What Is Grenadine?

Its signal red color makes it unmistakable and its intense sweetness a popular ingredient for countless cocktails. In short: Grenadine belongs in every house bar – but it can be used for much more. We reveal everything important about the fruity syrup.

Interesting facts about grenadine

The name of this syrup already reveals its origin: Grenadine comes from the Caribbean island of Grenada. This is where the treat, which originally consisted only of pomegranate juice, water and sugar, was created. Today, the syrup is produced all over the world and also features a different list of ingredients.

Modern variants no longer only contain the juice of pomegranates, but also extracts of other red fruits such as raspberries and strawberries, but also blackberries or elderberries. In addition to water and sugar, you will usually also find flavors such as vanilla in the thickened fruit juice. Despite all the changes, the taste of the syrup has remained the same and has an unmistakably intense sweetness.

Shopping and cooking tips for Grenadine

For the full, exotic-sweet taste of pomegranate, prefer grenadine with a high percentage of fruit juice. Once purchased, grenadine will keep for many months, even if left open and refrigerated. This is ensured by the high sugar content in the deep red syrup. By the way: As a substitute for grenadine, it is best to simply use pure pomegranate syrup.

In liquid form, grenadine inspires in many well-known cocktails. These include the classic Tequila Sunrise, the Caribbean rum-based Planters Punch and the fruity Touch Down. For quick tingling pleasure, simply add a shot of Prosecco to a glass. Grenadine is also perfect for non-alcoholic cocktails, such as the iconic Shirley Temple with ginger ale, lemon soda, and lime juice.

Alternatively, you can use the fruit syrup to redden and sweeten desserts such as ice cream, mousse, quark dishes, jelly, or creams. The lovely aroma can also be combined heartily. For example, conjure up a salad dressing with grenadine or use the syrup as a marinade for fish or poultry.

What kind of fruit is grenadine?

Grenadine (or grenadine syrup, if using real pomegranate juice also pomegranate syrup) is a non-alcoholic, sugar-sweetened fruit syrup with an intense red color. The syrup is mainly used to flavor and color cocktails.

What does grenadine taste like?

The syrup tastes very sweet and fruity. There are nuances of pomegranate to taste. Otherwise red fruits can be tasted.

Is pomegranate juice the same as grenadine?

The pomegranate syrup tastes much more like pomegranate but is much more sour than the grenadine. To get the same sweetness you have to experiment with additional sugar syrup.

What is similar to grenadine?

If you are looking for a sour grenadine, use RS pomegranate syrup, not the bar syrup, it is slightly sour and fruity with a little vanilla. If you are looking for an authentic grenadine, take the D’arbo pomegranate syrup, which is very reminiscent of pomegranate but is sweeter than sour.