Winter is in full swing, which means pomegranates are everywhere. Why not enjoy them in a delicious cocktail? This Pomegranate Aperol Spritz is a healthier, lower-alcohol cocktail!
I received free samples of POM Wonderful mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by POM Wonderful and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
Years ago while in Italy, I discovered this drink called an Aperol Spritz. Everyone seemed to have this refreshing, fancy-looking cocktail in front of them at the cafes. Turns out, its a “traditional” Italian aperitif. Naturally, I began ordering them everywhere! When in Rome… or, in this case, Cinque Terre.
My happy place
Inspired by my favorite aperitif, I decided to use the delicious juice that POM Wonderful sent over to create my own version. They’re quick to mix up and if you use an inexpensive sparkling wine like prosecco, they’re also inexpensive.
One of the things I like the most about a spritz is that its low alcohol. If you overdid it a bit during the holidays (*cough* not me *cough*), this is the drink for you. An Aperol spritz is something you can have one or two of before dinner without stumbling to the table. It’s also healthier thanks to the pomegranate juice!
POM Wonderful 100% Juice is powered by antioxidants. The pomegranate is whole-pressed, meaning a unique blend of polyphenol antioxidants from two whole pomegranates – including its fruit, pith and rind – is found in each 8 oz bottle. Just as importantly, research that includes POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice uses 8 oz per day in its studies on muscle strength recovery, memory and cognition, microbiome, and more. So…. this is basically a post-workout detoxifying muscle recovery drink. 😉
In case you’re wondering what in the world Aperol is… well, its a delicious Italian liqueur. It is an infusion of ingredients including bitter and sweet orange, as well as a secret combination of herbs and roots. The result is similar to Campari, but not quite as bitter. It’s at once sweet, bitter and herbal.
Not only is this cocktail delicious and nutritious, but it’s also a party in a glass. The colorful pomegranate seeds dance in the glass thanks to the carbonation!
Pro tip: Turn this into a brunch drink by putting it in a champagne flute and calling it a pomegranate mimosa.
[tasty-recipe id=”18128″]
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Just because it’s chilly outside doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a fruity cocktail. Cheers!
Are you a pomegranate juice fan?
What’s your favorite aperitif?
Easy. Alcohol. Healthy. BOOM!! Plus, my SIL loves all fizzy/champagne like drinks so I can surprise her with this 🙂
Perfect! It’s a nice, refreshing aperitif. Then you can move on to red wine. 😉
I often put cranberry juice in a spritzer this is a fun new twist!
My kind of drink – need to get me a bottle of Aperol!
It’s a staple in our bar!
Loving your inspiration here. Beam me up to that boat ride and drink spot, mmm k? p.s i wish pomegranates we’re cheaper. ugh, the seeds at least. worth it thought. 😉
You would have LOVED that spot. I could have stayed there for the rest of my life and been perfectly happy.
Agreed on the seed price. But if you think about what a pain in the a$$ they are to deseed yourself… it DOES seem more reasonable. 😉
We had a New Year’s brunch and everyone brought champagne. Plus we had champagne. I now have champagne to last through 2018. This is a good way for me to use some of it!
That’s a good problem to have!!!
Im all up for a party in a glass! And since you know Im not a huge drinker the lower alcohol is perfect for me. Beautiful pictures and as always the best story to go along with it. You are the queen of storytelling. You always take me on a journey with your posts!
That’s so sweet of you to say! I’d blush… if I bushed. 😉
My dad went to Italy a couple years ago and has been obsessed with Aperol Spritzers every since. I like the obsession.
It’s the perfect drink. You can literally drink them all day! Not that I would know…
I adore aperol and the idea of adding pomegranate to the mix is simply heaven. Normally I would say don’t mess with what is already perfect but in this case I think this is the exception to the rule!
Try just a splash! I love the bit of extra flavor it adds. Pomegranate is a good choice too because it’s not so sugary sweet.
This looks like a great brunch cocktail for sure!
Speaking of which, have you ever been to Snooze Eatery for brunch? I was there a few weekends ago and they have some awesome sounding cocktails on their menu. I was tempted to get one but didn’t because it was New Year’s Eve morning and I was going to be drinking later… but now I wish I tried one!
I have! We used to like right down the street from it. There was always such a huge line though… we’ve only been twice, I think. Did you know they’re actually based on Colorado?
How fun! I too was OBSESSED with having 1 or 2 Spritz at…well anytime of the day while in Italy actually! Will definitely need to try this variation.