I discovered this Spicy Ginger Cranberry–Pomegranate Paloma a couple of years ago (inspired by this recipe) and added a few twists of my own, and it’s been a favorite ever since. With the holiday season here, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a festive drink in hand. This one is a true showstopper, perfectly balancing sweet, tart, and spicy flavors. I had the perfect excuse to make it for a group of friends over the weekend, and it was a hit, don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe.
Last year a friend hosted a party called “The Twelve Drinks of Christmas,” where each couple was asked to bring their favorite cocktail to share with the group while also dressing the part. I knew I wanted to bring my favorite drink but wasn’t sure how to present it until I came across the cutest mini ornament bulbs, and inspiration struck! I decided to hang them from mini trees to create an extra festive vibe and then I just lined the sugar and spiced-rimmed cups in front of them. They were a hit!
(Such a fun night, thank you, Beaudines!)
Plastic Shot Glasses | Drink Ornaments | Festive Birch Tree
Because I like this drink so much, I even made IT AGAIN for this year’s Christmas party and just re-named it the Fra-gee-lay Fizz Paloma.
The theme of the party was to dress up as and create a cocktail based on your favorite Christmas movie. We went with the classic, A Christmas Story, and almost created an “Ovaltini,” but what I truly want during the holidays is this drink so that beat out creativity.
I wanted to make it easy for everyone to enjoy, so below, I’ve shared the recipe a few ways:
– A single serving for cozy nights at home
– A pitcher for small gatherings (8)
– 30 mini tasters for a crowd
Ingredients:
– Spicy Ginger Syrup (serves 8) – can be stored for up to two weeks
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
– 1/2 tsp cayenne
– 8 mint leaves
Paloma (see further below for pitcher measurements)
– 1/2 cup diet cranberry juice
– 1/8 cup grapefruit juice
– 1/8 cup pomegranate juice
– Juice from 1/2 a lime
– 2 TBSP Spicy Ginger Syrup
– Ginger beer (or sparkling water) for topping
– Optional – 2 ounces tequila blanco or vodka
For a pitcher (same measurements also work great for filling up 30 mini tasters)
– 4 cups diet cranberry juice
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 1 cup grapefruit juice
– Juice from 3.5 limes
– 1/2 cup Spicy Ginger Syrup
– *Optional 1-2 cups tequila blanco or vodka (depends on how strong you want to make them- I prefer 1 cup)
-2 Ginger beers (preferred) or sparkling water for topping
Spicy Sweet Rim
– 1 TBSP coarse sugar
– 1 TBSP granulated sugar
– Pinch of cayenne
-Lime wedge (for getting the sugar to stick)
Optional garnishes
– Dried orange slice
Slice the oranges or mandarins as thinly as possible and gently blot them with a paper towel. Arrange them in a single layer directly on the oven rack or on an oven-safe baking rack, making sure not to overcrowd. Bake at 200°F for 3–5 hours, depending on the size of your citrus. You’re looking for them to be fully dried, not browned or burnt. I like to let them slowly dry in the oven throughout the day, removing them once they’ve hardened. The mandarin oranges I made this year took about 3 hours.
– Rosemary sprig
– Sugared Cranberries
Simmer ¾ cup water with ¾ cup granulated sugar until dissolved, pour the warm syrup over 1 cup fresh cranberries and let sit for 15 minutes. Drain and spread the cranberries out to dry until slightly sticky, about 1 hour, toss with the remaining ½ cup sugar until fully coated. Let dry again for 1 hour at room temperature. Use immediately, or store covered in the refrigerator for a few days.
Instructions:
Spicy Ginger Syrup – bring 1/2 cup water, honey, ginger, cayenne, and mint to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, simmer 1-2 minutes, remove from heat, and let sit 10 minutes. Strain out the ginger and mint. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Spicy Sweet Rim – mix the coarse sugar, sugar, and a pinch of cayenne in a bowl. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip into the sugar mix.
For the Paloma:
Add the cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, spicy ginger syrup, and (optional) liquor of choice. Stir to combine. Once you pour your drink over ice, then top with ginger beer (or sparkling water) and any garnishes. Enjoy!
*I have also kept the alcohol out of this drink and allowed guests to add in their own if they’d like, or keep it a mocktail.
I hope you give this one a try, it has been enjoyed by all who have tried it so far over here.
Fillable Ornament bulbs | Glassware | Ball ice cube molds
Merry Christmas!
<3 Lady
