Pomegranate Cider Bourbon Splash

I’ve been sipping this Pomegranate Cider Bourbon Splash since I accidentally developed the recipe a few weeks ago. Can’t stop, won’t stop!

The holiday season is officially here–ready or not!–and it would be less than appropriate to celebrate without a festive cocktail. The nice thing about cocktails is that they spark conversation and get the party rolling in the right direction, and that direction would be slightly to the left and around the corner headed towards a good time.

It’s all about the memories, and not just the snippets we post on Instagram or Facebook. I’m talking about the real memories, the behind-the-scenes happenings where jokes fly and laughter is endless. You know you’ve had a good time the night before when you wake up the next day and your stomach aches from all the laughter.

Every year, I’m in charge of creating a signature cocktail for our Christmas and New Year’s festivities, and I always seem to reach for the bourbon. Last year I made this Blood Orange Bourbon Fizz. It’s as if I have no control over my hand as it searches for the bottle on the bar. Hey, that’s fine by me because bourbon is one of my very favorite things in life.

Well, bourbon and honey. Together. Shaken, not stirred.

I keep honey well stocked in my pantry. Since I use the sweet, golden liquid almost daily, it’s a fairly large stock. I buy in bulk. The all-natural sweetener is extremely versatile. I use it in virtually everything, from this Cherry-Balsamic Vinaigrette, to this Honey Jack cocktail, Chocolate Chip Energy Balls, Banana Bread Parfaits, and this Honey Orange Tea Cake. Of course, I drizzle some into my evening cup of hot tea.

Hands down, my favorite way to use honey is when I’m mixing up cocktails. It adds a delicate depth of sweet flavor that I adore when I’m sipping away.

As I mentioned before, this Pomegranate Cider Bourbon was a happy accident. I had some leftover cider and half a bottle of pomegranate juice in the fridge that needed attention. Both ingredients are delicious on their own, but they’re even better combined with a few shots of bourbon.

This cocktail is crisp, slightly tart, and just the right amount of sweet. The vanilla and oak notes from the bourbon create a well-balanced and very tasty boozy beverage.

For more information about honey’s natural benefits as well as recipes made with honey, visit the National Honey Board on honey.com, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Print Recipe

Pomegranate Cider Bourbon Splash

This cocktail is crisp, slightly tart, and just the right amount of sweet. The vanilla and oak notes from the bourbon create a well-balanced and very tasty boozy beverage.

Yield: 2 cocktails

Total Time: 5 minutes

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 2 ounces apple cider
• 1 and 1/2 ounces pomegranate juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• splash of ginger beer

Directions:

1. Add the first 5 ingredients to the cup of a cocktail shaker along with some ice. Give the mixture a few vigorous shakes. 
2. Divide the mixture between two rocks (or scotch) glasses filled with ice. Top with a splash of ginger beer and garnish with a wedge of lemon. 

All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.

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Disclosure: This recipe was developed for the lovely folks at the National Honey Board. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting my recipes and site while I work with brands I adore.