Grenadine
A sweet, fruit-based syrup traditionally made from pomegranate juice and sugar. Grenadine adds colour, sweetness, and subtle fruit acidity to cocktails.
Quick Facts
Flavour Profile
Primary Flavours
Tasting Notes
Sweet and lightly tart with bright red fruit character and subtle acidity when made from real pomegranate. Artificial versions are sweeter and less complex.
Recommended Brands
Budget Choice
Monin Grenadine
Premium Choice
De Kuyper Grenadine
Storage & Handling
Refrigerate after opening, lasts 6 months
Shelf Life
Commercial: 2–3 months refrigerated after opening. Homemade: 2–4 weeks refrigerated
Grenadine
A sweet, fruit-based syrup traditionally made from pomegranate juice and sugar. Grenadine adds colour, sweetness, and subtle fruit acidity to cocktails.
Pro Tip
Real grenadine should taste like fruit, not sweets — check the ingredients list.
Usage
Used as a sweetener and colour accent in cocktails, particularly sours and classic mixed drinks. Typically added in small quantities to balance acidity or provide visual appeal.
Top Tips
- Choose real pomegranate-based grenadine — many commercial versions are artificially flavoured.
- Use sparingly; grenadine is sweet and easily overwhelms a drink.
- Balance with fresh citrus to keep cocktails bright and structured.
Possible Substitutions
- Pomegranate molasses (much more concentrated)
- Raspberry syrup (different fruit profile)
- Simple syrup with pomegranate juice (approximate)
Production Method
Traditionally made by reducing pomegranate juice with sugar. Commercial versions may use fruit concentrates, flavourings, or colouring in place of real juice.
History & Context
Grenadine originated as a pomegranate syrup in the Middle East and Mediterranean. It became a staple of early cocktail culture, though modern mass-market versions often diverge from the original recipe.