What is grenadine syrup? You might be surprised to find out what it’s actually supposed to taste like. Find out everything you need to know about this lip-staining syrup.
Sipping away on a Shirley Temple or a Tequila Sunrise (or, heck, maybe both—you deserve it!) you may be overtaken by the sheer beauty of your tipple’s crimson tint. Well, you have grenadine to thank for that. Today, we’ll take a closer look at this striking syrup and answer all your grenadine questions.
What is grenadine made of?
Homemade grenadine syrup is typically made from a combination of pomegranate juice, sugar, and occasionally a small amount of lemon juice. These ingredients are combined and heated to dissolve the sugar, creating a sweet and flavorful syrup. Commercially produced grenadine may contain additional ingredients, such as preservatives or flavor enhancers. Or they may contain no trace of pomegranate and only those “additional” ingredients. Rose’s grenadine, for example, contains high fructose corn syrup, water, citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate, red 40, natural and artificial flavors, and blue 1.
Does grenadine have alcohol?
Traditional grenadine syrup does not contain alcohol. But there are a few versions out there that contain trace amounts of alcohol. So, if you’re making Shirley Temples or Roy Rogers for kiddos, make sure to check the label.
What flavor is grenadine syrup? What does grenadine taste like?
Classic grenadine syrup made with pomegranate juice has a sweet and slightly tart flavor with just a hint of tannic bitterness at the end. It adds delicious complexity to co*cktails, as well as a beautiful red hue. But more highly processed grenadine syrup tastes very, very sweet with just the slightest twinge of artificial bitterness thanks to the dye.
Does grenadine go bad?
Grenadine syrup, if stored properly, has a relatively long shelf life. The high sugar content acts as a preservative, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. However, prolonged exposure to air and contaminants can impact the quality over time. But, you’ll be adding it to so many delicious drinks, you’ll be rid of it well before that!
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! Now I understand why that bartender told me to put away my space heater and sun lamp.
So, the next time you’re looking to broaden your options in your minibar, grab some grenadine and get to mixing! One sip of that Jack Rose and you’ll be wondering how you ever went without it! In fact, you’ll be so worked up that you’ll be seeing red… Oh wait, nevermind, that’s just the grenadine, all good!
FAQs
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.
Is there red dye 40 in grenadine? ›
The Mott's brand "Rose's" is by far the most common brand of grenadine sold in the United States, and is formulated from (in order of concentration) high fructose corn syrup, water, citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate, FD&C Red #40, natural and artificial flavors, and FD&C Blue #1.
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.
What are the ingredients in Rose's grenadine syrup? ›
Ingredient Statement: HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, WATER, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM CITRATE, SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVE), RED 40, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, BLUE 1.
Is grenadine actually pomegranate? ›
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.
Is there any alcohol in grenadine? ›
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.
Is red dye 40 in co*ke? ›
Here are some examples of drinks that kids drink on regular basis that contain red dye #40: Coca Cola, Dr. Pepper, Seven Up, Gatorade, Hawaiian Punch, and Pepsi.
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.
Is red dye 40 illegal? ›
In 2022, the European Union prohibited it from use in food offered for sale, but it is still allowed in food sold in the U.S. Red Dye No. 40 has not been evaluated for health risks since 1971. Many studies show it may pose a risk to brain development in children, hyperactivity and even cancer .
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.
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.
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. She adds lime juice to her recipe at J.T. Copper to amp up the tartness.
What is a natural substitute for grenadine? ›
Pomegranate juice + simple syrup
Another great grenadine substitute? Pomegranate juice and simple syrup. Mix together 2 parts simple syrup and 1 part pomegranate juice. It makes a sweet, bright red syrup that's very similar to the real thing.
Is there grenadine without red 40? ›
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. No Red 40, no Blue 1, no High Fructose Corn Syrup – just delicious mixers with ingredients that you can feel good about.
Is there high fructose corn syrup 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.
Is grenadine syrup are made from cherry fruits? ›
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 a substitute for grenadine? ›
Another great grenadine substitute? Pomegranate juice and simple syrup. Mix together 2 parts simple syrup and 1 part pomegranate juice. It makes a sweet, bright red syrup that's very similar to the real thing.
