Looking for a fun way to change up your usual margarita? This pomegranate margarita is bright, refreshing and so simple to shake together.

Pomegranate margarita with lime salt rim, lime slice and pomegranate arils.

If you love margaritas but want something a little different, try this pomegranate version. With a beautiful red color that's festive and fun any time of year, it's a great way to change up a classic margarita.

Pomegranate juice gives it a fruity flavor that works perfectly with the traditional margarita citrus flavors. It's quickly becoming my new favorite way to make margaritas for everything from sipping on the deck to holiday parties.

Ingredients you'll need

You just need a few simple ingredients to shake up this pomegranate margarita at home.

Lime, pomegranate juice, agave, tequila, and orange liqueur.

Pomegranate juice - Use unsweetened 100% pomegranate juice for the best flavor.
Tequila - Silver or blanco tequila works best here since it keeps the flavor clean and smooth.
Orange liqueur - I like Cointreau for this, but Grand Marnier or triple sec will still give you that nice citrus kick.
Fresh lime juice - Freshly squeezed makes a big difference. Zest the lime before cutting it (to use in the lime salt), then use the same lime for the juice.
Agave - Totally optional. Add a splash if you want it sweeter, or leave it out if you prefer a more tart margarita. Simple syrup works too.
Lime slices or wedges - For garnish and rimming the glass.
Salt - To make the lime salt for the rim.
Ice cubes - For shaking and serving.
Pomegranate seeds - For garnish. You can grab a container of arils from the produce section or seed a whole pomegranate in a bowl of water. The arils sink and the membrane floats which makes it easy to separate them.

Bar equipment

Just a few basics make this cocktail easy to pull together.

Cocktail shaker - For chilling and blending the ingredients. A shaker with a built in strainer makes it easy to pour. This bar set also comes with a jigger to make it easy to measure ounces.
Citrus juicer - Makes squeezing limes so much faster and easier.
Rocks glass or margarita glass - Classic choices for serving.

How to make it

Glass with lime salt rim and limes, zester and dish and bowl of lime salt in background.

Step 1: Salt the Rim

Zest the lime with a microplane zester and mix with sea salt in a small bowl. Pour some of the lime salt into a small plate or shallow dish.

Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it into the lime salt.

Step 2: Shake It Up

Squeeze the lime juice. Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the pomegranate juice, tequila, orange liqueur, freshly squeezed lime juice, and agave to taste.

Shake until chilled, about 15 seconds.

Pouring red drink over ice in glass with pomegranate and lime next to it.

Step 3: Serve It Up

Fill your rimmed glass with fresh ice. Strain the drink into your prepared glass. Garnish with pomegranate arils and a lime wheel or wedge.

Pomegranate margarita with salted rim and lime next to pomegranate wedge and bowl of seeds.

More margarita recipes

Here are a few more margarita variations to try next.

Apple Cider Margarita - A cozy fall favorite made with apple cider and warm spices. Easy and great for entertaining.

Cranberry Margarita - A bright and tart holiday margarita with a sweet citrus finish.

Strawberry Margarita - A fruity, fresh take on the classic. Made with juicy strawberries and simple ingredients.

Pineapple Coconut Margarita - A tropical mix of pineapple and coconut that feels like a beach vacation.

Pomegranate Margarita

Ingredients you'll need

Bar equipment