If you like a good cocktail or cooking something sweet, then you probably have used grenadine before. This sweet syrup has a tart flavor that makes a great addition to certain foods, like desserts or popsicles. But sometimes it can be hard to find it and tedious to make it, so instead of giving up your chosen recipe, try some of the choices below.
This non-alcoholic syrup is a deep red, tart, and sweet sweetener used in various cocktails and drinks. The name comes from the word grenade, which in French means pomegranate.
Originally, the syrup was made from pomegranate juice, sugar, and water, but newer versions contain citric acid or other added ingredients.
What Can I Use Grenadine In?
Grenadine adds a sweet touch to any drinks, so it can be used in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks equally.
Some famous drinks that use grenadine syrup include Shirley Temple, tequila sunrise, and Roy Rogers. However, you can use it to make other things like slushies or icicles in the summer.
What Can I Replace Grenadine With?
Here are the best grenadine substitutes you can try:
#1. Pomegranate Molasses
This thick sweetener is made from reduced pomegranate juice. Though it is considered a syrup, it is much thicker and stickier, which means it can change the consistency from the original grenadine syrup. You can usually find pomegranate molasses in Middle Eastern specialty stores, as this is a staple in this cuisine.
This choice is less sweet than grenadine, but you can replace it for equal parts, though you may need a bit more. It is used for dips, like baba ganoush and hummus, or in salads and sauces.
#2. Raspberry Syrup
This is a very similar syrup to grenadine, so it can be used in equal parts for what the recipe indicates.
Raspberry syrup is sweet and sour, but the flavor comes close to the pomegranate in grenadine. You can find this option in some markets and liquor stores, as it is a common ingredient in cocktails, particularly fresh summer drinks.
#3. Cherry Juice
While cherry juice can be found in almost every grocery store, if you find cocktail cherry juice, this is a more concentrated version that can be better used in cocktails. While this may be a sweeter alternative, it does have some citrus in it, so you can still almost replace it for the same amount.
Cocktail cherry juice can be used to make homemade sodas, and even in cakes and desserts. Try making some classic cocktails as well, like a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Bellini.
#4. Creme de Cassis
This is a good alternative to grenadine syrup, but you have to keep in mind that this is a liqueur after all, not a sweetener. Creme de cassis is a sweet, dark liqueur made from blackcurrants, that is constantly used in drinks, such as wine cocktail kir. You can find this liqueur in any liquor store, as it is often an additive to many mixed drinks, or used as a digestif.
In this case, we recommend you use half of what the recipe calls for or less, considering that creme de cassis has alcohol in it. Make sure you try it first before you decide how much to add and don’t use this option if you’re trying to make non-alcoholic recipes.
#5. Strawberry Daiquiri Syrup
This is not a mainstream option, but it can be a good alternative if you find it at your local liquor or grocery store. This syrup is a pre-mixed option to make strawberry daiquiris, so it is just strawberry juice and sugar blended in liquid to add to any drink.
The consistency of this syrup is much thicker and it will alter the recipe, but it can be a good option for a smoothie or a refreshing juice. Make sure you try it first to see if you like the taste and consider adding more ice or water to dilute some of the flavors.
#6. Cranberry Juice Cocktail Concentrate
This blend of tart and sweet can be used when in a pinch. You can find it in the frozen section of your grocery store, usually by the orange juice. It is also red, sour, and has a good amount of sweet to replace the grenadine in your recipe.
To use it, you just have to blend it with about 3 cups of water and you’ll have a juice ready to drink. But if you are making a mixed drink, then you can add some of this concentrate to the other ingredients and a bit of water.
Do It Yourself!
It’s not too hard to make grenadine at home if you want, so consider this option before going to the grocery store. All you have to do is boil pomegranate and sugar in equal parts until the mix becomes thick like a syrup.
You can add more citrus if you want, but this is the traditional recipe that you can keep in an airtight container inside your refrigerator for weeks.
FAQs
Is grenadine and cherry juice the same thing?
No, these two are not the same. Grenadine is a syrup made from pomegranate juice and sugar, while cherry juice is just made from cherries, water, and sugar. You can use the latter as a replacement, but they are not the same thing.
What is grenadine supposed to taste like?
Grenadine syrup tastes sweet and tart as it is made from pomegranates. It has a deep, rich magenta or almost red color, and it can be very acidic to first taste. You can add this syrup to mixed drinks for added color and sweetness.
Can you drink grenadine straight from its container?
Grenadine is not a liqueur but a syrup used as a mix in cocktails, so it’s not really recommended to drink it straight from the bottle or its container.
Conclusion
If you like having cocktails you have probably tasted grenadine before, but if you don’t have any handy, don’t worry, there are other options for you to try instead. Make sure you measure parts well and taste the flavor before adding, as they can vary greatly, and could alter your final product. Let’s get drinking!
Juliana has a BA in Journalism and Creative Writing as well as a M.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences. She loves traveling, trying new foods, and cooking. When she isn’t busy working, you can find her running with her dog Milo or reading a book in the sun.
