You probably recognized classic grenadine as the staple of many cocktails and mocktails including the Shirley Temple, but did you know the delicious “cherry” taste (and bright red color) is actually a pomegranate-flavored syrup?
The French word for “pomegranate” is grenade, so from that we get the word grenadine! The bright, sweet, and fruity taste of grenadine is the perfect addition to a variety of cocktails, and while you can buy your own at most liquor stores, those versions can have a lot of artificial coloring and flavors. This homemade recipe has a depth of flavor that is worth the effort.
Related: Simple Syrup Recipe, Honey Simple Syrup, and Mint Simple Syrup.
It’s quick and easy to make your own grenadine syrup for cocktails and drinks.
Ingredients
- Pomegranate Juice unsweetened pomegranate juice (fresh or bottled).
- Sugar White granulated sugar.
- Orange Flower Water Here’s a link to purchase orange flower water.
Can I Substitute the Orange Flower Water?
You can! While it’s easy to order orange flower water online, you can substitute it for lemon or lime juice, which is also delicious.
Can I Make Homemade Grenadine From Fresh Pomegranates?
Yes! To do that, you’ll want to remove all the seeds and bitter peel from the fresh pomegranate, place the seeds in a sturdy plastic ziplock-type bag (pressing all the extra air out), and then use a rolling pin to gently smush the juice out of the seeds. Be sure to do this without breaking open the bag.
Last, strain the juice through a strainer, and you’ve got fresh pomegranate juice!
Equipment Needed
- Pot and spoon
- Funnel (optional but makes pouring into bottles easier)
- Airtight bottle or container for storing
Instructions
Step 1: Add your sugar and your pomegranate juice to a pot over medium-low heat.
Step 2: Once your juice is warm, the sugar will start to dissolve, so keep stirring it occasionally. Little bubbles will form around the edge as it starts to heat up, but don’t allow the mixture to fully boil. Turn the heat down if you need to.
Step 3: Once the sugar is dissolved, take the grenadine off the stove and allow it to cool.
Step 4: Add your orange flower water and store your homemade grenadine in an airtight container in the fridge!
Looking for Drinks with Grenadine?
- Classic Shirley Temple
- Roy Rogers Drink
- Cherry Limeade
- Peach Bellini
- Triple Tiki Rum Punch
- Tequila Sunrise
Love a Fruity Cocktail? Check out:
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will My Homemade Grenadine Last in the Fridge?
As long as it’s in an airtight container, the grenadine should last for up to four weeks in the refrigerator.
Can I make homemade grenadine in the microwave?
Yes! Instead of warming the mixture on the stove, you can warm the juice in the microwave and keep stirring it to dissolve the sugar. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t start to boil.
What ingredients are in homemade grenadine?
All you need is unsweetened pomegranate juice (fresh or bottled), sugar, and orange flower water.
How Much Homemade Grenadine Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe will make about 3.5 cups of grenadine, which is 56 tablespoons.
Can I Add a Preservative to the Grenadine to Help it Last Longer?
Yes! You can add an ounce of vodka to your grenadine to help it have a longer shelf life. With the vodka added it should last up to six months.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups pomegranate juice (unsweetened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange flower water
Equipment
- 1 funnel optional
- 1 small pot
- 1 airtight bottle or container for storage
Instructions
- Add your sugar and your pomegranate juice to a pot over medium-low heat.
- Once your juice is warm, the sugar will start to dissolve, so keep stirring it occasionally. Little bubbles will form around the edge as it starts to heat up, but don’t allow the mixture to fully boil (turn the heat down if you need to).
- Once the sugar is dissolved, take the grenadine off the stove and allow it to cool.
- Add your orange flower water and store your homemade grenadine in an airtight container in the fridge!
Notes
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Love an easy to make syrup recipe! So great for cocktails or mocktails
Delicious! Great for lots of different drinks as well
This looks fantastic! I can’t wait to try it! Any way to remove artificial dyes is also a good thing.