- co*cktails
- Pomegranate
A delicious upgrade from lackluster store-bought options that's as quick to make as simple syrup.
By
Marcia Simmons
Marcia Simmons
Contributor
Marcia Simmons is the author of DIY co*cktails: A Simple Guide to Creating Your Own Signature Drinks (2010).
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Updated June 13, 2023
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In This Recipe
What's Available to Buy
Why DIY?
Use It!
Why It Works
- Pomegranate molasses adds a concentrated dose of pomegranate flavor and an extra burst of tartness.
- A modest splash of rosewater accentuates and complements the pomegranate flavor without getting in the way.
- Adding rosewater after the pomegranate syrup has cooled preserves its floral aroma.
Grenadine is a pomegranate syrup—or that's what it's supposed to be. If you've ever seen a pomegranate, you know that it's not an easy fruit to juice. So somewhere along the way, grenadine makers strayed away from using real pomegranate juice and instead used corn syrup and red dye #40. That's why a lot of us think of grenadine as "that sweet stuff that turns drinks red" and avoid it like the technicolor plague. So I'm shocked at how much I use grenadine now that I only use the kind made with actual pomegranate juice.
Real grenadine is a bit tart with a depth of flavor you just can't get from corn syrup. Forget about Shirley Temples or anything that looks or tastes like Hawaiian Punch. Grenadine is for grownups. Luckily, there's been a resurgence of real grenadine, since it's called for in tons of classic, respectable co*cktails that wouldn't be caught dead dyed red.
What's Available to Buy
Rose's Grenadine is the easiest brand to find, but it's basically corn syrup dyed red. Fortunately, there are a lot of other choices made with real pomegranate. They cost more, but that's because fruit is more expensive than corn syrup.Small Hand Foods,Stirrings, andSonoma Syrupmake some of my favorites (with actual pomegranate).
Why DIY?
While there are a lot of fantastic small-batch grenadines out there, it's easy to make your own. Whether you start with fresh pomegranates or bottled juice, it still ends up being cheaper to make it yourself, too.
DIY grenadine is as quick to make as simple syrup, and you are in control of how sweet it is. I like to use a little pomegranate molasses and rosewater for a more complex grenadine, but you can also keep it basic with just pomegranate juice and sugar. You could add floral touches like hibiscus flowers or orange blossom water, or even add other fruit flavors like blueberry or cherry.
Use It!
The ultimate respectable co*cktail made with grenadine is theJack Rose. Lesser-known classics like thepink lady andclover clubalso use this gorgeous ruby syrup without making things too sweet.
Grenadine also plays a big role in drinks likeplanter's punchand thezombie. For a little fun on the sweeter side, try aMary Pickford co*cktail.
April 2012
Recipe Details
DIY Grenadine Recipe
Active10 mins
Total10 mins
Serves16 servings
Makes2 cups
Ingredients
2 cups pomegranate juice (see note)
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 tablespoons (2 fluid ounces)pomegranate molasses (see note)
2 teaspoons rosewater
Directions
Heat pomegranate juice on medium heat for 5 minutes, then add sugar and stir to dissolve. Continue to cook until the two integrate into a syrup, about 5 more minutes. Then add pomegranate molasses and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring to dissolve. Remove from heat.
Let mixture cool to room temperature, then pour into glass container. Add rosewater, seal, and shake. Refrigerate and use as soon as it's cool, or store in refrigerator for up to one month.
Notes
If you are juicing the pomegranate yourself, one large pomegranate usually yields about 1 cup of juice. If you opt to start with juice, be sure to buy pure pomegranate juice that is not made from concentrate or blended with other juices. Using juices from concentrate or blends will result in grenadine with less depth and brightness of flavor.
If you choose to leave the pomegranate molasses out, you'll need to add a bit more sugar.
Read More
- How to Make Pomegranate Molasses From Fresh Fruit or Juice
- Pomegranate Bourbon co*cktail
- Marrakesh Express (Pomegranate Mezcal co*cktail With HArissa) Recipe
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 92 | Calories |
| 0g | Fat |
| 24g | Carbs |
| 0g | Protein |
Show Full Nutrition Label
×
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 16 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 92 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 24g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 23g | |
| Protein 0g | |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium 4mg | 0% |
| Iron 0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 74mg | 2% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
