If you love grenadine syrup but don’t have any on hand, don’t worry! There are a few good alternatives! Raspberry syrup, Pomegranate molasses, and Cherry juice can all work as grenadine substitutes. Read on to discover which is the best. In the meantime, try these other fruit syrups instead.
Grenadine Syrup Nutrition Fact
What is Grenadine Syrup?
Originally, grenadine was made with pomegranate juice as a base, which is how it got its name — grenade is the French word for pomegranate. The three main ingredients in homemade grenadine syrup are pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice, which create the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
In contrast, store-bought grenadine is usually made with just high-fructose corn syrup, citric acid, and red food coloring. Because of this, store-bought syrups are sweeter and lack the complexity of flavors found in homemade grenadine syrup made with fruit juices.
How to Make Grenadine Syrup?
Ingredients
- 12 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup fresh squeezed pomegranate juice (8 ounces pomegranate seeds or 2 medium pomegranates)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Prepare the pomegranate juice as follows: Remove the seeds from whole pomegranates (see instructions above). In a cocktail shaker (or tall glass), mash the pomegranate seeds with a muddler or wooden spoon until all juices are released. Then strain it into a measuring cup using a fine-mesh strainer.
- In a small saucepan, heat the pomegranate juice and sugar over medium heat, constantly stirring until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- Allow cooling before adding the lemon juice. Refrigerate for up to three weeks in an airtight container. For a longer storage time, fortify the syrup with 1 tablespoon of vodka or brandy.
Substitutes for Grenadine Syrup
1. Pomegranate molasses
Making your own pomegranate molasses is simple and fast. All you need are pomegranates and some sugar. Blend the fruit until smooth. Next, squeeze it to extract the juice. Once the pomegranate juice is smooth, stir it into the syrup and simmer until it thickens. Pomegranate molasses can also be made using lemon juice and sugar.
You can also use pomegranate seeds as a grenadine syrup substitute, and they will give your recipe a fresher flavor but will not be as sweet. Moreover, you can use them as a garnish on salads. However, you should note that pomegranate seeds do not have the same flavor as pomegranate molasses. You may even want to add them to your cocktail to make it taste better.
If you can’t find pomegranate molasses, you can also try cranberry juice. This is similar to pomegranate molasses, but cranberry juice is less sweet. Nonetheless, it can be used in salads or as ice cream topping. A pomegranate molasses substitute is also quite acceptable for recipes where you want to reduce your sugar intake.
2. Raspberry Syrup
If you’re looking for a grenadine-like flavor in your cocktail, try replacing grenadine with a sweeter, more natural alternative. This substitute contains red, tart raspberries, which pair well with various fruits and beverages. It has a similar bright red color and goes well with flavored liquors and fruity recipes. In addition, raspberry syrup pairs well with chocolate, caramel, and other sweet flavors.
Another alternative to grenadine syrup is strawberry cocktail syrup. This syrup is a mixture of strawberries and sugar specifically designed for strawberry daiquiris. It has a similar taste but is lower in calories and cholesterol. You can use this substitute in any cocktail recipe that calls for grenadine. However, grenadine syrup is not as sweet as strawberry cocktail syrup.
One of the main ingredients in grenadine is pomegranate, making pomegranate molasses a good substitute. Since pomegranate molasses is high in sugar, it won’t impart a sour taste to your cocktail. A teaspoon of this syrup can replace three tablespoons of grenadine. Another substitute for grenadine is maraschino cherry syrup, which has grenadine’s same color and texture.
3. Cherry Juice
If you’re looking for a grenadine syrup substitute, look no further. This fruit syrup is easy to make at home, too! Simply take the pomegranate seeds and crush them until they release their juice. Once the pomegranate juice has been extracted, you can put it in a saucepan along with sugar and cook it until it reaches the consistency of syrup. Once it has cooled, it can be stored in an airtight container and enjoyed anytime you want.
A popular substitute for grenadine syrup is raspberry syrup. This bright red cocktail syrup has a berry flavor readily available at liquor stores. You can also make your own by combining raspberries, sugar, and pomegranate molasses. Cocktail cherry juice is another excellent substitute to purchase in most stores. However, it doesn’t have the same intense flavor as grenadine, so check the label before using it.
Another alternative is maraschino cherry syrup. This cherry syrup is thicker and has more sugar than grenadine, but you can still use the same amount to make a delicious cocktail. This syrup can also be used to decorate drinks. Juice is an excellent choice if you don’t have any grenadine on hand. It’s available at most grocery stores, is easy to find, and is friendly with a low-alcohol flavor.
4. Syrup of Orgeat
Orgeat syrup is a popular ingredient in Tiki cocktails. Almonds, sugar, rose water, or orange blossom water is mixed together, and it has a sweet, nutty aroma that makes for interesting mixed drinks.
There are some disadvantages to using orgeat syrup instead of grenadine. It’s sweet, but it lacks the same fruity, tart flavor.
Try citrus fruits, rhubarb, cherry, or cranberry juice to make a grenadine-like substitute.
One tablespoon of store-bought orgeat syrup contains 9.5 grams of sugar. It has a similar sugar content to grenadine syrup and can be used in similar amounts.
5. Liqueur Cassis
Cassis liqueur, also known as the creme de cassis, is a popular after-dinner drink. It’s commonly used to make kir.
Black currants are macerated to make creme de cassis. The liquor’s rich and fruity flavor comes from black currants, and these fruits have a tart flavor similar to grenadine. The liquor’s syrupy consistency makes it an exciting alternative to grenadine.
On the other hand, Cassis liqueur can be overly sweet and heavy. To find a balance, we recommend adjusting your mixed drink recipe. To balance out the sweetness of cassis liqueur, add ingredients like lemon juice, ginger, or orange bitter.
Cassis liqueur is an alcoholic beverage. It has an average ABV of 25%, though this can vary depending on the brand. It cannot be used as a non-alcoholic beverage substitute!
Using creme de cassis instead of grenadine will increase the amount of alcohol in your mixed drink. To avoid a drink that is too strong, you will need to adjust the proportions of the various ingredients.
Grenadine can be replaced with creme de cassis in the same proportions. To avoid making a drink that is too strong, reduce the proportions of the other alcoholic elements by about 25%.
6. Cocktail of Cranberry Juice Concentrate
Cranberry juice cocktail concentrate is an excellent alternative to grenadine syrup if you want a sharp, tangy flavor.
Unlike cranberry juice, which contains cranberry and other fruit juices like grapes and apples for sweetness, cranberry juice cocktail concentrate contains only cranberry juice.
Cranberry cocktail concentrate has all of the benefits of grenadine syrup, plus more! Sweetness, tartness, a deep red color, and thick consistency that’s difficult to distinguish from grenadine syrup.
This cocktail concentrate combines cranberry juice’s refreshing flavor with a sweet apple and pear blend that beautifully lifts the flavor.
Drinks in Which Grenadine Syrup is Used
1. Sunrise Tequila
The vibrant Tequila Sunrise is first on the list of grenadine cocktails. It’s stunning, with layered colors reminiscent of a summer sunset. Even better, it’s straightforward to prepare! There are only three ingredients required, and no special techniques or equipment are required. The taste is light and sweet, with a hint of tequila. Try it with our grenadine made from scratch!
2. Shirley Temple
The most popular grenadine cocktail isn’t even a cocktail at all. Shirley Temple, the world’s most famous mocktail! Make a Dirty Shirley by adding vodka to the drink. This isn’t the syrupy, overly sweet version of the drink. The traditional method uses ginger beer, and it’s not just for kids! Anyone looking for a bubbly, refreshing non-alcoholic drink will enjoy this mocktail. Try our all-natural homemade grenadine syrup instead, free of artificial flavors and colors.
3. Sling from Singapore
Are you looking for a fruity and refreshing grenadine cocktail? The Singapore Sling is a must-try! This cocktail is for the daring drinker, as it calls for a whopping eight ingredients. It has the most ingredients of our cocktail recipes and a few unique ingredients. However, if you want to try a classic cocktail and are up for a challenge, this is a must-try! The fruity, sweet-tart and bubbly combination is intriguingly complex and just plain fun.
4. Clover Club Cocktail
The Clover Club is a sophisticated, classic grenadine cocktail that steals the show! This bright pink cocktail dates from before Prohibition, but it’s still popular today. Raspberry syrup is commonly used, but grenadine syrup is also famous! Combine them with zingy lemon and gin to make a perfectly balanced sweet-tart drink. The best part: each sip has a creamy body and frothy texture thanks to a classic egg white foam!
5. Cocktail Hurricane
Meet the Hurricane, a fruity and extra boozy cocktail! A classic New Orleans cocktail, the Hurricane is made with light and dark rum, passion fruit syrup, lime, and grenadine. It has a tropical flavor thanks to the passion fruit, and a hint of grenadine adds sweetness and a rosy-golden hue. It’s a festive and entertaining grenadine drink!
6. Cocktail with Mary Pickford
The Mary Pickford is a charming grenadine cocktail from the 1920s. Take a sip, and you’ll be intrigued: the pineapple juice is sweet and sour, with a slightly funky finish from the Maraschino. This one appears simple, but there’s more to this pretty pink drink than meets the eye.
Can you Use Triple Sec Instead of Grenadine?
Yes, you can use triple sec instead of grenadine, and it’s a great non-alcoholic alternative for guests who prefer a mocktail to a cocktail.
They do, however, differ significantly in appearance and flavor. While triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur with a sweet citrus flavor, grenadine is distinguished by its sweet and tart flavor, which comes from the juice of fresh pomegranates.
Furthermore, triple sec is a colorless liqueur, whereas grenadine is a red liqueur that adds a splash of color to any cocktail.
However, the main distinction between the two is that triple sec is alcoholic, whereas grenadine is not. This makes grenadine ideal for those who dislike the taste of alcohol or are simply abstinent.
However, if you’re looking for a different alcoholic substitute for triple sec, Cointreau is popular.
Is Grenadine the Same as Cherry Juice?
Although cherry juice is frequently used as a substitute for grenadine, it is not the same thing. The main difference is that cherry juice is made from cherries, whereas pomegranate juice is the main ingredient in grenadine.
However, there are some similarities between these two juices. They both have a sweet and tart flavor combination that makes any cocktail a delicious success.
Even though cherry juice has a different flavor than pomegranate juice, it will still give your drink the refreshing sweetness you’d expect from grenadine syrup.
Furthermore, they are both red in color and can appear very similar if one is substituted for the other.
Cherry juice is also readily available at the store, making it accessible and convenient to have on hand when you know you’ll be making cocktails!
Conclusion
Grenadine’s sweet, fruity, and sour flavor makes it a fun addition to any mixed drink. If you don’t have any grenadine syrup on hand, make your own with pomegranate juice and lemon juice.
You can also use a grenadine substitute in the recipe for your favorite cocktail. Pomegranate molasses, we believe, is one of the closest alternatives.
If you don’t mind changing the flavor of your mixed drink, try raspberry syrup, orgeat syrup, or a combination of fruit juices. Cassis liqueur is an exciting substitute to try if you want to make a strong drink.