Category: cocktail

Pomegranate Martini

This pomegranate martini recipe is tart, tangy and perfect for any occasion! The jewel-toned drink blends pomegranate juice with vodka,…

This pomegranate martini recipe is tart, tangy and perfect for any occasion! The jewel-toned drink blends pomegranate juice with vodka, lemon and orange liqueur.

Pomegranate Martini

Why we love this recipe

Looking for a fun cocktail as a signature drink for your next gathering? Try a Pomegranate Martini! Crisp, sweet tart, fruity, and light: it’s much closer to a Cosmo than the classic martini. But instead of cranberry juice like the Cosmopolitan, it’s made with pomegranate juice instead.

Serve it up in a martini glass and you’ve got a sophisticated cocktail that’s refreshing and easy to drink. Here’s how to make it!

What’s in a pomegranate martini?

This pomegranate martini can be considered a spin on the classic martini: except that it’s closer to a Cosmopolitan! Both the Cosmo and the martini have official definitions on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. But this pomegranate martini spin is off-script! It’s got vodka like a vodka martini, but it’s really more of a sour cocktail than anything. Here are the ingredients in a pomegranate martini:

  • Vodka
  • Pomegranate juice (purchased or fresh squeezed)
  • Cointreau
  • Lemon juice
  • Simple syrup
Pomegranate Martini

How to make a pomegranate martini (basic steps)

It’s very simple to make a pomegranate martini! All you’ll need is a cocktail shaker and a martini glass. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe):

  1. Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 15 seconds until cold.
  2. Strain into a glass.
  3. Garnish with a lemon peel: see below for what to do with it!

How to express citrus into a cocktail

For this pomegranate martini, you’ll do something that’s common in cocktails: expressing a citrus peel onto the drink. Why? This gives you a strong citrus perfume when you go to take a sip of the drink. Here’s what you’ll do:

  • Use a knife to remove a 1″ wide strip of the lemon peel.
  • Squeeze it over the drink first, which releases the oils and gives it a strong lemon perfume.
  • To amp it up a notch, run the lemon peel around the rim of the glass. This gives an even more citrus-y first sip.

You’ll notice this technique is used in lots of classic cocktails to add an extra sensory element, like the Classic Old Fashioned and Boulevardier Cocktail.

Cointreau

About Cointreau

Cointreau is an orange liqueur with a beautiful orange perfume flavor. Cointreau is a type of triple sec, which means “triple distilled.” But it’s technically a higher quality than a Triple Sec, with a more robust and balanced flavor. It’s most well known for being used in cocktails like the Classic Margarita. If you buy a bottle, you’ll have lots to make with it: all our Best Margarita Recipes and these Best Cointreau Drinks.

If you don’t have a bottle of Cointreau for this pomegranate martini, you can substitute any orange liqueur. You could try Triple Sec, or a higher end liqueur like Grand Marnier.

Pomegranate Martini

There are several drinks that are similar to the pomegranate martini, like other pink cocktails, vodka martinis, and sour cocktails! Here are it’s closest relatives:

Print
Pomegranate Martini

Pomegranate Martini

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
Save Recipe
Print Recipe

Description

This pomegranate martini recipe is tart, tangy and perfect for any occasion! The jewel-toned drink blends pomegranate juice with vodka, lemon and orange liqueur.

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce vodka
  • 1 ounce 100% pomegranate juice (purchased or fresh squeezed)
  • ½ ounce Cointreau
  • ½ ounce lemon juice
  • ½ ounce simple syrup or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Place the vodka, pomegranate juice, Cointreau, lemon juice, and syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake 15 seconds until cold. Strain the drink into a cocktail or martini glass.
  2. Use a knife to remove a 1″ wide strip of the lemon peel. Squeeze the lemon peel into the drink to release the oils. Gently run the peel around the edge of the glass, then place it in the glass and serve.

Notes

To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

More classic cocktails

Here are a few more of our best classic cocktails you might also enjoy:

  • Tom Collins This popular gin cocktail that’s light, sweet tart, and bubbly!
  • Southside Cocktail An easy and refreshing gin drink made with mint, lemon and lime: think of it like a gin mojito. Or try the Southside Fizz, the bubbly version.
  • Classic Mojito Perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint! This iconic Cuban cocktail is refreshing and just sweet enough.
  • Paloma Cousin of the classic margarita, this easy Mexican cocktail recipe features tequila with grapefruit instead of lime! 

White Russian Recipe

short clear glass with white and brown drink in the glass.Learn how to make a White Russian recipe, which is a simple 3 ingredient creamy cocktail. The combination of coffee, cream, and vodka makes a great cocktail! This recipe makes one drink, and it takes less than five minutes to make. What is a White Russian Drink? The “Russian” part of the name is a…

short clear glass with white and brown drink in the glass.

Learn how to make a White Russian recipe, which is a simple 3 ingredient creamy cocktail. The combination of coffee, cream, and vodka makes a great cocktail! This recipe makes one drink, and it takes less than five minutes to make.

short clear glass with white and brown drink in the glass.

What is a White Russian Drink?

The “Russian” part of the name is a nod to the vodka in the drink, which is a classic Russian liquor. It actually came to be after someone invented the Black Russian drink around 1949, made with just coffee liqueur and vodka. Due to that drink’s popularity, someone thought to add some cream, and the White Russian cocktail was born.

It’s cold, it’s creamy, and it’s perfect for sipping on after dinner or for festive nights. Plus, it’s really easy to make – you don’t need a bunch of different liquors and mixers. Just three ingredients plus some ice is all you need.

ingredients in the White Russian laid out on a grey counter.

White Russian Ingredients

  • Vodka – use your favorite brand (for me the best vodka is Tito’s)
  • Kahlua – or other coffee liqueur that you like
  • Heavy cream – but you can substitute milk or half and half if you prefer or nondairy milk, like almond or soy milk.

Variations

  • Omit the cream and you have a Black Russian Cocktail.
  • Make a Baileys White Russian by swapping the cream with Irish Cream.
  • A Mudslide is basically a White Russian with Baileys Irish Cream added – and you can serve it in a martini glass or a frozen mudslide using a blender.
  • For the perfect holiday twist add some cinnamon syrup or cinnamon sticks.
  • An Off-White Russian uses chocolate milk instead of cream.
  • There are tons of variations using things like bourbon or whiskey, rum or tequila or horchata – have fun experimenting!
process shot of White Russian drink being made.
process shot of White Russian drink being made.

How to make a White Russian

  1. Add some ice cubes to an Old-fashioned glass.
  2. Pour the vodka and Kahlua over the ice.
  3. Add the cream and stir – if your cream is very thick you can water it down with milk.
short clear glass with white and brown drink in the glass.

Expert Tips

  • Always use good quality liquor, not the cheapest stuff. Midshelf brand is fine, but just make sure to use one you like but that comes in at least a glass bottle. Good liquor makes a difference!
  • This is the easiest drink to pour for a crowd because you’re just pouring into the glass no shaking needed!
  • Have Kahlua left over? Make an Espresso Martini!

FAQs

Are you supposed to mix a white Russian?

You can stir all three ingredients, so your drink is uniform in color. Or, mix the vodka and coffee liqueur and float the cream on top.  Or, you can swirl the cream into the drink by partially stirring it so you can see ribbons of cream in the glass.

short clear glass with white and brown drink in the glass.
Print

White Russian Drink Recipe

White Russians are made with just three ingredients – grab your coffee liqueur, vodka and cream. It’s so simple to make and is the perfect post-dinner cocktail.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 servings
Calories 326kcal
Author Dorothy Kern
Cost 20

Ingredients

  • Ice
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce Kahlúa
  • 1 ounce heavy cream

Instructions

  • Add a handful of ice to an Old Fashioned glass.
  • Add the vodka and the Kahlúa.
  • Stir in the cream.
  • Serve.

Video

Notes

Always use good quality liquor, not the cheapest stuff. Midshelf brand is fine, but just make sure to use one you like but that comes in at least a glass bottle. Good liquor makes a difference!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 22mg | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 417IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

Other Favorite Drinks

Favorite Cocktail Recipes

Dark And Stormy Cocktail

The Dark and Stormy cocktail combines Gosling’s Black Seal Bermuda Black Rum, fresh lime juice, and refreshing ginger beer, resulting in a layered and flavorful beverage.

The Dark and Stormy cocktail combines Gosling's Black Seal Bermuda Black Rum, fresh lime juice, and refreshing ginger beer, resulting in a layered and flavorful beverage.

Spicy Margarita

Meet my go-to spicy margarita recipe! Like a classic margarita, it’s tart and refreshing, but jalapeño peppers give it an extra kick of heat. This spicy margarita recipe is easy to make. You only need 6 simple ingredients, and it comes together quickly…


Meet my go-to spicy margarita recipe! Like a classic margarita, it’s tart and refreshing, but jalapeño peppers give it an extra kick of heat. This spicy margarita recipe is easy to make. You only need 6 simple ingredients, and it comes together quickly in a cocktail shaker. Enjoy it with tortilla chips, guacamole, and/or salsa at a happy hour, Cinco de Mayo, or summer gathering. Cheers! Spicy Margarita Ingredients To make this jalapeño margarita recipe, you need 6 simple ingredients: Tequila – Use any good-quality blanco tequila (aka silver tequila) in this recipe. We like Espolon tequila, but feel free […]

Americano Cocktail

The Americano cocktail is a fizzy, bittersweet drink with Italian origins. It’s the perfect aperitivo before dinner or a refreshing weekend afternoon sipper. The Americano is a…

The post Americano Cocktail appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

americano cocktail

The Americano cocktail is a fizzy, bittersweet drink with Italian origins. It’s the perfect aperitivo before dinner or a refreshing weekend afternoon sipper. The Americano is a unique spritz that strikes the elusive balance between bitter and sweet. This cold, bubbly drink is lovely on a hot day, yet the complex, warming flavors are equally welcome before Thanksgiving supper.

Americano cocktails are made with Campari, sweet vermouth and club soda. If you love a Negroni, this drink is right up your alley. The Americano is served in a taller glass with club soda instead of gin, and the Negroni is actually a derivative of the Americano. Don’t write off this cocktail if you don’t like Negronis, though (I don’t!). It’s like a Negroni light, and you can adjust it to suit your preferences.

americano cocktail ingredients

Americano cocktails have nothing in common with Americano coffee, except that they were both popularized by Americans visiting Italy. Apparently, the Americano is based on another drink, the Milano-Torino, which is made with just Campari and Vermouth di Torino. There are several origin stories, and I’m not sure which one is true. All I know is that this is a nice cocktail! I hope you enjoy it.

Continue to the recipe...

The post Americano Cocktail appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

20 Easy Summer Cocktails

Hot days call for summer cocktails! Maybe fruity, maybe frozen, and definitely refreshing, these drinks will help you cool off and celebrate the season all in one. Below, you’ll find the easy cocktail recipes I’ll be making all summer. Perf…


Hot days call for summer cocktails! Maybe fruity, maybe frozen, and definitely refreshing, these drinks will help you cool off and celebrate the season all in one. Below, you’ll find the easy cocktail recipes I’ll be making all summer. Perfect for any occasion from a neighborhood BBQ to a laid-back evening at home, they include fruity margaritas, bubbly spritzes, non-alcoholic refreshers, and more. I’d have a hard time choosing a favorite from these festive summer drinks. I hope you love them too! Our Best Summer Cocktails Paloma Cocktail Jack and I make this tequila cocktail every summer. We might be […]

Ranch Water

A ranch water cocktail is the perfect drink for a hot summer day. We’re leaving for a quick trip to Austin tomorrow, and I know I’ll order a ranch water (or two) while we’re there. This combination of tequila, lime juice, and fizzy To…


A ranch water cocktail is the perfect drink for a hot summer day. We’re leaving for a quick trip to Austin tomorrow, and I know I’ll order a ranch water (or two) while we’re there. This combination of tequila, lime juice, and fizzy Topo Chico over ice is the best way to beat the Texas heat. When we’re not in Austin, I love to make this ranch water recipe at home. Made with 3 ingredients, it couldn’t be simpler, and it’s cooling, refreshing, and not too sweet. Try it once, and it might just become your favorite summer drink! Ranch Water […]

Frozen Mojito

This frozen Mojito recipe might be even better than the classic drink! It’s minty, icy, and outrageously refreshing: like someone…

This frozen Mojito recipe might be even better than the classic drink! It’s minty, icy, and outrageously refreshing: like someone amped up the dial on the mint volume. It’s the perfect summer drink for sipping on the patio!

Fresh mint

Why we love this recipe

When the summer heat is is at sky high levels, here’s a drink that will cool you to your core: the frozen Mojito! The classic Mojito is one of our top cocktails of all time, and as two certified mixologists we’ve made almost every type of fruity mojito recipe.

This frozen spin makes our heads turn! It’s icy and intensely minty, and it’s so simple to whip up in a blender. It immediately jumped to the top of our must-make frozen alcoholic drinks!

Ingredients in a frozen mojito

This frozen mojito is an icy spin on the Mojito, a classic cocktail invented in Havana, Cuba. Some say the origins of this drink go all the way back to the 1500’s with an early combination of lime, sugar, and rum used as medicine. But the modern version of became popular in the 1930’s.

The Frozen Mojito uses all the same ingredients as a classic Mojito, except it substitutes ice for soda water. Instead of diluting the drink with bubbles, it turns it into a frozen slushie. Here’s what you’ll need for a Frozen Mojito:

Mint

How to make a frozen Mojito

The best part about this frozen Mojito? It requires no advanced planning whatsoever. You can make it on the spot! This is unique because many frozen cocktails need time to freeze over night, like with this Frozen Margarita or Frozen Sangria. But with the Mojito, you can whip one up right away. Here’s what to do:

  • Add ½ cup white rum, ¼ cup each lime juice and simple syrup, 1 handful mint leaves, and 2 cups ice to a blender.
  • Blend until smooth! Serve immediately garnished with a lime wedge.

The glasses to use

You can use many different shapes of glasses for serving a Frozen Mojito. Here we served it in a non-standard presentation with a stemmed cocktail glass, just for fun! A Mojito is often served in a low-ball or high-ball glass, so that works as well. Another option is a Hurricane glass, which is often used for tropical drinks.

Tip: frozen Mojitos for a crowd

One of the great things about blender cocktails is that they’re easy to make multiple servings. Just make double the recipe for 4 servings, or quadruple it for 8. Use the 2x button in the recipe below for an easy way to double the ingredients.

Want to pair it with food? Try any of these 60 Summer Recipes or 15 Best Summer Dinner Ideas.

Frozen Mojito

More frozen cocktails

Love frozen cocktails? This frozen mojito is one of our favorites, but there are lots more fun ideas to try. Here are a few of our top frozen alcoholic drinks:

Frequently asked questions

How is a frozen mojito different from a regular mojito?

The main difference is the texture. A regular mojito is a shaken drink with a liquid consistency, while a frozen mojito is blended with ice to create a frozen, slushy texture.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or agave nectar instead of simple syrup. We don’t recommend honey or maple syrup, since they have a very strong flavor.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my frozen mojito?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar (or sugar substitute) to taste.

Print
Frozen Mojito

Frozen Mojito

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 drinks
Save Recipe
Print Recipe

Description

This Frozen Mojito recipe might be even better than the classic drink! It’s minty, icy, and outrageously refreshing.

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces (½ cup) white rum
  • 2 ounces (¼ cup) lime juice, plus more wedges to garnish
  • 2 ounces (¼ cup) simple syrup
  • 1 handful mint leaves (10–12 leaves)
  • 2 cups ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into two glasses and garnish with lime wedges.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Blended
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Easy Frozen Sangria

This easy frozen sangria recipe is sure to be a favorite: it’s wine-forward and just sweet enough, with a hint…

This easy frozen sangria recipe is sure to be a favorite: it’s wine-forward and just sweet enough, with a hint of citrus.

Frozen sangria

In college I studied abroad in Madrid and my experiences there have stuck with me to this day: eating my first paella, inhaling patatas bravas in tapas bars, and sipping creamy cafe con leche.

Of course, another great memory is glasses of fruity red sangria! Here’s a spin on the classic that’s a fun spin on the traditional drink: this frozen sangria recipe. It’s icy and refreshing, citrusy and red-wine forward: really, an ideal summer drink for any occasion!

“OMG! The sangria is amazing. Love that the added sugar is honey and not actual sugar. So pleased. I love sangria, and order it anywhere I go. I have never have a frozen one – this will be a hit.” -Micah

Wait, frozen sangria?

Sangría is a traditional wine punch that originates from Spain. A classic sangria is made with red wine and chopped fruit, and often orange juice or brandy. There are lots of sangria variations as well (we’ve made peach sangria, white sangria, strawberry sangria, and apple cider sangria).

Frozen sangria is a variation on sangria that’s frozen, like a slushie. Of course, it’s not an authentic Spanish drink: it’s more of an American invention honoring the Spanish alcoholic punch. But the method makes for a festive frozen alcoholic drink that tastes like sangria and great for parties!

Like our frozen margarita and frozen mojito, we’ve added this one to our summer party repertoire and it’s here to stay.

Cocktails with orange

How to make this frozen sangria recipe

Frozen sangria is not authentic, so the method is quite different from sangria itself! It’s less like making sangria and more like making a wine smoothie.

Because Alex and I are obsessed with clever ways to make recipes easy to make, Alex devised a solution for making this sangria taste tangy without watering down the flavor with ice. This recipe calls for frozen clementine oranges instead of ice. This brings in a tart, citrus flavor and smooth texture without having to water down the frozen sangria with ice. Here’s what to do:

  1. Peel and section the clementine oranges, then freeze them overnight.
  2. The day of serving, blend together frozen mixed berries with the oranges, red wine, and honey. Serve!
Oranges in blender

More Spanish recipes

While frozen sangria is not traditionally Spanish, we have several recipes that are inspired by my time in Spain! Try these recipes:

Frozen sangria

Dietary notes

This frozen sangria recipe is vegetarian,  gluten-free, and naturally sweet (no refined sugar). For vegan, use maple syrup.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best wine to use for frozen sangria?

Traditionally, Spanish red wines like Garnacha or Tempranillo are used, but you can experiment! Fruity reds like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais work well too.

Can I make frozen sangria ahead of time?

Don’t freeze overnight! We recommend making a batch right before you plan to serve it.

What are the best garnishes for frozen sangria?

Fresh fruit slices, berries, mint sprigs, and even edible flowers make beautiful and tasty garnishes.

Print
Frozen sangria

Easy Frozen Sangria

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Sonja
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 drinks
Save Recipe
Print Recipe

Description

This easy frozen sangria recipe is sure to be a favorite: it’s wine-forward and just sweet enough, with a hint of citrus. Party on! 

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces (3 large or 4 to 6 small) clementine oranges, frozen (see below*)
  • 10 ounces frozen mixed berries
  • 2 cups dry red wine (we used Rioja Tempranillo)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 orange, cut into slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. The night before serving: Peel and section the clementine oranges and pop them in the freezer. 
  2. The day of serving: Blend together the frozen clementine oranges with the berries, red wine, and honey, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. 
  3. Serve in glasses garnished with orange slices. Best served immediately. (If you do have leftovers you can freeze for a few hours, but the texture becomes thicker. We don’t recommend freezing overnight: so plan on making a batch right when you plan to serve it!)
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Blended
  • Cuisine: Spanish Inspired

Red Sangria

This red sangria recipe is perfect for summer entertaining! It’s cool, fruity, and refreshing (and it makes a whole pitcher). As cocktails go, it’s inexpensive and easy to make. What better drink to share with friends on a hot day? Red Sang…


This red sangria recipe is perfect for summer entertaining! It’s cool, fruity, and refreshing (and it makes a whole pitcher). As cocktails go, it’s inexpensive and easy to make. What better drink to share with friends on a hot day? Red Sangria Ingredients Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy sangria recipe: Red wine – I use a Spanish red wine such as Tempranillo or Garnacha. Read more about the best wine for sangria in the callout below. Fresh fruit – Oranges, apples, and lemons are the fruits most commonly added to classic red sangria. I sometimes use lime […]