Substitutes for Grenadine: 8 Delicious Alternatives to Try

Grenadine is a popular ingredient in cocktails, but what if you don’t have any on hand? Or what if you’re looking for a different flavor profile? Don’t worry, there are plenty of substitutes for grenadine that can be just as delicious. In this article, we’ll explore eight different alternatives to grenadine, including homemade grenadine, pomegranate juice + simple syrup, raspberry syrup, maraschino juice, pomegranate juice, strawberry syrup, cocktail cherry juice, and cranberry juice cocktail. Let’s dive in!

What is Grenadine?

Grenadine is a sweet, fruity syrup that is commonly used as a cocktail ingredient. It is made from pomegranate juice, sugar, and sometimes additional flavorings such as orange flower water or lemon juice. Grenadine has a bright red color and a tart, slightly sweet taste that adds a unique flavor to cocktails.

Historically, grenadine was made from the juice of pomegranates, which were grown in the Mediterranean region. The name “grenadine” comes from the French word for pomegranate, “grenade.” However, most commercially available grenadine today is made from artificial flavors and colors rather than real pomegranate juice.

Grenadine is a popular ingredient in many classic cocktails, such as the Tequila Sunrise, the Shirley Temple, and the Singapore Sling. It is also used as a non-alcoholic syrup in drinks like Italian sodas and snow cones.

While grenadine is often used in cocktails, it can be difficult to find in some areas or expensive to purchase. Fortunately, there are several substitutes that can be used in place of grenadine in cocktails, such as pomegranate juice, raspberry syrup, and maraschino cherry juice.

Substitutes for Grenadine

Homemade Grenadine

One of the easiest substitutes for grenadine is to make your own at home. Homemade grenadine is simple to make and can be customized to your preferences. Here’s how:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup orange blossom water
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Instructions

  1. Combine pomegranate juice and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Cook, stirring frequently, until sugar has dissolved.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in orange blossom water.
  4. Allow to cool, then store in a glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Homemade grenadine can be used in any cocktail that calls for grenadine, such as a Tequila Sunrise or a Shirley Temple. It’s also great in non-alcoholic drinks, such as lemonade or sparkling water.

Pomegranate Juice + Simple Syrup

If you don’t want to make your own grenadine, a simple substitute is to mix pomegranate juice with simple syrup. This alternative is quick and easy, and the proportions can be adjusted to your taste. Here’s how:

Proportions

  • 1 part pomegranate juice
  • 1 part simple syrup

Advantages/Disadvantages

The advantage of using pomegranate juice + simple syrup is that it’s easy to make and the ingredients are readily available. The disadvantage is that the flavor may not be as complex as using grenadine or some of the other alternatives.

Cocktails that work well with pomegranate juice + simple syrup include a Pomegranate Martini or a Pomegranate Margarita. It’s also great in non-alcoholic drinks, such as a Pomegranate Lemonade.

Raspberry Syrup

Raspberry syrup is another great substitute for grenadine. It has a sweet, fruity flavor that can add a unique twist to your cocktails. Here’s how to make it:

What is Raspberry Syrup?

Raspberry syrup is a mixture of raspberries, sugar, and water. The mixture is simmered until the raspberries break down and the sugar has dissolved, then strained to remove any solids.

How to Make Raspberry Syrup

  • 2 cups raspberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  1. In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and water.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the raspberries have broken down and the sugar has dissolved.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
  6. Store the raspberry syrup in a glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to one month.
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Raspberry syrup can be used in any cocktail that calls for grenadine, such as a Raspberry Cosmo or a Raspberry Daiquiri. It’s also delicious in non-alcoholic drinks, such as a Raspberry Lemonade.

Maraschino Juice

Maraschino juice is another unique substitute for grenadine. It has a sweet, fruity flavor with a hint of almond. Here’s how to use it:

What is Maraschino Juice?

Maraschino juice is made from the cherries used to make maraschino liqueur. The cherries are soaked in a sugar syrup, giving them a sweet flavor with a hint of almond.

Using Maraschino Juice as a Substitute for Grenadine

To use maraschino juice as a substitute for grenadine, simply use it in equal parts. It works well in cocktails that call for grenadine, such as a Shirley Temple or a Tequila Sunrise.

Pomegranate Juice

If you don’t want to make your own grenadine or mix pomegranate juice with simple syrup, you can use pomegranate juice on its own as a substitute. Pomegranate juice has a sweet, tart flavor that can add a unique twist to your cocktails. Here’s how to use it:

Using Pomegranate Juice as a Substitute for Grenadine

To use pomegranate juice as a substitute for grenadine, simply use it in equal parts. It works well in cocktails that call for grenadine, such as a Pomegranate Margarita or a Tequila Sunrise.

Strawberry Syrup

Strawberry syrup is another delicious substitute for grenadine. It has a sweet, fruity flavor that can add a unique twist to your cocktails. Here’s how to make it:

What is Strawberry Syrup?

Strawberry syrup is a mixture of strawberries, sugar, and water. The mixture is simmered until the strawberries break down and the sugar has dissolved, then strained to remove any solids.

How to Make Strawberry Syrup

  • 2 cups strawberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  1. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and water.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the strawberries have broken down and the sugar has dissolved.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
  6. Store the strawberry syrup in a glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to one month.
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Strawberry syrup can be used in any cocktail that calls for grenadine, such as a Strawberry Margarita or a Shirley Temple. It’s also delicious in non-alcoholic drinks, such as a Strawberry Lemonade.

Cocktail Cherry Juice

If you have a jar of maraschino cherries in your pantry, you can use the juice from the jar as a substitute for grenadine. The juice has a sweet, fruity flavor that can add a unique twist to your cocktails. Here’s how to use it:

Using Cocktail Cherry Juice as a Substitute for Grenadine

To use cocktail cherry juice as a substitute for grenadine, simply use it in equal parts. It works well in cocktails that call for grenadine, such as a Shirley Temple or a Tequila Sunrise.

Cranberry Juice Cocktail

Cranberry juice cocktail is another delicious substitute for grenadine. It has a sweet, tart flavor that can add a unique twist to your cocktails. Here’s how to use it:

Using Cranberry Juice Cocktail as a Substitute for Grenadine

To use cranberry juice cocktail as a substitute for grenadine, simply use it in equal parts. It works well in cocktails that call for grenadine, such as a Cosmopolitan or a Tequila Sunrise.

Conclusion

While grenadine is a popular ingredient in many cocktails, it’s not always easy to find at your local grocery store. Fortunately, there are many substitutes that can be used in its place, such as homemade grenadine, pomegranate juice, raspberry syrup, maraschino juice, strawberry syrup, cocktail cherry juice, and cranberry juice cocktail.

Each of these substitutes has its own unique flavor and can add a fun twist to your cocktails. Whether you’re making a classic cocktail or experimenting with a new recipe, don’t be afraid to substitute grenadine with one of these alternatives.

So next time you’re in the mood for a cocktail that calls for grenadine, try using one of these substitutes instead. You may just discover a new favorite drink!

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