Los Angeles-based Pom Wonderful, part of The Wondeful Co., launched a social media contest to support local bars impacted by COVID-19 pandemic closures.
The competition will test bartenders' mixology skills as they create cocktails using Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice, according to a news release. The company grows pomegranates in California and processes juice, selling both the whole fruit and the juice.
Five winners will each designate a deserving bar to receive a $10,000 cash prize and year's supply of Pom juice.
People can compete nationwide, highlighting the sweet-yet-tart taste of Pom juice while using the #POMCocktailContest hashtag. Entrants have to create a signature Pom-inspired cocktail and share a photo of their creation on Instagram along with the recipe, tagging @POMWonderful and nominating a local bar. Entries will be judged on presentation, creativity, diversity of ingredients and the extent to which Pom juice is featured.
Ten finalists will be chosen Oct. 1, and their cocktails will be featured on the @POMWonderful Instagram page. Consumers can then vote for their favorite Pom cocktail by “liking” the photo to determine the semi-finalists. Five winners will be selected Oct. 11. Then the winners' nominated bars will get their cash and juice.
“The bar community played an important role in the beginnings of Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice, bringing to life the iconic Pom-tini and pomegranate margarita. With so many bars impacted by COVID-19 closures, we wanted to rally behind those who have supported us," Adam Cooper, senior vice president of marketing, said in the release.
“Through a friendly competition and unique Pom cocktails, we hope to bring some hope, excitement and flavor to the bars and bartenders that have had a challenging year.”
To learn more about the contest and for official rules, visit POMCocktails.prizelogic.com. For cocktail inspiration and information about Pom Wonderful, visit POMWonderful.com, on Facebook at /POMWonderful, and Instagram at @POMWonderful.