What Is Grenadine and How Do You Make It? (2024)

This ruby red syrup is key to making a wide range of drinks.

Published on July 28, 2020

It's likely that you've sipped on grenadine, even if you didn't realize it at the time. This bright red syrup is a key ingredient for adding a little tartness and lot of sweetness to co*cktails (and mocktails) of all types, from the classy hurricane to a kid-friendly Shirley Temple. But what exactly is this mystery ingredient? We'll break down everything you need to know about grenadine syrup.

What Is Grenadine?

Originally, grenadine was made with a base of pomegranate juice, which is how it got its name — the French word for pomegranate is grenade. 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. This combination means that store-bought syrups are more heavy-handed with the sweetness and don't have the same complex flavors that would come from making homemade grenadine syrup with fruit juices.

How to Use Grenadine Syrup

A fixture at bars, grenadine is used in most tropical or fruity co*cktails to give an extra boost of sweetness and bright color. Some common drinks that use grenadine include tequila sunrise, hurricane, and Bahama mama.

But this versatile ingredient isn't just limited to alcoholic beverages. It's also a popular choice for mixing up mocktails. Grenadine is featured in many kid-friendly drinks like Shirley Temple or cherry limeade.

What Is Grenadine and How Do You Make It? (1)

Can I Make Grenadine at Home?

Grenadine is incredibly easy to whip up at home. A basic grenadine recipe is one-part pomegranate juice to two-parts granulated sugar. The mixture is dissolved together in a saucepan, and once it's cool and bottled, you're ready to get started mixing.

If you like a grenadine that has a more tart bite, feel free to add a dash of fresh lemon juice to-taste to your syrup mixture.

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What Is Grenadine and How Do You Make It? (2024)

FAQs

What is grenadine made out of? ›

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.

How would you describe grenadine? ›

Grenadine is a syrup made from pomegranates. It's red, thick, and sticky but delicious mixed with other drinks. If you've ever had a proper Shirley Temple, you've had grenadine and maybe even a little umbrella.

What does grenadine taste like? ›

Grenadine, a popular syrup, commonly serves as a key ingredient in co*cktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Its sweet and fruity flavor originates from simmering pomegranate juice with sugar, resulting in a thick, syrupy consistency.

What is a homemade substitute for grenadine? ›

Ingredients
  1. 2 cups pomegranate juice.
  2. 2 cups granulated sugar.
  3. 1 to 2 dashes orange flower water.
Feb 5, 2024

Is there any alcohol in grenadine? ›

Grenadine /ˈɡrɛnədiːn/ is a commonly used nonalcoholic bar syrup characterized by its deep red color. It is a popular co*cktail ingredient renowned for its flavor as well as its ability to give a reddish or pink tint to mixed drinks.

Why is grenadine so good? ›

Grenadine Flavor

“Grenadine, as its syrup form, adds a significant amount of sweetness and viscosity to the pomegranate flavor, creating an easily palatable lingering experience. It's truly delicious with just about anything.”

What is the difference between grenadine and syrup? ›

Real grenadine is not “pomegranate syrup”, but it is made with pomegranates. Pomegranate syrup is only pomegranate juice and sugar. Grenadine has the addition of pomegranate molasses and orange blossom water (or Rose Water). This gives the syrup a deep, fruity flavor.

Can you drink grenadine by itself? ›

Grenadine syrup can be enjoyed on its own, but it is quite sweet due to its high sugar content. It is commonly used as a flavoring and coloring agent in co*cktails and mocktails, but some people may enjoy it diluted with water or soda for a sweet and refreshing drink.

Does grenadine need to be refrigerated? ›

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 the same as maraschino cherry juice? ›

Grenadine, real grenadine, 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).

Is grenadine similar to strawberry? ›

Nowadays grenadine is made up of a mix of red berry fruits such as raspberry, red currant, elderberry, black currant and strawberry, with a hint of vanilla. And unfortunately plenty of sugar. To prepare grenadine, dilute it 1 part to 7 or 8 parts water, don't make the mistake of trying to drink it neat!

Can I use cranberry juice instead of grenadine? ›

But, for a less faithful adaptation that'll add a pleasant shot of tartness to your co*cktails, swap grenadine for another crimson jewel: Make our homemade grenadine with cranberry juice instead.

Which fruit is grenadine made from? ›

Grenadine or grenadine syrup is probably the most well-known fruit syrup. Made from the juice of pomegranates, it is a thick ruby red colour with a strong, very sweet flavour.

What to do if you don't have grenadine? ›

Substitutes for Grenadine
  1. Homemade Grenadine. The best substitute for grenadine is making your own Homemade Grenadine syrup. ...
  2. Pomegranate Juice. Since this tart syrup is made using pomegranate juice it also makes a great substitute. ...
  3. Maraschino Juice. ...
  4. Raspberry Syrup. ...
  5. Pomegranate Molasses. ...
  6. Strawberry Syrup. ...
  7. Crème de Cassis.
Feb 7, 2023

Is grenadine a pom or cherry? ›

It was a few years into my 20s — and many years into working in restaurants) — when I finally learned the truth, that grenadine is in fact made not from cherries but from pomegranates, which give the delicious syrup its red hue and balanced sweet and sour flavor.

What is a Shirley Temple made of? ›

A Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic mixed drink traditionally made with ginger ale and a splash of grenadine, and garnished with a maraschino cherry. Modern Shirley Temple recipes may substitute lemon-lime soda or lemonade and sometimes orange juice, in part or in whole.

Can a pregnant woman drink grenadine? ›

Use your pregnancy as an opportunity to try out non‑alcoholic drinks and mocktails: Sparkling water flavoured with sliced fruit or cucumber, fresh herbs, syrup (e.g., grenadine, ginger, grapefruit), or juice. Homemade iced tea or chilled fruit infusions.

Is grenadine strawberry syrup? ›

A rich crimson syrup, grenadine is crafted with pomegranate juice, which imparts a wonderfully sweet-meets-tart flavor. It's precisely this varied and very much balanced profile that has made the syrup a favorite in all sorts of mocktails and co*cktails.

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