Crafting cocktails at home can be challenging when faced with an extensive ingredient list that requires a shopping trip. Most people hesitate to buy a whole bottle for a one-time use.
However, many cocktail syrups are simple to make yourself, and there’s something rewarding about having homemade versions available whenever you want.
Take grenadine, for example. Looking at the ingredients in store-bought versions might make you question the need for artificial flavors and dyes. The truth is, you don’t need them!
At its core, grenadine is a syrup made from pomegranates, sugar, and sometimes an extra ingredient or two for added depth. It’s straightforward to make and doesn’t require much time in the kitchen, even if you choose to juice your own pomegranates. Give it a try—you might find you prefer it!
What’s Grenadine?
Grenadine is a syrup derived from pomegranate juice. This nonalcoholic syrup is commonly used in cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks. Adding an ounce of vodka to your recipe can help it last longer on the shelf.
This homemade grenadine combines fresh pomegranate juice, sugar, pomegranate molasses, and orange flower water. The orange flower water adds a subtle floral aroma enhancing the pomegranate flavor, not an orange taste.
How To Use Grenadine?
Grenadine stars in two famous drinks you probably know.
There’s the Shirley Temple, a popular kid’s drink served at many events, and the Tequila Sunrise, known for its gradient effect created by the grenadine settling in tequila-laced orange juice.
Explore its versatility by trying it in a Hurricane, Pink Lady, Jack Rose, or Ward 8 cocktail.
History of Grenadine
Grenadine has been a cocktail staple since the late 1800s. Nowadays, it’s often linked with the commercial Rose’s Grenadine by Canada Dry Mott’s Inc.
Unlike its homemade predecessor, modern versions lack real fruit juice, instead opting for flavorings and additives. While they maintain a bright red color, they miss out on the authentic sweet-tart taste of grenadine made with real pomegranate juice.
To Juice or Not to Juice a Pomegranate
This past year, pomegranates at my local store have been unreliable—often yielding disappointing results after juicing.
When you get a good pomegranate, the grenadine tastes fantastic, but when not, you may regret the effort. It’s understandable if you’d rather avoid the risk. The cost, effort, and stained fingers!
Alternatively, you can choose a quality store-bought pomegranate juice, like Knudsen or POM Wonderful, which are both 100% pomegranate with no additives.
Comparing grenadine made from fresh pomegranates and bottled juice, the primary difference is color. Bottled juice results in a darker syrup, while fresh juice produces a vibrant shade.
How to Store, Where to Store, and How Long to Keep Homemade Grenadine
Store grenadine in an airtight container or swing top bottle in the refrigerator. It is best used within a month if cold-pressed and without vodka. Adding vodka can extend its shelf life to about three months, though refrigeration is still recommended.
Variations, Swaps or Substitutions
Orange flower water and pomegranate molasses are key ingredients but optional if difficult to find.
The resulting grenadine may not be as vibrant and could have a limited flavor profile, but it will still bring the sweet-tart essence of pomegranate to your drinks.
Cocktail Recipes to Try Next:
This recipe calls for 2 cups of pomegranate juice. You can purchase it or juice 2 to 3 pomegranates yourself.
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2 cups pomegranate juice from 2-3 large pomegranates
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 teaspoon orange flower water
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1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
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1 ounce vodka, optional
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Simmer pomegranate juice and sugar:
In a small saucepan, mix the pomegranate juice and sugar, whisking until dissolved. Heat to boiling on medium-high, then reduce to medium-low for a gentle simmer. Keep the liquid bubbly around the edges, avoiding large bubbles.
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Simmer to reduce pomegranate liquid:
Continue simmering until reduced to about one-third, yielding 1 2/3 cup of thickened, honey-like liquid. This process takes 20 to 30 minutes.
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Let grenadine cool to room temperature:
After reducing, remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Stir in the orange flower water and pomegranate molasses. If using, add the vodka as well.
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Store the grenadine:
Pour the grenadine into an airtight container or swing top bottle. Refrigerate and use within 1 to 3 months.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 39 | Calories |
| 0g | Fat |
| 10g | Carbs |
| 0g | Protein |
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 13 to 28 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 39 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| 0mg | 0% |
| 2mg | 0% |
| 10g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 10g | |
| 0g | |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium 2mg | 0% |
| Iron 0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 43mg | 1% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is generally used for nutritional guidance. | |
Nutrition information is estimated using an ingredient database. In cases with multiple ingredient alternatives, the first listed is used for nutritional calculations. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
