Spiced Pomegranate Margaritas

 A well-balanced seasonal margarita recipe with tequila, triple sec (or orange liqueur), spiced orange simple syrup, pomegranate juice, and fresh lime juice.

These beautiful margaritas are festive and delicious. Yes, there’s a special (homemade!) spiced orange simple syrup in them, but don’t let that scare you away; I’ll walk you through every single step, and I promise it’s so much easier than you think!

This pomegranate margarita recipe makes two cocktails, but can be doubled or tripled if needed. The syrup just needs to steep for about 30 minutes, but once that’s finished, the margaritas come together in no time! The syrup recipe makes about one cup, which equates to enough for eight total margaritas. (Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.)

Pomegranate Margarita Ingredients (for Two):

• 4 oz. Tequila (silver or reposado)
• 2 oz. fresh Lime Juice
• 2 oz. Spiced Orange Syrup (recipe below)
• 1 oz. Pomegranate Juice (I use POM)
• 1 oz. Triple Sec (or orange liqueur)
• pinch of Salt

Spiced Orange Simple Syrup Ingredients:

• 1 cup Water
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 4 strips Orange Peel (I’ll show you what this is – you just need an orange and a vegetable peeler)
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 5 Whole Cloves
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed Orange Juice

*This recipe makes about one cup of spiced orange simple syrup, and will be enough for about eight margaritas.

To make the strips of orange peel, use a vegetable peeler to peel them directly off of the orange. Important note: Do this before squeezing the juice from the orange!

What Tequila Should I Use for Pomegranate Margaritas?

Silver tequila (tequila blanco) or reposado tequila will work for this margarita recipe. The primary difference between the two is the amount of time they spend aging in a barrel: silver tequila spends no time in a barrel, and is typically has a bright, clean taste. Reposado tequila spends minimal time in a barrel, just enough to impart some color into the tequila with a touch of flavor, and has some toasty vanilla and caramel notes. Either tequila is a delicious choice for pomegranate margaritas!

What is the Difference between Triple Sec and Orange Liqueur?

Triple sec is a type of orange liqueur, so there isn’t really a difference. I have no problem using bottom shelf triple sec for everyday margaritas; it’s cheap and gets the job done. However, if you’re a bit fancier than me (or just drink less margaritas than I do), some of the fancier triple sec options would be Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Naranja Orange Liqueur. Any of these options are perfect for margaritas in general.

I actually created this margarita recipe last December for a cocktail class that I hosted at a co-working space in downtown Kansas City. It was paired with a wreath-making class, so I had to come up with something to make them festive. Thus, the spiced orange simple syrup was created, and let me tell you, it’s the perfect touch for these margaritas. I mentioned it before but I’ll say it again: please don’t be intimidated by making simple syrup. It’s so incredibly easy, and truly one of the best ways to up your homemade cocktail game. Let me walk you through exactly how I make this syrup each and every time.

How to Make Spiced Orange Simple Syrup

1. Combine water, sugar, orange peels, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and orange juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir until sugar dissolves, then simmer 20-30 minutes until thickened.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool before using. 

Quick Note: It really is that easy! For a thicker syrup, let it simmer for a bit longer until it’s the consistency you want. For a sweeter syrup, use equal parts water and sugar. Note: Simple syrup is typically always equal parts water and sugar, but I reduced the sugar for this particular syrup because the fresh orange juice contributes its natural sugars.

How to Make Pomegranate Margaritas

This is truly a recipe of “toss it all in a cocktail shaker and shake the sh*t out of it” type of cocktail recipes (which are admittedly some of my favorites!) Here’s how to make these gems:

Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker halfway with ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds.

Step 2: Fill two short glasses halfway with ice. Strain the margaritas, dividing between the two glasses, and garnish with dehydrated orange slice, fresh orange wedge, or lime wedges.