Presented by Cooks’ World and Pinnacle Wine & Liquor 

I have to tell you a story to explain my inspiration for this Martini. If you’re in a hurry, skip to “About this drink” below. 

Several years ago, I had the privilege of doing retail tastings in the Rochester (NY) market for a start-up vodka producer, Frankly Organic Vodka. They were based in Austin, Texas, and like cross-town rival Tito’s Vodka, they made corn-based vodka. For the record, their straight-up plain vodka outpaced Tito’s in the side-by-side comparisons I offered consumers, but their calling card was a line of five flavored vodkas employing actual fruit—so much fruit that the fruit solids would settle over a bit of time, and a user had to shake the bottles vigorously to re-suspend the fruit in the vodka before pouring. 

You’ll notice that my plaudits for Frankly Organic Vodkas are past tense. Sadly, the company went out of business around the beginning of 2023. However, you may still find what remains of its inventory in distribution, including at Pinnacle Wine & Liquor, where we have some of its grapefruit vodka in stock and a bin of 50ml bottles of assorted Frankly Vodka flavors next to our register. Pick up a couple the next time you come in; you won’t be disappointed. 

These were not the faintly flavored infusions and compounded vodkas that too many producers offer (and, I’m sorry, too many consumers think are great). They were delicious, full-throated, fruity vodkas one could keep in the freezer, pull out, and enjoy as is, whether neat or over ice, or perhaps with a splash of soda. Frankly’s vodkas were useful for so much more, though, including some kick-ass cocktail recipes I would mix to show off the product at retail events. The most popular expression in my experience was its pomegranate vodka, which made an extraordinary pomegranate Martini. 

That Martini inspired me for this one. I wanted to find a mix that would satisfy pomegranate lovers with products currently available. 

About this drink

This pomegranate Martini is a simple, three-ingredient recipe based on Suntory’s excellent Haku vodka—a white-rice-based spirit that’s soft on the palate and pleasing to taste. I started by adding a measure of Pama pomegranate liqueur. That was somewhat pleasing, but it took some Cointreau (the original, Cognac-based Triple Sec) to moderate the bitter notes of the Pama. At the proportions below, you’ll sense the characteristic pomegranate flavor moderated by the sweetness and orange notes of Cointreau—presented on a bed of rice vodka. 

See what I did there?

I’m not bragging or anything, but this is a serious hit with Mrs. Libation Lounge and friends, and they’re picky. Give it a try. You’ve nothing to lose and some pomegranate anti-oxidants to gain. 

POMEGRANATE MARTINI 
2 oz Suntory Haku Vodka
¾ oz Pama Pomegranate Liqueur
½ oz Cointreau or similar Cognac-based orange liqueur

Combine the ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice, stir for 10-15 seconds, and strain into a small, chilled Martini glass. If you want to garnish, try a sprinkle of 4-5 pomegranate seeds on the drink (they’re edible!) or a twist of orange zest—express its oils over the drink and curl it over the edge of the glass.

About our Cocktail of the Week partners—shop local and independent!
Cooks’ World and Pinnacle Wine & Liquor are less than a mile from each other, on Monroe Avenue near Twelve Corners in Brighton.

Cooks’ World, in business since 1978, is Rochester’s premier retailer of dining, kitchen, and cooking products, including a complete selection of glassware, mixology tools, and accessories for wine and spirits lovers. Follow Cooks’ World on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up here to receive Cooks’ World’s daily email specials and other news. 

Pinnacle Wine & Liquor, in business since 1997, offers a thoughtfully curated selection of spirits and wine from around the world, with a savvy staff to assist in your selection and encourage you along your cocktail and wine journey. Follow Pinnacle on Facebook and Instagram. For the inside track on Pinnacle’s spirits sales, send two text messages to (585)765-7546:
— Text the word “bourbon,” to receive weekly text messages offering the chance to buy rare or allocated whiskies or special prices on popular products.
—Text the word “spirits,” to receive roughly monthly offers on fine spirits other than whiskies.

Shout out to the official supplier of elegant clear ice to the Libation Lounge: My friend Ralph DiTucci of Cristallino Premium Ice and Grace & Disgrace.