Toast to Día de los Muertos
Story and photo by Janna Zepp
In honor of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) let’s make a Pomegranate Margarita. Why pomegranate? Well, two of many reasons actually.
In Mexico, pomegranate seeds adorn the traditional dish chiles en nogada, representing the red of the Mexican flag in the dish with green (poblano pepper), white (nogada sauce) and red (pomegranate seeds).
Pomegranates also represent the Greek goddess, Persephone, bride of Hades, god of the Underworld. In the Persephone myth, eating exactly six arils (pomegranate seeds) signifies her choosing to exist in the Underworld for half the year. Each seed symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, weaving her destiny with the changing seasons.
Día de los Muertos celebrations traditionally happen on Nov. 1 and 2, but other days, such as Oct. 31 or Nov. 6 qualify for observation, depending on where they occur. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died.
Often, festivities take on a light-hearted, fun aspect to remember loved ones in joy and laughter. The festival is widely observed in Mexico and among people of Mexican heritage around the world. It falls during the Christian period of All Hallows (Allhallowtide).
Joining the symbolism of the Afterlife with a representation of Mexican heritage for Día de los Muertos, this drink can be enjoyed in various forms, including on the rocks or blended into a frozen treat.
Pomegranate margarita
Ingredients
Tequila
Pomegranate juice
Lime juice
Simple syrup or agave syrup
Triple sec or pomegranate syrup for extra flavor
Steps
Prepare the Glass: Rim the glass with lime juice and dip it in black salt for added flavor and a seasonal vibe.
Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:
2 ounces tequila
2 ounces pomegranate juice
1 ounce lime juice
0.5 ounce simple syrup or agave syrup
Shake well until chilled.
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge or pomegranate arils if desired.
Variations
Frozen pomegranate margarita: Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy version.
Non-alcoholic option: Substitute tequila with a non-alcoholic spirit or simply omit it for a refreshing mocktail.
