Pumpkin Pomegranate Cocktail 🎃🍷 – Vibrant Autumn Blend for Thanksgiving Tables
A bold seasonal sip blending pumpkin spice, tart pomegranate, and bourbon for a showstopping Thanksgiving cocktail.
This Pumpkin Pomegranate Cocktail is autumn in a glass—where warm pumpkin spice meets the tangy pop of pomegranate. Perfect for Thanksgiving, it’s a vibrant, festive drink that’s as easy to make as it is to admire. With just four core ingredients and a dash of creativity, you’ll craft a holiday staple that guests will beg for the recipe.
Imagine a crisp autumn evening, the air filled with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. This cocktail captures that magic, blending the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the tart brightness of pomegranate. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works equally well as a pre-dinner aperitif or a festive pairing with your main course.
What makes this recipe special? The balance of flavors—bourbon’s warmth, pumpkin’s comfort, and pomegranate’s tangy brightness. Plus, the vibrant red hue and golden pumpkin spice rim make it a visual showstopper on any holiday table.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just embracing autumn, this cocktail is your secret weapon for creating a memorable, seasonal experience. Let’s dive into how to make it!
For best Pinterest visibility, pair this cocktail pin with complementary dishes like spiced apple pie or roasted squash. Post as part of a 7-day autumn menu series for maximum reach.
Ingredients
- 2 oz pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 1.5 oz bourbon whiskey
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Pumpkin spice sugar for rimming (mix 2 tbsp sugar + 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice)
- Garnish: pomegranate seeds, cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Step 1:
Prepare the glass by rimming it with pumpkin spice sugar. Combine 2 tbsp sugar with 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Moisten the rim of a coupe or highball glass with water, then dip in the sugar mixture. Set aside.
- Step 2:
In a cocktail shaker, combine pumpkin puree, pomegranate juice, bourbon, simple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add ice to the shaker until it’s about 3/4 full.
- Step 3:
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to chill and emulsify the ingredients. Strain into the prepared glass through a fine-mesh sieve to remove pulp.
- Step 4:
Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately with a small dish of extra pomegranate seeds for guests to enjoy.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Seasonal Perfection
The combination of pumpkin and pomegranate epitomizes autumn, while bourbon adds a festive kick. This cocktail screams Thanksgiving without a single leaf on the table.
💰 Effortless Elegance
With just 5 minutes of prep and no cooking, this recipe is ideal for entertaining. The pumpkin spice sugar rim adds a festive touch with minimal effort.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing Flavors
The sweet-tart balance appeals to both whiskey lovers and fruit enthusiasts. The vibrant color ensures it becomes the centerpiece of your bar setup.
🌟 Instagram-Worthy Presentation
The deep ruby color and golden spice rim make it a visual standout. Garnish with pomegranate seeds for an extra pop of color that screams Pinterest-ready.
Pumpkin Pomegranate Cocktail Recipe
A bold autumn blend for Thanksgiving tables
🛒 Ingredients
- - 2 oz pumpkin puree
- - 1 oz pomegranate juice
- - 1.5 oz bourbon whiskey
- - 0.5 oz simple syrup
- - Pinch of ground cinnamon
- - Pinch of nutmeg
- - Pinch of salt
- - Pumpkin spice sugar for rimming
- - Garnish: pomegranate seeds, cinnamon stick
👨🍳 Instructions
Rim the Glass: Mix 2 tbsp sugar with 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Moisten glass rim and dip in sugar mixture.
💡 Use a small plate to hold the sugar mixture for easy dipping.
Combine Ingredients: Add pumpkin puree, pomegranate juice, bourbon, simple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to a shaker. Fill with ice.
💡 Use a fine-mesh sieve if the puree contains chunks.
Shake and Strain: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds, then strain into the prepared glass.
💡 Double-strain for a smoother texture.
Garnish: Top with pomegranate seeds and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
💡 Add extra seeds to the serving tray for guests to enjoy.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree
Provides the base flavor and body. Use canned for convenience or homemade for a richer taste.
Substitutions: Butternut squash puree (adjust sweetness), pumpkin spice latte syrup (1:1 ratio).
Pomegranate Juice
Adds tartness and vibrant color. Fresh juice is ideal, but bottled works in a pinch.
Substitutions: Pomegranate molasses (dilute with water), cranberry juice (less sweet).
Bourbon
The alcohol base that complements the spices. For a non-alcoholic version, omit or add coffee liqueur.
Substitutions: Brandy, rum, or a non-alcoholic spirit alternative.
Simple Syrup
Balances the tartness of pomegranate. Adjust quantity to taste.
Substitutions: Agave nectar, maple syrup (adjust for flavor), or honey (add after straining).
Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pomegranate Cocktail
✨ Spice Balance
Taste before adding nutmeg—its potency varies. Add 1/8 tsp at a time until satisfied.
🍷 Serving Temperature
Serve chilled but not icy—over-chilling dulls the flavors. Use ice only in the shaker, not in the glass.
🔥 Alcohol Adjustments
Want it stronger? Add 0.5 oz bourbon. For a milder taste, reduce to 1 oz or substitute with apple cider.
🎨 Presentation Hacks
For a festive touch, use coupe glasses with gold-rimmed edges. Add edible flowers like nasturtiums for extra color.
Variations & Customizations
Non-Alcoholic Version
Omit bourbon and add 1 oz coffee liqueur or 1 oz cold brew coffee. Increase pomegranate juice to 1.5 oz for extra tartness.
Spiced Apple Cider Twist
Replace pomegranate juice with 1 oz apple cider. Add a cinnamon apple wheel as garnish for a Thanksgiving twist.
Frozen Version
Use 1 oz pumpkin puree + 1 oz pomegranate juice + 0.5 oz bourbon + 0.5 oz syrup + 1 oz ice. Blend until smooth for a slushie texture.
Bottle for Parties
Pre-mix 4x the ingredients (8 oz pumpkin, 4 oz juice, 6 oz bourbon, 2 oz syrup) and store in a sealed bottle. Shake with fresh ice before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Honey Glaze – The sweetness complements the cocktail’s tartness.
- Spiced Apple Pie – A classic pairing that mirrors the autumn flavors.
- Cranberry Relish – The tartness balances the cocktail’s richness.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Serve alongside a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a spiced mead. For non-alcoholic guests, a sparkling apple cider with cinnamon sticks works beautifully.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the pumpkin spice sugar up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container. Pre-mix the cocktail ingredients (excluding ice) and store in a sealed bottle for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Refrigerator Storage
Chill the pre-mixed cocktail in a sealed bottle for up to 24 hours. Before serving, shake with fresh ice to revive the flavors.
Freezer Storage
Freeze pre-mixed cocktail in ice cube trays for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before shaking with fresh ice.
Reheating Instructions
Not recommended—this cocktail is best served chilled. If warming is necessary, gently heat the pre-mixed liquid in a saucepan over low heat, but this will alter the flavor profile.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My cocktail tastes too sweet. How can I fix it?
A: Add a splash of pomegranate juice or a few drops of lemon juice to balance the sweetness. For future batches, reduce the simple syrup by 0.25 oz.
Q: The pumpkin puree separates after mixing. How can I prevent this?
A: Ensure the puree is well-mixed before adding to the shaker. For future batches, use pumpkin spice latte syrup instead of puree for better emulsification.
Q: Can I make this in advance for a party?
A: Yes! Pre-mix the ingredients and store in the fridge. Shake with fresh ice just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Q: The garnish seeds sink to the bottom. How can I keep them on top?
A: Add the seeds last, just before serving. For a longer-lasting garnish, lightly coat the seeds with sugar before placing them on the cocktail.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Pomegranate Cocktail is more than a drink—it’s an experience. With its vibrant color, bold flavors, and festive presentation, it’s guaranteed to be the star of your Thanksgiving table. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or a first-time cocktail maker, this recipe delivers professional results with minimal effort.
Don’t miss the chance to create a drink that’s as much fun to make as it is to sip. Share the love by pinning this recipe and experimenting with your own twists—after all, autumn is all about cozy, creative moments.
