Sparkling Pomegranate Margarita with Homemade Grenadine Syrup

Sparkling Pomegranate Margarita
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I know, I know…I’m late for a very important date. I typically get my cocktail post out in the morning but I’m living by the ‘better late than never’ mantra today. I went out for cocktails last night instead of making one. Let’s call it research!

Speaking of research, did you know the name ‘grenadine’ comes from the French word grenade which translates for us to pomegranate (I didn’t!). Grenadine was originally prepared from pomegranate juice and sugar, however, the food industry has widely replaced grenadine fruit bases with artificial ingredients. I know I’ve used Rose’s Grenadine syrup for cocktails in years past and most certainly for making Shirley Temple’s for my girls when they were young, but looking at those ingredients now I wonder how they can label their product as grenadine; it’s all high fructose corn syrup and artificial coloring and surprise, surprise…not a drop of pomegranate juice in sight!

Realizing I’d never had the real stuff, I decided to make my own a couple of years ago and I’ve been doing so ever since. It lasts for months in the fridge, is relatively inexpensive (given the fact that it costs less to make two cups of it than to buy a single cocktail at a bar or restaurant), and it tastes amazing. When I started making my own, it was during pomegranate season but I don’t let that stop me during other times of the year when you can used purchased juice. The lack of artificial color will result in drinks that are not artificially pink but I’m fine with that; the significant improvement in taste is more than worth it!

With the warmer months upon us I couldn’t help but think of this drink. It has many of the components of a margarita but is finished with some sparkling wine and I love that lighter and yes, fizzier finish!

Sparkling Pomegranate Margarita with Homemade Grenadine Syrup

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Yield: Serves 2

Sparkling Pomegranate Margarita with Homemade Grenadine Syrup

A refreshing cocktail made with tequila, homemade grenadine syrup and sparkling wine.

Ingredients

    For the Grenadine Syrup:
  • 2 cups pomegranate juice; fresh or bottled.
  • 2 cups natural cane sugar
  • 5" strip of orange zest
  • For the Sparkling Pom Margarita:
  • Salt and sugar to rim the glass; mixed in equal portions
  • 2 oz. silver tequila
  • 1 oz. Citronge, Cointreau or Gran Marnier
  • 3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 oz. homemade grenadine
  • Sparkling white wine - when I'm mixing a cocktail calling for sparkling wine, I typically use a Cava from Spain; not pricey and perfect when mixed with other ingredients.
  • Orange or Lime slices for garnish

Preparation

    To Prepare the Syrup:
  1. Combine the juice, sugar and orange zest in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Simmer at a low boil for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture become a thicker, syrupy consistency.
  3. Remove from heat and chill before preparing cocktail.
  4. To Make the Cocktail:
  5. Chill two wine, margarita or martini glasses. Rim the edge of each glass with a slice of orange or lime and dip into the salt/sugar mixture.
  6. Combine the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and grenadine in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
  7. Strain into the iced and salted glasses, and top with 2 oz of sparkling wine.
  8. Garnish with an orange or a lime slice.
http://www.creative-culinary.com/sparkling-pomegranate-margarita-and-homemade-grenadine-syrup-for-happyhourfriday/

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{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Lacy April 1, 2012 at 11:14 am

OK, so let’s get together and work on making a preserved lemon margarita, yes? I had one once and it was killer. Plus, I have a TON of preserved lemons.
Lacy Most Recent Post: Whole Foods Taste on a Wal-Mart Budget

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2 Creative Culinary April 1, 2012 at 1:19 pm

I’m game…let me know when! I have no preserved lemons so that would be fun. I could also make my favorite killer margarita and reshoot; it’s desperately needed!

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3 Nancy@acommunaltable March 26, 2012 at 9:13 pm

This sounds SO good Barb – I wonder if I could substitute pomegranate molasses for the syrup – well, I think I am going to have to try it, ah the things we do for “research”!!!
Nancy@acommunaltable Most Recent Post: Almond Butter, Chocolate and Coconut Cookies and Kitchenaid

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4 Sweetsugarbelle March 26, 2012 at 7:12 pm

Who knew! Going to have to try this!!!

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5 Lisa March 26, 2012 at 3:52 am

Love your Pomarita! Always love seeing your Friday HH creations – my fav BARBtender. That said, PLEASE post that story. Not risque, how many 40 yr old men are with 25 yr old women? More than I can count!
Lisa Most Recent Post: Raspberry Egg Cream and Bad Boy First Love Part 8

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6 Margarita March 25, 2012 at 7:59 pm

Costco sells a sparkling Italian Muscato for about $9.00 a bottle that would probably be great in this recipe. I think I have a bottle, I’ll let you know how it turns out.

Thanks for the recipe.
Margarita Most Recent Post: Frozen St Pattys Day Margarita

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7 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 8:05 pm

Please do. I usually buy their Spanish Cava by the case; the last time it was only $6.50/bottle!

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8 Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. March 25, 2012 at 7:32 pm

This sounds so incredible!! I must try this one ASAP

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9 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 7:51 pm

I won’t deny I had some trepidation about combining tequila and sparkling wine but no more…it’s makes for a lighter and very refreshing cocktail. Now my challenge is to figure out how to achieve that bright pink color that comes from the use of artificial grenadine; I did love that, I admit!

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10 Feast on the Cheap March 25, 2012 at 2:57 pm

Totally making a virgin version of this!
Feast on the Cheap Most Recent Post: Lettuce Wraps Stuffed with Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

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11 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 6:47 pm

If you do, PLEASE let me know…would love to share some virgin cocktails for expectant moms or those who don’t drink alcohol. Let me know, would always link to you.

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12 Danijela March 25, 2012 at 9:47 am

Is there anyone who doesn’t like margaritas… :)
Danijela Most Recent Post: Grab Your Starbucks Goodies!

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13 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 6:45 pm

My daughter. But she is coming round. I always blend salt and sugar for the rim and that seems to make a big difference for her; I find I like it better too!

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14 Jayne March 24, 2012 at 11:56 pm

Gorgeous pictures, how summery this sounds! I too must admit to not knowing that pomegranates were in Grenadine! Thanks for that!

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15 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 6:44 pm

Thank you so much Jayne; and do hope you’ll try it; it was a delightfully light margarita; sometimes a nice twist to those places that pride themselves on overdoing the tequila.

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16 Terra March 24, 2012 at 9:44 pm

I did not know that about Grenade, see you do learn something new everyday! Looks like a refreshing drink that would be perfect while resting by the ocean:-) Hugs, Terra
Terra Most Recent Post: Crystal & Roses AND so much more!

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17 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 6:43 pm

I think that is the one outstanding thing about this post. No one knew. I love food history too and finding out these weird facts!

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18 Jill Mant~a SaucyCook March 24, 2012 at 3:05 pm

Yum!!! You may have been late to post this according to your rituals, but I think this recipe is right on time for spring cocktails on the patio!! Cheers!
Jill Mant~a SaucyCook Most Recent Post: 50 Women Game-Changers (in food): #40 Elena Arzak

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19 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 6:42 pm

Cocktails on the patio we will do one day soon. Time to plan Girls Nite In isn’t it? :)

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20 Jagruti March 24, 2012 at 10:44 am

Mmmm..a must try for the weekend! :)
Jagruti Most Recent Post: Mood for some fish? – “Macha Besara” or Fish in spicy mustard gravy

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21 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 6:41 pm

Mmmm yes. Was a HUGE hit with friends too; most had never had sparkling wine with tequila (well, I hadn’t either) and it was a lovely addtion; sort of a margarita light which was great for a mid afternoon cocktail.

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22 Paula March 24, 2012 at 9:06 am

I did not know that pomegranates were even used to make grenadine syrup! So often I learn new things here! Still a margarita virgin but I like the sounds of this one with the Sparkling White Wine added. As always Barb, beautiful photographs.
Paula Most Recent Post: Sugar Cookie Bird’s Nest

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23 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 6:40 pm

Thank you Paula for you sweet compliment; I enjoy the drink photos a lot too. And then I get to enjoy the results…ah, maybe that’s why I enjoy the photos?

Margarita virgin. Say it ain’t so my friend! I will be posting my absolute favorite summer margarita in the next month or so. Get ready. :)

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24 Karen Harris March 24, 2012 at 6:24 am

When I was a little girl my cousins and I would hang out in their backyard and pick the arils out of the pomegranates from their tree. I even loved these gorgeous fruits back then. This is a delicious looking cocktail as usual Barb. I am loving this warm weather. It is making me thirsty.
Karen Harris Most Recent Post: Two Great London Markets and One Spectacular English Style Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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25 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 6:39 pm

Fresh poms are new to me in the past couple of years but between them and blood oranges I LOVE their season. Now to figure out how to get the cocktails ‘red’ like the fake stuff would do.

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26 Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen March 24, 2012 at 3:38 am

Seriously you have the best cocktails, I’m coming over for drinks one of these day!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen Most Recent Post: Sugar Snap Pea and Fennel Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette | Welcoming Spring

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27 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 6:38 pm

Thank you Sylvie…and anytime. Wish I could tweet you over easily!

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28 Miranda March 24, 2012 at 12:08 am

I love anything with margarita on the end of it and I am loving these! Not to mention the grenadine – who knew? I’ll be trying that one soon.
Miranda Most Recent Post: What I Love (and Don’t Love) About Whole Foods Market

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29 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 6:37 pm

I did a blood orange margarita several weeks ago; scope that one out too. More of a traditional marg, both of them are great. I was unsure of mixing tequila with sparkling wine but it was so good. I had the same suspicion awhile back about mixing tequila with coffee too but that one was also great. Love my tequila!

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30 TastefullyJulie March 23, 2012 at 7:02 pm

I’m embarrassed to say that I always assumed Grenadine was just something they made in Grenada. The spice island! lol
TastefullyJulie Most Recent Post: Microwave Risotto

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31 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 6:34 pm

You know what…probably what I thought too…I remember reading that first line about grenade and thought, ‘NO!’ But then when you do know; sort of amazing that the commercial stuff has none of the real deal in it isn’t it?

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32 Ansh March 23, 2012 at 6:48 pm

you will make me oust the resident mixologist at my home. I am not complaining though. Love reading your informative posts and what a beautiful picture.

Have fun tomorrow. Will miss you all.
Ansh Most Recent Post: Chicken Rogan Josh in Kashmiri Masala

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33 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 6:33 pm

We missed you too…had a great turnout and a lot of new folks. Think we’re doing Fado down by Coors Field for a brunch next month. Loved the time we spent there and need MORE! Hope you can make it.

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34 Toni @ Boulder Locavore March 23, 2012 at 4:56 pm

Never has there been a better cocktail or photo colors more well matched for this weather! I have one of my tots out hand watering the lawn with a hose for the heat and dryness. Maybe I’ll supervise with one of these in hand….
Toni @ Boulder Locavore Most Recent Post: ‘Will Pedal For Booze’: A Bicycling Cocktail Party Through Boulder

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35 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 6:32 pm

I had good intentions of getting in the garden but it wasn’t meant to be…but I do suppose I better get some watering done. I’m still hoping for some snow to tell the truth!

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36 Amanda March 23, 2012 at 4:11 pm

Oh, you clever thing! I had no idea that Grenadine was originally pomegranate based, or that I could make it myself.
The things I learn from you, Barb, never cease to amaze me!
Amanda Most Recent Post: Back on my hobby-horse – poor hospitality service and what Electrolux Appetite for Excellence is trying to do about it!

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37 Creative Culinary March 25, 2012 at 6:49 pm

I love learning this stuff too…I’ve found I’m really enjoying more vintage cocktails with a history along with a recipe. This one was a surprise for sure.

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