This pomegranate spritz champagne cocktail uses only 3 ingredients, including ginger beer, for a refreshing holiday drink with depth and warmth. Lower in ABV and sugar than a typical champagne spritz, this is the perfect festive drink to batch prep for your next holiday party.
Most spritz cocktail recipes, including a pomegranate spritz, are made with Aperol. Aperol is a bright orange, bittersweet Italian aperitif made from a blend of bitter and sweet oranges, herbs, and roots. It is lower in alcohol content (11% ABV) compared to other spirits, making it a popular choice for light cocktails.
Our recipe does not contain Aperol though. Instead, the champagne spritz gets its depth and warmth from a quality Ginger Beer, preferably one that is sugar-free. This both lowers the overall alcohol and sugar content of the drink. A win-win during a time of year often very full of both!
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Why you’ll love this champagne spritz
- Only 3 simple ingredients so it’s quick and easy to make a drink for one or a whole crowd! Instructions for both single drinks and a batch are provided.
- Delicious seasonal flavors of ginger, cinnamon and pomegranate are lightened up by bubbly sparkling wine. This makes for the perfect festive cocktail that you can serve all season long.
- Gorgeous presentation with it’s deep ruby red colors and fun garnishes. Wow guests into thinking you’re an expert mixologist!
- Lower ABV (alcohol by volume) and lower in sugar than your average cocktail. This helps you enjoy the festivities all season long, without feeling terrible the next day.
What you’ll need
- Sparkling wine is a wide category, so feel free to use what your budget and availability allows. You can use either prosecco, cava or champagne.
- Ginger beer, not to be confused with ginger ale. Ginger beer offers a more robust, warm flavor with sharp notes of ginger. Ginger ale is often lighter and sweeter, with a less bold ginger flavor profile. You can use either depending on your taste preference, but if you want more of a kick, definitely go for ginger beer. And if you want to lower the sugar content, pick up a sugar-free version.
- Pomegranate juice, preferably 100% juice, not from concentrate. The POM company makes small bottles found in the produce section, which are perfect for single serve cocktails. But if you plan to make batches of this drink for parties, go ahead and buy a quart of a good quality juice.
- Garnishes – pomegranate arils are a must, as well as a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick. A thin orange slice also makes a gorgeous addition.
What’s the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale?
Ginger beer is made with real ginger, sugar, and water, and fermented or carbonated to make sparkly. The flavor is spicier, bolder, and with a more robust ginger flavor, often with a slight tang or bite.
Ginger ale is a sweetened, carbonated beverage flavored with ginger or artificial ginger flavoring. The flavor is milder, sweeter, and more soda-like compared to ginger beer.
Here’s a great article listing out some fantastic ginger beer options and includes details about all the health benefits of the spicy drink!
To make the pomegranate spritzer
Mix ingredients
In a pitcher or mixing glass, add 5 ounces of cold sparkling wine and 1 ounce of ginger beer. For a full bottle batch, add a bottle of champagne (typically 25 ounces) and 5 ounces of ginger beer. You can adjust the taste to your preference, and add more ginger beer if you wish. This is a good base amount though so start with these measurements.
Add pomegranate juice
For a single serve cocktail, mix in 2 ounces of chilled pomegranate juice. For a batch, add 10 ounces of juice. Mix well and adjust flavor to your personal taste preferences. Add more ginger beer if desired, or additional pomegranate juice for a deeper color. Pour in a glass with garnishes, or chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Pour and garnish
While the pomegranate spritz can be served straight up if using all chilled ingredients, I prefer to pour it over ice. This keeps the drink nice and chilled and adds more volume. Garnish with a variety of fruits or herbs.
Benefits of Pomegranate juice
While I’ll by no means call this a health drink since it contains alcohol, I will say that as far as cocktails go, you could do worse! This pomegranate spritz contains ginger beer, which is high in vitamin C.
And the pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), potassium, and polyphenols. It’s often touted as a heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory drink. Again, since it’s combined with alcohol, this is not a “health drink”, but it does at least offer some health benefits (to maybe offset the alcohol ha?!).
To make a mocktail & other tips
- To make it a pomegranate spritzer mocktail: If you wish to enjoy a refreshing seasonal mocktail, simply sub out the sparkling wine for a dealcoholized sparkling wine, or a citrus flavored sparkling water. If using sparkling water, you will likely want to add more pomegranate juice and ginger beer for a more robust flavor. You could also try a sparkling black tea!
- If making 1-2 pomegranate spritzes, use a champagne split. This will provide the perfect amount for 2 drinks, without the waste of opening an entire bottle.
- For a mess-free garnish: Purchase pomegranate arils from the refrigerated produce section. This way you don’t have to mess with de-seeding a pomegranate minutes before guests arrive.
Need more festive and seasonal cocktails?
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Did you make this recipe?
If you gave this recipe a try, I’d love your feedback! Any tips or recipe additions you’d like to share, I’d love to hear it! Let’s connect down in the comments below.
Pomegranate Spritz Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Pitcher
Ingredients
To make a pitcher for entertaining:
- 1 bottle Sparkling wine 25 ounces, chilled
- 5 ounces Ginger beer chilled
- 10 ounces Pomegranate Juice chilled
- Garnishes orange slices, pomegranate arils, rosemary
To make a single serve drink:
- 5 ounces Sparkling wine
- 1 ounce Ginger beer
- 2 ounces Pomegranate Juice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a pitcher or serving bowl and mix gently till well combined.1 bottle Sparkling wine, 5 ounces Ginger beer, 10 ounces Pomegranate Juice
- Adjust taste to your preferences, adding more ginger beer and/or pomegranate juice as needed. When desired taste is achieved, chill pitcher until ready to serve.
- Serve champagne spritzes over ice and garnish with desired items including sliced oranges, pomegranate arils, rosemary sprigs or cinnamon sticks.Garnishes
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