“Bloody” Pomegranate Cocktail for Halloween (How to Make a Dry Ice Cocktail)

This “Bloody” Pomegranate Cosmo is the perfect cocktail for Halloween night – tart and fruity with fun special effects thanks to the dry ice.

It has a subtle sweetness with flavors of pomegranate and citrus. Red agave on the rim of the glass adds a bit of extra sweetness to balance out this sour Halloween cocktail.

You’ll love serving this spooky drink at your next Halloween party!

Creating This Pomegranate Cocktail for Halloween

This time of year means themed cocktails for the Halloween season! I’ve tweaked a classic cosmo to bring you a spooky variation of a Cosmopolitan that I think is one of the best Halloween cocktails.

What is a Cosmopolitan?

IBA specifies that a classic cosmo be made with Citron Vodka, Cointreau, Cranberry Juice and Lime Juice.

One of the best things about this classic drink is that it has simple ingredients and any bartender can make it.

Pomegranate Cosmo for Halloween vs Classic Cosmopolitans

My dry ice cocktail for Halloween is very similar to the original cosmo, but with three simple differences:

In this Halloween vodka cocktail I use pomegranate juice instead of cranberry juice, adds some pomegranate liqueur to enhance the pomegranate flavor, and is served with dry ice for a spooky effect

Safety Tip: Never ingest dry ice.

What Does this Halloween Vodka Cocktail Taste Like?

This Pomegranate Vodka Cocktail has the perfect balance of tart and fruity with flavors of pomegranate and citrus. An agave rim adds a bit of extra sweetness to balance out this sour cocktail.

When Should You Serve this Halloween Dry Ice Cocktail? 

A “Bloody” Pomegranate Cosmo is perfect for a 21+ Halloween party, a scary movie night in, or just for sipping at home while you’re passing candy out to the neighborhood kids.

Can I Make this Pomegranate Cocktail Some Time Besides Halloween?

Of course! The only Halloween elements to this dry ice cocktail are the “bloody” rim and the dry ice.

To serve this cocktail outside of spooky season, omit those two optional ingredients and this pomegranate cocktail can double as a festive cocktail for the holiday season, too!

A sprig of rosemary would be a the perfect way to garnish this pomegranate vodka cocktail for a winter season holiday party or with your Christmas Day dinner.

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Tools Needed to Make this Pomegranate Cocktail for Halloween

• Cocktail Shaker or Mason Jar — This recipe makes two pomegranate cocktails. It’s easiest to measure the ingredients directly into the shaker. 
• Strainer for shaker — Most cocktail shaker sets come with a strainer included, but if you don’t have one you need it for this recipe. 
• Jigger — Makes measuring out cocktail ingredients quick and easy.
• Citrus juicer — Makes it much easier to juice your limes for this pomegranate cocktails. Tip: rolling limes on the counter before juicing will help them release even more juice. 
• Tongs — for handling the dry ice. 

Ingredients in this Halloween Vodka Cocktail with Pomegranate

Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients to make this dry ice cocktail for Halloween.

What is in the “Bloody” Cocktail Rim

• Agave Nectar – great for the “bloody” rim because it is clear and thick. Honey would also work but it has a more distinct flavor than agave.
• Red Food Coloring – turns the agave a deep red color. Recommended: Americolor Super Red.

For the Pomegranate Cocktail

• Citron Vodka – citrus vodka is the base of a classic cosmo so that’s what we’re using as well.
• Fresh Pomegranate Juice – adds a subtle sweetness and tartness to the cosmo.
• Cointreau – adds a bit of acidity and citrus flavor to the drink.
• Pomegranate Liqueur – enhances the flavor of the pomegranate in our cosmo.
• Fresh Lime Juice – adds a bit more acidity and citrus to the cocktail. Freshly squeezed lime juice really makes a difference!
• Simple Syrup – make your own by combining water and sugar in a 1:1 ratio.

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make this Halloween Vodka Cocktail, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

What’s the Best Vodka for this Cocktail for Halloween? 

Traditionally a Cosmo uses Citron Vodka, such as this Grey Goose Citron Vodka (which runs around $40 for 1 liter). You don’t have to choose the most expensive vodka, but definitely don’t choose the cheapest.

Alternatively, you may choose to use plain vodka and/or support local and look for a brand that is produced in your state. We live in Colorado and like Breckenridge Vodka for a local unflavored vodka.

What Is Cointreau?

Cointreau (pronounced “kwan-troh”) is an, orange-flavored liqueur. It’s a type of triple sec, but it’s stronger and smoother in flavor than name-brand Triple Sec. 

When buying cointreau for making cosmopolitans, I prefer to stick with Cointreau brand cointreau (hey, at least that’s easy to remember!). 

Acceptable cointreau substitutes are: Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, or Orange Curaçao.  

How to Make this Dry Ice Cocktail for Halloween

This recipe is so easy to make! Here is a quick summary of this Halloween dry ice cocktail.

How to Make a “Bloody” Rim for a Halloween Cocktail

Creating a bloody rim for your martini glass rim is super simple, and you can use this method on any cocktail glass. Here’s how to make a spooky bloody rim for Halloween cocktails: 

• Mix together the agave and red food coloring in a small bowl until you have a blood-red color.
• Spoon the mixture around the rim of your glass and set aside while you prepare the cocktail.

Note: This drink is naturally a tan-orange color. To make it bright “blood” red, add a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of any leftover agave “blood” rim to the drink before serving.

Making this Halloween Vodka Cocktail with Dry Ice

If desired, you can pre-chill your glass by filling it with ice while you prepare the cocktail. Simply dump out the ice before straining the cocktail into the glass. 

• First, fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Then, combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker, add a small amount of the red agave to get a bright red color and shake vigorously.
• Strain into prepared glass.

Check out the full recipe for this Halloween cocktail in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

How to Use Dry Ice in a Cocktail for Halloween

Dry ice in cocktails creates a fun, spooky effect that is perfect for Halloween!

If you want your Pomegranate Cocktails to smoke like something out of a witches cauldron, you can add a small piece of dry ice (about ½” cube) to each glass before serving. Make sure you review the safety tips below.

Dry Ice Cocktail Safety

While dry ice can be really fun to add to Halloween cocktails, there are some safety considerations when adding dry ice to cocktails:

• Allow the drink to stop smoking before enjoying.
• Never consume dry ice.
• Always handle dry ice with caution.
• Use temperature proof gloves and utensils– never handle dry ice with your bare hands.
• Do not store dry ice in a sealed container.
• Always consult a safety data sheet before handling dry ice.

Is a Cosmopolitan Shaken or Stirred? 

Cosmopolitans should always be shaken to ensure the drink is properly mixed. 

Because this vodka and pomegranate cocktail is made with a blend of liqueurs and fruit juices, shaking it for at least 30 seconds brings all the flavors together and also makes for a colder cocktail. 

What Kind of Glass Should You Serve this Vodka Cocktail for Halloween in?

Cosmopolitans are typically served in a martini glass, but they can also be served in a coupe glass. These are the coupe glasses I have and I love them! 

Halloween Cocktail Garnish Ideas 

I don’t like to add too many garnishes to my cosmos because the flavor of the cocktail is so delicious as is and you’ve already got the “bloody” rim to contend with.

However, some garnish ideas to try include: 

• Halloween cocktail picks or skewers
• Fake eyeballs
• Slice of lime 
• Twist of lime peel
• Pomegranate seeds (also called pomegranate arils)

Tips for the Best Pomegranate Cocktail for Halloween

Want to know how to make the best Pomegranate Cosmos? Hint: a good cocktail starts with quality ingredients. Here are my tips for making this delicious cocktail:

• Use 100% pure pomegranate juice — Make sure it contains no added sugars or other juices. You won’t want to use something labeled pomegranate juice cocktail. 
• Fresh lime juice is better than bottled — However, bottled lime juice will work in a pinch. The flavor of the cocktail just won’t be as fresh. 
• Buy quality alcohol — Your cosmos will only taste as good as the quality of ingredients, so avoid buying the cheapest vodka and liqueurs if you can help it. 
• Store the vodka in the freezer. This will keep it nice and cold.
• Chill your glasses in the fridge — Or, pre-chill them by filling them with ice. Either way, the chilled glass will keep your cocktail colder for longer. 

How to Make this a Pitcher Cocktail

Just combine all of the ingredients in a pitcher (except the dry ice). Mix thoroughly.

Then, when ready to serve, pour pour single servings in individual glasses for party guests as they arrive. After that, add the dry ice directly to the glass.

To make 23 servings (approximately 1/2 cup each):

• 4 cups Vodka
• 3 cups Pomegranate Juice
• 1 1/2 cups Cointreau
• 1 1/2 cups Lime Juice
• 1 1/2 cups Pomegranate Liqueur
• 11.5 tablespoons Simple Syrup

Can I Make this a Punch Bowl Cocktail for Halloween?

Yes! This is perfect for Halloween parties. You can use the above measurements to build this Halloween vodka cocktail in a punch bowl or a witch’s cauldron.

Add the dry ice to the bowl and include a ladle for serving the cocktail.

Variations to Try

Because this pomegranate vodka cocktail is relatively simple, it’s easy to customize as you see fit. Here are some cocktail variations you can try: 

• Try regular vodka or different flavored vodkas, such as pomegranate vodka.
• Swap orange juice or lemon juice for the lime juice. 
• Use black raspberry liqueur in place of Pomegranate PAMA liqueur
• Prefer gin? Swap out the vodka for a dry gin and make a pomegranate gin cocktail.

Can This Halloween Cocktail Recipe Be Made Non-Alcoholic?

Alcohol-free spirits are great as an alternative if you’re sober curious or don’t consume alcoholic drinks. 

I’ve never made Pomegranate Cosmopolitan with alcohol-free spirits so I can’t speak to the exact taste, but here are some highly rated non-alcoholic spirits you can try for yourself: 

• Alcohol-free Vodka: Try using Strykk or CleanCo instead. Or, simply replace vodka with club soda or tonic water.
• Alcohol-free orange liqueur: Lyre’s

You could also try using ginger beer, ginger ale, or soda water in place of the vodka and fresh squeezed orange juice and a little orange zest in place of the cointreau! 

Safety tip: Depending on the brand you use, some alcohol-removed spirits may still contain trace amounts of alcohol. Check before using if you’re pregnant, serving the mocktails to kids, etc. 

Try this Easy Pomegranate Cocktail for Halloween!

Next time you’re looking for fun spooky cocktails, give this Bloody Pomegranate Cosmopolitan a try!

Did you think it was a great addition to your Halloween party? Leave a comment below and give it a star rating for others to see what you thought of this dry ice cocktail.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this pomegranate vodka cocktail!

More Easy Cocktail Recipes: 

Bitter, bubbly, and slightly sour, this Grapefruit Vodka Tonic is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail! Who knew that vodka and grapefruit juice could taste so good? 

This Spooky Gin Spritz is a super easy cocktail to make for Halloween – this lemon and raspberry cocktail is tart and fruity cocktail with plenty of spritz thanks to the thanks to the sparkling water.

Fresh pressed apple cider, tart pomegranate juice, and Tempranillo pair with mulling spices and fresh fruit to create a fall-inspired cocktail. This mulled wine recipe is perfect for sipping during this autumn and winter season.

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

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For the step-by-step version of this recipe, check out the How to Make a Bloody Pomegranate Cocktail Story.