Thanksgiving in a Glass: The Bubbly Pomegranate Smash

A Holiday Feature Recipe from Bubbles Don’t Count & Moments With Tammie

As Thanksgiving arrives, it’s the perfect moment to bring something bright, festive, and flavorful to the table — and nothing captures that spirit better than a sparkling Pomegranate Smash.

This version gets a North-of-the-border twist: we sweeten it with pure Canadian maple syrup, giving the cocktail a warm, caramel richness that complements pomegranate beautifully.

It’s the perfect pre-dinner sipper for a long weekend of gathering, gratitude, and good food.

Ingredients

• 60 ml (2 fl oz) pomegranate juice

• 1 teaspoon Canadian maple syrup

• 30 ml (1 fl oz) vodka

• 1 teaspoon crème de cassis

• Chilled Prosecco, to top

• 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds

• Mint sprig, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather Your Ingredients

There’s something wonderfully grounding about setting everything out before you begin. The colors — deep red pomegranate, golden maple syrup, bright green mint — already feel like Thanksgiving on a tray.

2. Build the Base in Your Shaker

Pour the pomegranate juice, maple syrup, vodka, and crème de cassis into a cocktail shaker. If your maple syrup is extra thick (as Canadian syrup often is), give it a little stir with the juice so it blends smoothly.

3. Shake Until Frosty

Add a generous handful of ice, seal the shaker, and shake for 10–15 seconds. You’ll feel the metal turn cold and frosty — that’s your sign that everything inside is perfectly chilled and beautifully combined.

4. Strain Into a Glass

Strain the mixture into your favorite glass. A coupe looks elegant and festive, but a rocks glass works too.Either way, the deep ruby color steals the show.

5. Add Sparkling Wine

Top slowly with chilled Prosecco, letting the bubbles rise and mingle with the pomegranate. It’s one of those tiny, beautiful moments that makes holiday cocktails feel special.

6. Garnish and Serve

Add a spoonful of pomegranate seeds and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately while it’s cold, crisp, and sparkling.

Non-Alcoholic Version (Just As Festive!)

If you’re serving a mixed crowd — kids, grandparents, designated drivers — or simply want a lighter option before a big Thanksgiving feast, this non-alcoholic version keeps all the jewel-toned charm and bright flavor.

Ingredients (NA Version)

• 60 ml (2 fl oz) pomegranate juice

• 1 teaspoon Canadian maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon crème de cassis syrup or blackcurrant cordial

• Chilled sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco

• Pomegranate seeds & mint, for garnish

Instructions

1. Add pomegranate juice, maple syrup, and cassis syrup to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake until well-chilled.

3. Strain into a glass.

4. Top with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic Prosecco alternative.

5. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and mint.

It’s just as beautiful — and no one will feel like they’re sipping the “kid version.”

Pomegranates & Thanksgiving: A Seasonal Tradition

Long before they became trendy in cocktails and holiday salads, pomegranates were a traditional symbol of abundance, prosperity, and gratitude across many cultures.

Their harvest season runs from early fall through winter, which meant they often appeared in late-autumn feasts — including some early American celebrations.

While not as iconic as pumpkin or cranberries, pomegranates have quietly been part of North America’s seasonal cooking for centuries.

Their jewel-like seeds, vibrant colour, and symbolic connection to life, renewal, and blessings make them a natural fit for Thanksgiving gatherings.

Bringing pomegranate into your holiday cocktail isn’t just delicious — it’s a subtle nod to the roots of the season and a way to honour traditions of harvest, gratitude, and abundance.