I really did mean to get this post out in time for Thanksgiving. Really I did. But you see, here in Italy we never celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday. I mean, it’s just another work day here in Italy. So I guess I lost track of things. We are heading up to Todi this weekend, where I will be roasting a turkey and the whole deal. Plus this cocktail of course.
In any case, this pomegranate cocktail is good enough for any holiday. Or any night for that matter. As always, ingredients matter. My friend Mona gave me this bunch of gorgeous pomegranates straight off a tree behind the American Academy here in Rome. While they made a gorgeous centerpiece, they also tasted delicious. But how to get the juice out? I can’t remember who taught me this (maybe it was Mona herself? Maybe I’ve had too many of my own cocktails?) All you have to do is cut it open, in half, and use a citrus squeezer. Voila! Lots-o-juice. Ruby red, delicious juice just asking for some vodka. 
The secret ingredient in this cocktail is pomegranate molasses. Very tangy, not too sweet and just a little earthy.
Fresh Pomegranate Juice Cocktail
2 oz vodka
1/2 oz cointreau
3 oz fresh pomegranate juice
1/2 oz lemon juice
1 Tablespoon pomegranate molasses
Pour vodka and cointreau into a glass. Add pomegranate molassses and whisk to disolve.
Add lemon juice and pomegranate juice. Stir.
Fill glass with ice.
It would be very pretty garnished with a sprig of mint. But I didn’t have any.
Lots of pomegranates here and wondered where you bought the molasses from?. Susan is in Rome and wondering how to get it for me. I’m into cocktails as well, now it’s the vodka and Mirabelle juice drink of the moment.
Love your recipes and videos, thanks.
No earthquake damage here, some rolling but not much. We have been so fortunate in this region.
I usually buy pomegranate molasses near Piazza Vittorio. There is a small, but very well-stocked shop, just across the street from MAS, and dangerously close to Regoli, called International Food Store, on Via dello Statuto. It usually has much higher quality imports than any place else. For instance, his spices are always fresh (the same can’t be said for other stores in the area).