A night at Ruth’s Chris is never complete without one of their signature cocktails, and the pomegranate martini is a guest favorite. It’s the perfect blend of tart pomegranate, smooth vodka, and a touch of sweetness, making it both sophisticated and easy to sip.
The good news is that you don’t have to wait for a dinner reservation to enjoy it. With this simple recipe, you can recreate the same vibrant flavor at home for date night, holiday parties, or just to treat yourself
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This martini is light yet flavorful, offering a refreshing balance between tart and sweet. The pomegranate juice gives it a gorgeous jewel-toned color, while high-quality vodka keeps the flavor clean and smooth.
It’s a cocktail that feels indulgent without being overly heavy, making it perfect for both warm-weather evenings and festive winter gatherings. Plus, it comes together in minutes.
What You’ll Need
- 2 ounces vodka (premium recommended)
- 1 ounce pomegranate juice (unsweetened)
- 1 ounce Cointreau or triple sec
- ½ ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes (for shaking)
- Lemon twist and fresh pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most authentic flavor.
- Chill your martini glass before pouring to keep the drink cold longer.
- If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add more simple syrup.
- Shake well until the shaker feels icy cold—this helps create a smooth texture.
- Double the recipe if you’re making drinks for two.
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or shot glass
- Strainer
- Citrus juicer
- Chilled martini glasses
Substitutions & Variations
- Vodka: Try citrus-flavored vodka for a brighter note.
- Orange liqueur: Replace Cointreau with Grand Marnier for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Sweetness: Use honey syrup instead of simple syrup for a natural twist.
- Mocktail version: Swap vodka and liqueur for sparkling water and orange juice.
- Festive garnish: Add a sugared rim for holiday flair.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can pre-mix the vodka, pomegranate juice, Cointreau, and simple syrup in a pitcher up to 24 hours ahead. Keep it chilled, and add lemon juice and ice just before serving.
For parties, keep the pre-mix in the fridge and shake individual servings as needed to maintain freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Chill the Glass
Place your martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water for a few minutes. Empty before pouring the drink.
2. Prepare the Shaker
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
3. Measure Ingredients
Add vodka, pomegranate juice, Cointreau, simple syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker
4. Shake Vigorously
Secure the lid and shake for 15–20 seconds until the shaker is frosty on the outside.
5. Strain and Serve
Strain into the chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish
Add a lemon twist and a few fresh pomegranate seeds for presentation. Serve immediately.
Leftovers & Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t store well once mixed with ice. If you’ve pre-mixed the liquid ingredients, store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and shake with ice just before serving.
Avoid freezing, as it will alter the flavor and texture of the drink.
Nutrition & Benefits
Pomegranate juice is naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, adding a subtle health boost to your cocktail. Using fresh lemon juice also provides vitamin C and a clean citrus brightness.
While this is still an indulgent drink, making it at home allows you to adjust the sweetness and use high-quality ingredients.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make this in large batches?
Yes, combine all ingredients (without ice) in a pitcher and shake individual servings.
2. What vodka is best?
A smooth, premium vodka like Grey Goose or Tito’s works well.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
4. Is pomegranate juice sweet or tart?
Unsweetened juice is tart, but the simple syrup balances it out.
5. Can I serve it on the rocks?
Yes, just pour over ice in a short glass instead of a martini glass.
A Steakhouse Cocktail You’ll Want on Repeat
The Ruth’s Chris pomegranate martini is the kind of drink that feels like a special occasion in a glass. It’s crisp, colorful, and elegant, yet simple enough to make at home anytime.
Whether you’re hosting friends, celebrating a milestone, or just winding down after a long day, this recipe will bring a touch of steakhouse luxury to your kitchen.
