Like many co*cktail newbies, I always thought grenadine referred to cherry juice. Specifically the neon-red cherry juice in the jar of maraschino cherries that the bartenders at weddings would use to make my Shirley Temples when I was little. I knew you could buy a bottle of grenadine, and I figured that was just the same stuff packaged up by itself to make it easier for adding to co*cktails. But that’s not the case.
Grenadine, realgrenadine, is made from pomegranate juice. No cherries involved. In fact, the word comes from the French word for pomegranate, grenade (incidentally, the word “grenade” referring to the bomb probably originates with this French term as well – there’s your non-co*cktail-related tidbit for the day). As far as when it originated, it’s unclear. This post at Alcademics (great name) searches all the classic co*cktail books for evidence of when grenadine became widely used. The first mention of it is in 1891 in co*cktail Boothby’s American Bartender. Before that, raspberry syrup was more popular than pomegranate. But by the 1910’s, grenadine starts popping up everywhere. Popular drinks that are made with grenadine include the Tequila Sunrise, Jack Rose, Ward 8, and Monkey Gland.
The stuff you can buy off the shelf that’s labeled “grenadine” is, nine times out of ten, nothing more than high fructose corn syrup dyed red. Seriously. The ingredients in a bottle of Rose’s Grenadine are high fructose corn syrup, water, citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate, red #40, natural and artificial flavors, and blue #1. (Mmmm, blue #1.) It’s a shame, becauseRose’sgot its start in 1867 selling sweetened preserved lime juice to British sailors to prevent scurvy, which then became a popular ingredient in 19th century drinks. They’re a real piece of co*cktail history. Then they were purchased and traded by one big corporation after another (right now they are part of the “Dr. Pepper Snapple” group of Schweppes) and now they make nothing but brightly-colored sugar water. But I digress.
If you really want to include grenadine in your co*cktails, the best thing to do is make it yourself. It’s incredibly easy: the recipe is just equal parts pomegranate juice and sugar. Simmer on the stove until the sugar is dissolved. Basically, it’s simple syrup with pomegranate juice instead of water. Some people recommend adding a dash of orange flower water or rosewater for flavor, or a bit of vodka to help it keep longer.
Since I’ve got a big batch of grenadine mixed up, and since that pomegranate juice don’t come cheap, I’m officially declaring it “pink week” on Garnish. Whip up your own grenadine and follow along; four very pink recipes are coming your way.
Grenadine
1 part pomegranate juice
1 part sugar
1 dash orange flower water or rosewater (optional)
Combine pomegranate juice and sugar in a saucepan. Simmer on low until sugar is completely dissolved. Let cool. Add orange flower water or rosewater if desired. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Recipe from David Lebovitz.
FAQs
Contrary to popular belief, grenadine is not a cherry-flavored syrup. Maraschino cherries have nothing to do with it. This sweet-tart syrup is actually made from pomegranates, and it is surprisingly easy to make at home. Think of grenadine the way you might consider simple syrup and sour mix.
Why is grenadine so good? ›
It's really the acidity added from natural pomegranates that store-bought grenadines sometimes lack. “Pomegranates are naturally tart, which balances the sweetness,” says Anderson.
How does grenadine work? ›
Grenadine is a syrup used in co*cktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and somewhat rarely in cooking. Made from pomegranate juice that gets cooked down with sugar, grenadine has a delicious balance of mouth-puckering tartness and sweetness that adds surprising depth to co*cktails.
What is the history of grenadine? ›
HISTORY OF GRENADINE:
In the 17th century, grenadine emerged with a fascinating and extensive history. Initially, the syrup was crafted by combining pomegranate juice and sugar, serving as a medicinal tonic. Eventually, it found its way to the Caribbean, where it gained popularity as a coveted ingredient in co*cktails.
Do you have to refrigerate grenadine? ›
Grenadine syrup typically does not need to be refrigerated, however, storing grenadine in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat sources is advisable to maintain its quality! Hmmm…so THAT'S why they keep bars so cool and dark!
Is grenadine a strawberry or cherry? ›
Grenadine is a syrup traditionally made from pomegranate, but may also be made from other fruits such as elder, blackcurrant, raspberry, gooseberry, or commercially sourced natural or artificial flavors.
What flavor is grenadine actually? ›
Grenadine (n.) A syrup made from pomegranate juice and sugar. Though most modern, sickly sweet Grenadine is made with high-fructose corn syrup and red dye, true Grenadine imparts tartness and actual pomegranate flavor, along with the sweetness.
Why pour grenadine over spoon? ›
The most common technique to float or layer an ingredient is to pour it slowly over the back of a spoon. This disperses the liquid over a wider surface area, allowing it to float rather than sink under its own weight.
What is the main fruit in grenadine? ›
Pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice are the three main ingredients of homemade grenadine syrup, creating the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Store-bought grenadine on the other hand is usually made with little more than high-fructose corn syrup, citric acid, and red food coloring.
Why do they call it grenadine? ›
As for the name: “Grenadine” derives from the French word for pomegranate, “grenade” — not from the Grenadines archipelago, the island nation of Grenada, or the Spanish city of Granada. This syrup is all about a specific ingredient: pomegranates.
The syrup can be made at home or bought, but the liquor site warns that store-bought versions are often full of corn syrup and food coloring. The bartender goes on to share that his bar carries grenadine from two different brands because one of them, Finest Call, has 1% alcohol while the other is alcohol-free.
Does grenadine go on top or bottom? ›
Tequila and then orange juice (fresh is best) are added to a highball glass filled with ice. Grenadine is applied last, but due to its density, it sinks to the bottom, creating a red layer at the base of the glass.
Why does grenadine taste so good? ›
Both the sweet taste and the bright red color are derived from pomegranates (which have been called the most seductive fruit). The fruit is the prominent flavor of the syrup, providing the fruity, sweet taste it's known for. The syrup's name, grenadine, even comes from the French word for pomegranate.
Which country is grenadine in? ›
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (/ˌɡrɛnəˈdiːnz/ GREH-nə-DEENZ) is an island country in the eastern Caribbean.
Why is cherry syrup called grenadine? ›
Grenadine was originally a pomegranate syrup, according to Smith — in fact, the name comes from the word “grenade” in French, which translates to pomegranate. Surprisingly, it has no association with the Grenadines archipelago.
What can be substituted for maraschino cherry juice? ›
Alcohol Free Maraschino Cherry Substitute
- 1 cup organic unsweetened Black Cherry Juice (I used Lakewood Pure Black Cherry juice)
- 1 cup filtered water.
- 2 organic whole cinnamon sticks.
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice.
- 16 oz sweet red cherries pitted.
- 1 Tbsp pure almond extract.
While making your own homemade maraschino cherries might sound like a rather lofty project, the process is surprisingly simple: Frozen pitted cherries get soaked in a concentrated simple syrup that's bolstered by lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a bit of almond extract until sweet and softened.
Is Rose's grenadine syrup cherry? ›
Rose's also makes the finest grenadine syrup. It has what most other grenadines lost long ago - the rich, singular flavor of pomegranates.
