Grenadine is The Secret Ingredient to Pink co*cktails (2024)

There’s nothing more nostalgic than a Shirley Temple, a drink that was undeniably the ‘it’ drink of my elementary school years, and continues to trend today. The sugary concoctionfueled birthday parties and bar mitzvahs alike, leaving behind bright pink stained lips and an inevitable sugar crash in its wake. Despite my fondness for it, the Shirley Temple launched me into adulthood with a massive misconception: given the lure of the drink’s coveted maraschino cherry garnish, I always thought grenadine (one of just two ingredients in a Shirley Temple) was cherry-flavored. 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.

Grenadine is The Secret Ingredient to Pink co*cktails (2)

What is grenadine?

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.

“I love incorporating grenadine in co*cktails as a more complex sweetener,” says Elizabeth Larios, bar supervisor at Peaco*ck Room at the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot in New Orleans. Unlike sweeteners like simple syrup or honey syrup, grenadine also adds a touch of acid to drinks. “Grenadine serves a dual purpose in co*cktails, adding a beautiful hue to drinks while giving bartenders an opportunity to add an unexpected depth of flavor,” says Larios.

For best results, look for a grenadine that lists pomegranate juice as its first ingredient and has a darker, more maroon color.

How to use grenadine

Grenadine’s sweet and tart flavor is a great accompaniment to a range of co*cktail ingredients from the citrus juice and Tequila in a Mai Tai, to pineapple and gin for a Singapore Sling. At the Peaco*ck Room, Larios and her team use a homemade grenadine that calls for a touch of allspice, lemongrass, and hibiscus for added complexity. Grenadine also plays a leading role in the El Pavo Real, one of the bar’s most popular drinks, which features Tequila, spicy ancho chilies, and a duo of grenadine and hibiscus.

How to make grenadine

Making grenadine at home is a fairly simple process. Simply simmer pomegranate juice with the sugar over moderate heat, until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add orange flower water, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Substitutes for grenadine

While grenadine is relatively easy to find in liquor and grocery stores, there are few ingredients that can be swapped in for the syrup in a pinch. If you’re unable to find a bottle, tangy middle eastern pomegranate molasses (which also makes for a fantastic addition to salad vinaigrettes) can impart a similar flavor profile. Since pomegranate molasses leans more sour than sweet, add a bit of simple syrup to balance out the tartness.

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Grenadine is The Secret Ingredient to Pink co*cktails (2024)

FAQs

What is grenadine used for in co*cktails? ›

“Grenadine serves a dual purpose in co*cktails, adding a beautiful hue to drinks while giving bartenders an opportunity to add an unexpected depth of flavor,” says Larios. For best results, look for a grenadine that lists pomegranate juice as its first ingredient and has a darker, more maroon color.

How does grenadine get its color? ›

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.

Which fruit is used in the syrup grenadine quiz? ›

pomegranate derivative

juice is the source of grenadine syrup, used in flavourings and liqueurs.

What 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.

Why do people use 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.

What is grenadine juice good for? ›

Pomegranate juice can benefit the body in numerous ways. It can provide the body with antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin E, vitamin K, and magnesium. Pomegranate juice may also help to manage inflammatory conditions, support heart health , and lower blood pressure.

Is grenadine just cherry juice? ›

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.

What is the original grenadine? ›

Pomegranate juice was the original base of grenadine until the WWI blockades forced the switch to cheaper cherry flavorings. Our grenadine can be used to make many classic co*cktails, as well as an authentic Shirley Temple when mixed with ginger ale.

What is the color grenadine? ›

Grenadine is a deep, muted, candy apple red with a ruby undertone. It is a perfect paint color to add drama to an entrance or dining area of your home. Pair it with off-white trim.

Does grenadine go bad? ›

Unopened grenadine syrup typically has a long shelf life. If stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, it can last for several years beyond the "best by" date on the bottle. The high sugar content in grenadine serves as a natural preservative, helping to extend its shelf life.

Does grenadine have alcohol? ›

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.

Why does grenadine taste so good? ›

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.

Do all bitters have alcohol? ›

Bitters are technically alcoholic, and they're usually between 35% to 45% ABV. Because they're sold in such small bottles and their flavor is so strong, most recipes call for just a dash or a few drops, making its overall alcohol contribution negligible, and why you don't need to be 21 or older to buy them.

Is there a natural grenadine? ›

Toss out the artificial grenadine for our all natural grenadine syrup. We've gone back to the original grenadine recipe (pomegranate and lime juice) and swapped out refined sugars with maple syrup to create a truly delicious, all-natural grenadine.

What flavor is blue curacao? ›

What Does Blue Curacao Taste Like? Blue curacao has a dominant orange, citrus flavor with a slightly bitter finish. It offers a tangy and refreshing experience stemming from the infusion of Laraha citrus fruit peels, which creates a vibrant and aromatic liqueur that adds a burst of citrus to any drink.

What is the flavor of grenadine? ›

Indulge in the luscious allure of grenadine, a vibrant red syrup known for its sweet and tangy flavor. From its origins as a pomegranate-based concoction to its modern-day versatility in co*cktails, discover how this beloved ingredient adds a burst of fruity delight to your favorite libations.

Does grenadine have 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!

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.

Is grenadine just cherry syrup? ›

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.

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