Grenadine is a viscous syrup that has a sweet-tart fruit fragrance. But in case you’ve missed out on this non-alcoholic syrup, we’ve stacked a list of grenadine substitutions. Try blending them in your recipes and make refreshing cocktails.
Less is More!
Grenadine is cloyingly sweet. So be careful about the amount you drop in cocktails or desserts.
Grenadine syrup is prepared by reducing a blend of pomegranate juice and sugar till it gains a syrupy thick consistency. This red-colored syrup is used to sweeten desserts, flavor cocktail drinks, and enhance non-alcoholic beverages. This popular fruit syrup is used in Shirley Temple, a bar drink for children.
You can make grenadine syrup at home easily. Boil pomegranate and sugar in equal parts, till it becomes syrupy. Generally, it is easily available in markets and online stores. Traditionally, it was made only with pomegranate, but now berry juices, artificial colors, corn syrup, etc., are added. But if you fall short of it at the very last moment, consider the following fruit syrup substitutions.
Good Alternatives to Grenadine Syrup
Pomegranate Molasses
Pomegranate molasses is a rich, splendidly tangy reduction of pomegranate juice. Its sticky and syrupy consistency is obtained by boiling the fruit juice with sugar and colorants. This tarty syrup is an integral part of Middle Eastern cuisine. It is easily interchangeable with grenadine syrup, but with less sweetness. It imparts a nice red color and a syrupy consistency to your drink; you can add sugar for getting grenadine-like taste.
Fruity Tip:
Mix it with soda water for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink. It makes a great topping for ice cream.
Raspberry Syrup
Raspberry syrup is a close alternative to grenadine syrup. This bright red, sugary syrup adds a splash of sweet and tangy fruit flavor to the dish. Well, Torani Raspberry Syrup would be available in any part of the world, so no frets if grenadine is unavailable in your locality. Add in equal amounts as you were supposed to add grenadine.
Fruity Tip:
Perfect addition to iced teas and lemonades.
Cocktail Cherry Juice
A cocktail substitution to grenadine syrup, the cocktail cherry juice is refreshingly sweet with a sourish hint ’cause of the spirit addition. Swash a drop or two in muffins, cheesecakes, pies, for a tangy burst.
Fruity Tip:
Makes a great base for kid-friendly cherry soda by spurting sparkling water.
Cranberry Juice Cocktail Concentrate
It’s a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and cranberry. This concentrate has everything that a grenadine syrup has―sweetness, tartness, the red color, and consistency. It fuses the taste of cranberry juice with the goodness of apple and pear, much like the syrup we’re looking for. Use a dash or two of the cranberry juice cocktail in recipes if you don’t mind getting the cranberry hint in your mouth.
Fruity Tip:
Conventionally used to make cranberry fruit punch and cranberry slush.
Crème de cassis
Crème de cassis is a good alternative to grenadine syrup, just with the ‘alcoholic’ bar. This sweet, dark red liqueur has a rich blackcurrant flavor with an ethanol flare. It’s conventionally served as a frappé or as an after-dinner liqueur.
Fruity Tip:
Drizzle over ice creams and baked goods for a fruity tinge.
Unsweetened Pomegranate Juice
Last but not the least, you could substitute grenadine syrup with unsweetened pomegranate juice. This substitution works for those who find the grenadine to be excessively sweet. No added sugars should be refrigerated at all times to retain the integrity of the product, its taste, and its freshness.
Fruity Tip:
Since no sugar is added, it needs refrigeration for it to retain its freshness.