Pomegranate Kiss Recipe

Chill glass

Place a chilled coupe or flute in the freezer for 5–10 minutes, or fill with ice and water while prepping ingredients to cool the glass. Discard the ice water before pouring.

Build and shake

In a cocktail shaker, combine Stoli Orange Vodka (1.5 oz), pomegranate liqueur (0.75 oz), fresh lemon juice (0.25 oz) and simple syrup (0.25 oz, optional). Add a generous handful of ice (about 1 cup). Secure the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled.

Fine strain

Double-strain the shaken mixture into the chilled coupe or into a chilled flute using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to remove small ice shards and pulp.

Top with champagne

Carefully top the cocktail with dry Champagne or sparkling wine (about 3 oz). Pour slowly down the side of the glass to preserve bubbles and avoid overflow.

Drop 1 tsp of pomegranate arils into the center of the drink so they sink slowly and add visual interest.

Express an orange twist over the drink to release oils, then run the twist around the rim and rest it on the glass edge as a garnish.

Serve immediately while the Champagne is lively.