Are you looking for a good grenadine substitute? We’ve got you covered.
We know how much you love grenadine, and we want to help you make your favorite cocktails as soon as possible.
But sometimes it’s hard to find the right ingredients for your favorite drinks, especially if you’re out of town or on the go.
That’s why we went ahead and did the research for you—we found some great grenadine substitutes that taste just like the real thing!
What is Grenadine?
Grenadine is a syrup made from pomegranate juice, sugar, and water. It is used in many cocktails, especially those that feature tequila or rum. A dash of grenadine will add a splash of color to your drink and a touch of sweetness.
Where Does Grenadine Come From?
Grenadine was first created in France in the 17th century by pharmacist Pierre-Joseph Pelletier (1788 – 1841) who was working for Napoleon Bonaparte’s army during the French Revolution. Pomegranate trees were found growing in abundance in Egypt at that time and Napoleon wanted to find ways to improve his soldiers’ health and nutrition. Pelletier discovered that grenadine could be made from pomegranate juice and sugar syrup, which made it easy for troops to carry with them on long marches. The recipe has changed over time but the basic ingredients are still the same – pomegranate juice, sugar syrup and water.
8 Best Grenadine Substitute
1. Homemade Grenadine
If you love the sweet, fruity taste of grenadine but want to avoid the artificial ingredients in commercial brands, you can make your own at home. Mix pomegranate juice and simple syrup in a 1:1 ratio for a quick and easy homemade version of this sweet ingredient.
2. Pomegranate Juice + Simple Syrup
Pomegranate juice is a great substitute for grenadine because it has a similar sweet, fruity flavor. You can use it in cocktails and as an ingredient in recipes. To make your own grenadine substitute, mix equal parts pomegranate juice and simple syrup together until they’re well-combined.
3. Raspberry syrup
This is a sweetener that can be used as a substitute for grenadine. It is made from the juice of raspberries, sugar, and water. The color is bright red and it has a tart flavor with a hint of raspberry. It can be used to make raspberry lemonade, fruit salad, pie filling, or mixed drinks such as sangria or margaritas.
4. Maraschino juice (from cocktail cherry jar)
This ingredient is made from bitter almonds and cherries. It has a dark reddish-brown color and has a sweet taste with an almond flavor. It can be used to make cocktails like martinis or manhattans.
Maraschino cherries are preserved in a jar of Maraschino juice, which has a syrupy texture and sweet flavor. You can use this juice as a substitute for grenadine in cocktails like the Shirley Temple or other drinks that call for it.
5. Cocktail Cherry Juice
Cherry juice is a great substitute for grenadine in cocktails. It pairs well with rum and whiskey, and it’s especially good with tequila. It’s also delicious when used to make a Shirley Temple!
6. Cranberry Juice Cocktail Concentrate
If you’re looking for a grenadine substitute that will give your cocktail a little extra kick of tartness, try using cranberry juice cocktail concentrate. This product is made from cranberries, water, sugar and citric acid—it can be found in the juice aisle of most supermarkets. Just add it to your favorite cocktail recipe for a bit of tangy sweetness!
7. Crème de cassis
Crème de cassis is a sweet, red liqueur made from blackcurrants. It’s found in many cocktails, but it’s particularly popular in the French 75. In order to make grenadine at home, you simply need to add sugar and water to the liqueur.
8. Unsweetened Pomegranate Juice
Unsweetened pomegranate juice contains no sugar, but it does have plenty of other benefits. It’s high in antioxidants and vitamin C, and has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
How to make grenadine?
Grenadine is a sweet syrup made from pomegranate juice and sugar. It’s a popular mixer in cocktails like the Tequila Sunrise, but it can also be used in fruit salads or to flavor ice cream and sorbet.
Grenadine is a sweet syrup made from pomegranate juice and sugar. It’s a popular mixer in cocktails like the Tequila Sunrise, but it can also be used in fruit salads or to flavor ice cream and sorbet.
You can buy grenadine at your local liquor store, but it’s easy to make your own at home if you have fresh pomegranates on hand. This recipe makes enough to last you through winter.
Pour 1 cup of sugar into a large saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until it dissolves completely, about 5 minutes (be careful not to burn). Add 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, pour into a heatproof bowl, cover with plastic wrap, then chill until cold. When the syrup is cool, stir in 1 cup fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice (from about 3 medium-sized fruits) until well combined.
FAQs
Can I use grenadine syrup as a substitute for pomegranate juice?
Yes, you can use it as a substitute for pomegranate juice. It is an artificial sweetener and has no calories. It contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving, which is less than one percent of the daily recommended intake.
Is grenadine syrup gluten free? What are the ingredients in Grenadine syrup?
Grenadine syrup is gluten free and made from water, high fructose corn syrup and fruit juices. Some brands may contain artificial flavors, but check the label before buying.
What is grenadine used for?
Grenadine syrup is commonly used in cocktails, mixed drinks and other beverages. It can also be used to dye cakes and other desserts red or pink. Grenadine syrup is not to be confused with pomegranate molasses, which is thicker and more concentrated than grenadine syrup.
What are the benefits of grenadine syrup?
Grenadine syrup contains no calories or fat, so it’s a good choice for those who are watching their weight or trying to follow a low-fat diet. It also contains no carbohydrates, so it’s easy on your blood sugar levels compared to other sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
What does grenadine taste like?
Grenadine has a sweet, tangy flavor that can be described as being similar to pomegranate juice with just a hint of ginger spice.
Can I substitute grenadine for another syrup?
Yes! The best substitute for grenadine is Grand Marnier syrup because it has similar flavors and colors but it’s a bit sweeter than grenadine, so it may not work in every recipe where you would normally use grenadine. You can also try raspberry syrup or orange curaçao if you don’t have Grand Marnier or raspberry syrups on hand
Is grenadine vegan?
No, grenadine is not vegan because it contains pomegranate juice which is made from the seeds of the fruit and not from the whole fruit itself.
How much does grenadine cost?
The price of grenadine will vary depending on where you purchase it and how much you buy at one time. You can expect to pay between $1-$5 per bottle depending on where you shop and what type of grenadine you purchase (i.e., pure pomegranate juice vs. store-brand)
Conclusion
We have presented a list of alternatives to grenadine, which is typically made from pomegranate. These grenadine substitutes include sweet and sour mix and orange juice. We believe that these substitutes are better than grenadine because they are healthier and easier to find. In addition, they taste just as good as grenadine.
If you are looking for a healthier alternative to grenadine, try using sweet and sour mix instead. This will provide you with less sugar than regular grenadine, but it still has enough sweetness to make your cocktails taste great! Sweet and sour mixes can be found at most grocery stores or liquor stores.
Another option is using orange juice instead of pomegranate juice to make your cocktail. This will also give your drink more flavor without adding any extra calories or sugar! You can find orange juice at most grocery stores or liquor stores.
