can be used to layer or stir if serving over ice.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz pink grapefruit juice
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz honey pomegranate syrup
- Optional garnish: pomegranate seeds or grapefruit slice
Instructions
- Shake: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, pink grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and honey pomegranate syrup. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain: Strain into a rocks or coupe glass filled with fresh ice or serve straight up.
- Garnish: Add a few pomegranate seeds or a grapefruit slice for a vibrant finish.
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed grapefruit and lemon juice for the best flavor—bottled juice will dull the drink’s brightness.
- For a smoother body, double strain the cocktail to remove pulp and ice shards.
- Make your own honey-pomegranate syrup by combining equal parts honey, pomegranate juice, and water, then simmering lightly until smooth.
- Chill your glassware beforehand for a crisper experience.
- Want a touch of elegance? Add a few dashes of orange bitters or an egg white for a silky foam top.
When to Serve
The Grapefruit & Pomegranate Sour is perfect for spring and summer happy hours, brunches, or citrus-themed cocktail nights. Its bold, refreshing flavor and subtle sweetness make it great for pre-dinner sipping or pairing with light meals like salads, seafood, or charcuterie. Its elegant appearance and lively flavor also make it an excellent option for celebratory occasions, from bridal showers to stylish soirées. Whether served in the sunshine or candlelight, it offers a clean, refreshing profile for any gathering.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- For vodka, choose a smooth, citrus-friendly option like Tito’s, Ketel One, or Belvedere.
- Use fresh, organic pink grapefruit and lemons for the juiciest and most aromatic result.
- Make the syrup using real pomegranate juice (such as POM Wonderful) and raw local honey for the richest flavor.
- A small pinch of sea salt can also enhance the citrus and fruit balance subtly.
- These quality ingredients will elevate your sour from simple to spectacular.
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz pink grapefruit juice
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz honey pomegranate syrup
- Optional garnish: pomegranate seeds or grapefruit twist
Instructions
- Shake: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, pink grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and honey pomegranate syrup. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain: Strain into a rocks or coupe glass filled with fresh ice or serve straight up.
- Garnish: Add a few pomegranate seeds or a grapefruit twist for a vibrant finish.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use fresh-squeezed citrus juices for the brightest flavor.
- To make honey pomegranate syrup, combine equal parts pomegranate juice and honey, then stir until fully mixed.
- Add a splash of soda water for a sparkling variation.
