If you like grenadine syrup but don’t currently own any, there is no need for concern on your part! There are many viable options available! It’s possible to use other liquids in place of grenadine, such as raspberry syrup, pomegranate molasses, or cherry juice. Continue reading to find out which one is superior. You may give any of these other fruit syrups a go in the meanwhile.
Contents
What is Grenadine Syrup?
It was originally produced using pomegranate juice as the basis, which is how it earned its name; grenade is the French word for pomegranate. Today, grenadine is created with grape juice as the base. Pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice are the three primary components that are used to make homemade grenadine syrup. Together, these three elements provide the ideal balance of sour and sweet flavors.
On the other hand, grenadine that is purchased from a shop is often prepared with little more than high-fructose corn syrup, citric acid, and red food coloring. As a result of this, store-bought syrups are sweeter, and they lack the depth of flavor that can be achieved by making grenadine syrup at home using 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
- Follow these steps to prepare the pomegranate juice: Pomegranates that are still whole should have their seeds removed (see instructions above). The pomegranate seeds should be smashed with a muddler or a wooden spoon in a cocktail shaker (or a tall glass) until all of the juices are released. The liquid should then be strained through a strainer with a fine mesh into a measuring cup.
- Pomegranate juice and sugar should be heated together in a small saucepan over medium heat with frequent stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved, which should take approximately one to two minutes. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Wait until the temperature has cooled before adding the lemon juice. In an airtight container, store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Add one tablespoon of vodka or brandy to the syrup so that it may be stored for a longer period of time.
Substitutes for Grenadine Syrup
1. Pomegranate molasses
It is not difficult or time-consuming to produce pomegranate molasses on your own. You will just need pomegranates and some sugar for this recipe. The fruit should be blended until it is smooth. After that, you need to squeeze it to get the liquid out. When the pomegranate juice has reached a smooth consistency, pour it into the syrup, and continue cooking it over low heat until it has thickened. Molasses from pomegranates may also be created by simmering sugar and lemon juice together.
You might also use pomegranate seeds as an alternative to grenadine syrup. Pomegranate seeds will provide your dish a more vibrant taste, but their sweetness level will be reduced. In addition, you can add them as a finishing touch to salads by using them as a garnish. Pomegranate seeds, on the other hand, do not have the same taste as pomegranate molasses. This is something that you should keep in mind. To improve the flavor of your drink, you could even want to add any of these ingredients.
You may also use cranberry juice as a substitute for the pomegranate molasses if you are unable to get it. Cranberry juice has a more tart flavor than pomegranate molasses, although the two are quite comparable. In spite of this, it is a versatile ingredient that may be added to salads or used as a topping for ice cream. In dishes for which you wish to minimize the amount of sugar in your diet, the use of a pomegranate molasses replacement is also perfectly fine.
2. Raspberry Syrup
Try substituting a sweeter and more natural substitute for the grenadine in your cocktail if you are searching for a taste that is comparable to that of grenadine. This alternative is made using red raspberries, which have a tangy flavor and go well with a variety of other fruits and drinks. It has the same vivid red color, and its taste complements flavored liquors as well as fruity recipes quite well. In addition, chocolate, caramel, and other sweet tastes go very well with the flavor of raspberry syrup.
Strawberry cocktail syrup is an additional flavoring that may be used in place of grenadine syrup. This syrup is made from a combination of fresh strawberries and sugar, and it was crafted with strawberry daiquiris in mind. It tastes the same, but it contains less calories and less cholesterol than the original. You may use this alternative in place of grenadine in any cocktail recipe that specifies its use. On the other hand, strawberry cocktail syrup is much sweeter than grenadine syrup.
Since pomegranate is one of the primary components of grenadine, pomegranate molasses is an excellent alternative to use in its place. Because it contains a lot of sugar, pomegranate molasses won’t make your drink taste sour when it’s added to it. This syrup may be used in lieu of three tablespoons of grenadine if only one teaspoon is used. You may also use maraschino cherry syrup in place of grenadine since it is the same color and has the same consistency as grenadine.
3. Cherry Juice
If you’ve been seeking for an alternative to grenadine syrup, you don’t need to go any further. In addition to being simple to prepare at home, this fruit syrup is delicious. To extract the juice from the pomegranate seeds, one should just smash the seeds till the juice is released. After the pomegranate juice has been extracted, it may be combined with sugar in a pot and brought to a boil until it reaches the consistency of syrup. Pomegranate syrup is delicious! Once it has reached the desired temperature, place it in an airtight container so that it may be eaten at any time.
Raspberry syrup is often used as a stand-in for grenadine syrup in recipes. This cocktail syrup has a berry taste and is commonly accessible at liquor shops. It has a brilliant red color. You may also create your own by blending fresh raspberries, sugar, and pomegranate molasses in the appropriate proportions. Another fantastic alternative that can be found in most retail establishments is cocktail cherry juice. Check the label before using it since it does not have the same powerful taste as grenadine does.
There is also the possibility of using maraschino cherry syrup. Even while this cherry syrup is more concentrated and contains more sugar than grenadine, you only need half as much of it to produce a cocktail that tastes just as good. This syrup may also be used as a garnish for many beverages. In the event that you do not have any grenadine on hand, a great substitute is juice. It can be purchased in the majority of supermarkets, it is not difficult to locate, and it has a taste that is mild and contains little to no alcohol.
4. Syrup of Orgeat
Orgeat syrup is a typical component of Tiki drinks and is widely used. When almonds, sugar, rose water, or orange blossom water are combined, the result is a mixture that has a sweet and nutty scent and may be used to create intriguing mixed beverages.
There are a few drawbacks associated with substituting orgeat syrup for grenadine in a recipe. Although it’s sweet, it doesn’t have the same tangy, fruity taste as the original.
If you want a drink that tastes similar to grenadine, you may prepare it using citrus fruits, rhubarb, cherry juice, or cranberry juice instead.
There are 9.5 grams of sugar in one tablespoon of orgeat syrup that was purchased from a retailer. It contains a comparable quantity of sugar as grenadine syrup and may be used for the same number of servings.
5. Liqueur Cassis
A common choice for a cocktail to enjoy after dinner, cassis liqueur is often referred to as crème de cassis. It is often used in the production of kir.
Macerating black currants is an essential step in the production of creme de cassis. Black currants, which have a sour taste that is comparable to that of grenadine, are the source of the rich and fruity flavor that is imparted by the liquor. Because of the syrupy nature of the liquor, it provides for an interesting replacement for grenadine.
On the other hand, cassis liqueur may have an overwhelming sweetness and a thick consistency. Adjusting the recipe for your mixed drink may be necessary in order to obtain the right equilibrium. Ingredients like as lemon juice, ginger, or orange bitter may be added to cassis liqueur to help balance out its naturally sweet flavor.
Cassis liqueur is an alcoholic beverage. It contains an alcohol content by volume (ABV) of 25% on average, however this might vary from brand to brand. It is not possible to use it as a replacement for a beverage that does not contain alcohol!
If you make your mixed drink using crème de cassis instead of grenadine, the final product will have a higher alcohol content. You will need to modify the quantities of the different components if you do not want to end up with a beverage that is too potent.
The same amount of crème de cassis may be used in lieu of the grenadine in any recipe that calls for it. Reduce the quantities of the other alcoholic components by around 25 percent so that you don’t end up with a cocktail that is overly potent.
6. Cocktail of Cranberry Juice Concentrate
When looking for a taste that is more astringent and tart than that of grenadine syrup, cranberry juice cocktail concentrate is a great option to consider.
Cranberry juice cocktail concentrate, on the other hand, is made up entirely of cranberry juice, as opposed to regular cranberry juice, which derives its sweetness from a combination of cranberry juice and other fruit juices such as grapes and apples.
In comparison to grenadine syrup, cranberry cocktail concentrate offers a greater number of health advantages. It has a sweet and sour taste, a bright red hue, a thick consistency, and it’s quite hard to tell the difference between it and grenadine syrup.
The taste of cranberry juice, which is crisp and refreshing, is combined in this cocktail concentrate with a mixture of sweet apples and pears, which delightfully enhances the flavor.
Drinks in Which Grenadine Syrup is Used
1. Sunrise Tequila
The lively Tequila Sunrise is the first drink on the list of drinks that use grenadine. It’s just gorgeous, with layered hues that make me think of a summer sunset. What’s more, it just takes a few minutes to put together! There are just three things you’ll need, and you won’t need any particular skills or tools to make it. There is just a trace of tequila, but overall the flavor is light and sweet. Give our homemade grenadine a go and see what you think!
2. Shirley Temple
The drink that features grenadine the most often isn’t even technically considered a cocktail. The Shirley Temple is perhaps the most well-known cocktail in the world. Simply add vodka to the cocktail in order to make a Dirty Shirley. This is not the form of the drink that is sticky and cloyingly sweet. Ginger beer is used in the traditional technique; against popular belief, adults may enjoy it too! This mocktail is the perfect choice for anyone searching for a non-alcoholic beverage that is effervescent and refreshing. Instead, you could try our handmade grenadine syrup, which is created with just natural ingredients and is devoid of any artificial tastes or colors.
3. Sling from Singapore
Are you seeking for a grenadine drink that is sweet and tangy at the same time? It is imperative that you sample the Singapore Sling! Because it requires an astounding eight different components, this drink is only for the most brave of drinkers. It contains the most ingredients out of any of our cocktail recipes, and it also features a couple items that aren’t used elsewhere. On the other hand, if you are looking for a challenge and want to sample a traditional cocktail, you absolutely have to give this one a go! The blend of fruity, sweet-tart, and effervescent flavors creates an experience that is both intriguingly nuanced and plain old fun.
4. Clover Club Cocktail
The Clover Club is an elegant and traditional grenadine-based cocktail that is sure to grab the spotlight! Even though alcohol was illegal during the Prohibition era, this bright pink drink is nevertheless widely consumed today. Raspberry syrup is one of the most popular kinds, although grenadine syrup is also well-known. Mix them with some zingy lemon juice and gin to produce a cocktail that is just the right amount of sweet and sour. The greatest part is that the traditional egg white foam gives each mouthful a velvety substance and a light, airy texture.
5. Cocktail Hurricane
The Hurricane is a beverage that is both fruity and very alcoholic. The Hurricane is a popular and well-known drink that originates from New Orleans. It is created with both light and dark rum, passion fruit syrup, lime, and grenadine. Because of the passion fruit, it has a taste reminiscent of the tropics, and a touch of grenadine lends it a touch of sweetness as well as a rosy-golden colour. It’s a grenadine cocktail that’s both festive and amusing!
6. Cocktail with Mary Pickford
The Mary Pickford is a delightful grenadine-based drink that was popular in the 1920s. Try just a little bit, and you’ll see why it’s so intriguing: the pineapple juice has a sweet and tart taste, while the Maraschino adds a somewhat strange aftertaste. There’s more to this gorgeous pink drink than meets the eye, despite the fact that it looks to be a straightforward recipe.
Can you Use Triple Sec Instead of Grenadine?
Yes, triple sec may be used in place of grenadine, and it is an excellent non-alcoholic substitute for those visitors who would rather have a mocktail rather than a drink.
They are, however, very unlike to one another in in taste and appearance. Grenadine, on the other hand, has a taste that is both sweet and sour due to the fact that it is made from the juice of fresh pomegranates, while triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that has a sweet citrus flavor.
Additionally, triple sec is a clear liqueur, but grenadine is a dark red liqueur that imparts a vibrant hue to mixed drinks.
On the other hand, grenadine does not contain any alcohol, but triple sec does. This is the primary difference between the two. Because of this, grenadine is an excellent alternative for those who either do not enjoy the taste of alcohol or are abstainers.
However, if you are seeking for an alternative kind of alcoholic beverage to use in place of triple sec, a common option is Cointreau.
Is Grenadine the Same as Cherry Juice?
However, despite the fact that cherry juice is commonly used in its place of grenadine, the two are not the same. The most significant distinction between the two is that pomegranate juice is the primary component of grenadine, while cherries are the primary component of cherry juice.
On the other hand, there are some parallels to be seen between these two fluids. They both have a sweet and sour taste combination that is perfect for elevating any drink to the next level of deliciousness.
Even while cherry juice has a somewhat different taste than pomegranate juice, using it in place of grenadine syrup will still offer your beverage the same invigorating sweetness that you’d anticipate from the syrup.
In addition to this, they both have a red hue, and the appearance of the two might be deceivingly similar if one is used in place of the other.
When you know you’ll be creating cocktails, it’s a good idea to have some cherry juice on hand since not only is it easy to get in stores, but it’s also quite handy to have on hand.
Conclusion
Grenadine is a flavoring that may be used in any mixed cocktail because of its sweet, fruity, and sour characteristics. You may create your own grenadine syrup by combining pomegranate juice with lemon juice in the event that you do not have any on hand.
In place of the grenadine called for in the recipe for your go-to drink, you may alternatively use an alternative sweetener. Molasses made from pomegranates is, in our opinion, one of the most suitable replacements.
If you don’t mind your mixed drink taking on a new taste, you could want to experiment with raspberry syrup, orgeat syrup, or a mixture of other fruit juices. If you want to produce a powerful cocktail, you may want to experiment with using cassis liqueur as a replacement.