What is Grenadine

What is grenadine?

Grenadine is a sweet red syrup used in cocktails, mocktails and other drinks to add sweetness, fruit character and colour. Classic grenadine is associated with pomegranate, and the name comes from the French word grenade, meaning pomegranate.

Commercial grenadine products can vary in recipe and flavour profile, so check the ingredient list if a particular pomegranate content matters to you.

How is grenadine made?

A simple classic grenadine can be made with pomegranate juice and sugar. Some recipes add citrus or orange blossom water for extra acidity and aroma. The sugar is gently dissolved in the juice before the syrup is cooled.

How is grenadine used?

Grenadine is used for both flavour and colour. The red syrup works in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and can create attractive colour gradients.

Popular drinks with grenadine

• Tequila Sunrise – tequila, orange juice and grenadine.
• Shirley Temple – a non-alcoholic long drink with grenadine.
• Singapore Sling – grenadine appears in several modern recipe variations.
• Jack Rose – a classic cocktail in which grenadine is a central ingredient.

Grenadine can also be used in mocktails, soft drinks, lemonades and selected desserts.

For your bar or home cocktail setup, see our range of grenadine syrup.

How should grenadine be stored?

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the bottle. Many commercial grenadine products are recommended for refrigerated storage after opening, but shelf life varies with recipe, sugar content and preservation. Homemade grenadine should be kept refrigerated in a clean, tightly sealed bottle and used considerably faster.

What can you use instead of grenadine?

The best substitute depends on whether you mainly need sweetness, red colour or pomegranate flavour.

• Homemade pomegranate syrup – the closest alternative to classic grenadine.
• Raspberry or strawberry syrup – fruity and sweet, but with a different flavour profile.
• Hibiscus syrup – red colour with a lightly floral acidity.
• Cranberry juice – less sweet and much thinner, but useful in some mocktails.