February 20, 2025
Did you know the Tequila Sunrise, one of the most famous grenadine cocktails, has a rock and roll history? The Rolling Stones made it their go-to drink while touring, turning this vibrant cocktail into a legend. The secret behind its bold color and sweetness is grenadine.
Many people think grenadine is just artificial cherry syrup, but it is actually made from pomegranates. This ingredient has been a staple in cocktails for over a century, bringing the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Its deep red hue also makes drinks look as good as they taste.
If you are looking for the best grenadine cocktails, there are plenty of options. Classic drinks like the Jack Rose offer a timeless appeal, while tropical favorites like the Hurricane bring a taste of vacation. Whether you want something strong or a refreshing non-alcoholic option, you will find a grenadine cocktail that fits your taste. These cocktails are easy to make at home, so grab your favorite ingredients and start mixing.
What is Grenadine?
Grenadine is a sweet syrup made from pomegranates that adds vibrant color and a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness to cocktails and mocktails. It is the key ingredient in drinks like the Tequila Sunrise and Shirley Temple, giving them their bold red hue.
The name comes from the French word for pomegranate, grenade. Traditionally, grenadine was made from pure pomegranate juice, but many store-bought versions today contain high fructose corn syrup and artificial coloring.
For a more natural and flavorful option, homemade grenadine is a great choice. Whether you buy it or make it yourself, grenadine is a simple way to elevate your drinks with a splash of color and just the right touch of sweetness.
The Best Grenadine Cocktails to Try
Grenadine is not just a sweet syrup. It is the secret ingredient that makes cocktails look stunning and taste even better. With its rich red color and perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, it is a must-have for both classic and modern drinks. Here are some of the best cocktails with grenadine to try.
Tequila Sunrise
One of the most famous grenadine cocktails, the Tequila Sunrise, became a rock and roll favorite in the 1970s. The Rolling Stones even made it their drink of choice while touring. Its signature layered look comes from slowly pouring grenadine into a glass of tequila and orange juice. The sweet orange blends smoothly with the tequila while grenadine adds just a hint of tartness. If you want a twist, try swapping the orange juice for grapefruit juice or club soda.
Shirley Temple
This classic non-alcoholic drink, named after the famous child actress, is a childhood favorite. It is made with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and a splash of grenadine, then topped with maraschino cherries. If you prefer a lighter version, swap the ginger ale for club soda or mix in a little orange juice for extra flavor.
Dirty Shirley
Take the Shirley Temple and give it a grown-up spin by adding vodka. It keeps the same sweet and refreshing taste but with a little extra kick. This fun cocktail is a party favorite, bringing a mix of nostalgia and just the right amount of boldness.
Clover Club Cocktail
This classic pre-Prohibition cocktail stands out with its silky texture and soft pink color. It is a mix of gin, lemon juice, and grenadine or raspberry syrup. The tart lemon balances the sweetness of grenadine, while the egg white gives it a creamy froth. It is a favorite for those who love elegant and well-crafted cocktails.
Get the recipe for Clover Club Cocktail
Singapore Sling
Created in the early 1900s at the Raffles Hotel, the Singapore Sling is a tropical cocktail with a unique mix of flavors. It blends gin, cherry liqueur, grenadine, and pineapple juice, creating a drink that is both refreshing and slightly herbal. The grenadine helps balance the tart and bitter notes, making this a well-rounded and complex choice.
Get the recipe fot Singapore Sling
Hurricane
A New Orleans classic, the Hurricane was born at Pat O'Brien’s bar in the 1940s. This bold cocktail combines light and dark rum with passion fruit and orange juice. Grenadine enhances both the color and sweetness, making it a go-to for Mardi Gras celebrations or summer parties.
El Presidente Cocktail
This Cuban cocktail was named after President Mario García Menocal and has been a favorite since the early 20th century. It is a sophisticated blend of white rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine. The right grenadine makes all the difference, adding a touch of sweetness without overpowering the drink’s refined flavors.
Get the recipe for El Presidente
Mary Pickford Cocktail
Named after the silent film star, this drink is a smooth and tropical mix of white rum and pineapple juice. Grenadine and maraschino liqueur give it a floral and fruity depth. Served in a chilled coupe glass, it is a nod to Hollywood’s golden age with a refreshing island twist.
Get the recipe for Mary Pickford
Zombie Cocktail
This tiki bar legend dates back to the 1930s when Donn Beach created it as a bold and boozy masterpiece. It is packed with multiple types of rum, grenadine, lime juice, and bitters. Known for its strong kick, some bars even limit customers to two. The combination of flavors is complex, making it a must-try for any tiki cocktail lover.
Get the recipe for Zombie Cocktail
Ward 8
This historic cocktail was created in Boston in 1898 to celebrate a political victory. It is a whiskey-based drink similar to a whiskey sour, but with a twist. Rye whiskey, lemon, and orange juice mix with grenadine, which replaces simple syrup for a richer flavor. It is a great choice if you love whiskey cocktails with a bit of history.
Get the recipe for Ward 8 Cocktail
Malibu Sunset
A favorite for beachside sipping, the Malibu Sunset is a tropical delight. It blends Malibu rum and pineapple juice with a layer of grenadine that creates a stunning ombré effect. It is light, fruity, and perfect for summer. Try adding coconut cream or mixing in other juices to make it your own.
Azalea Cocktail
Inspired by the Masters golf tournament in Georgia, the Azalea is a bright and refreshing drink. It combines gin with pineapple and lemon juices, with grenadine adding a rosy hue. It is a perfect cocktail for brunch, garden parties, or any springtime gathering.
Get the recipe for Azalea Cocktail
Rum Punch
Rum Punch has been a Caribbean favorite for centuries, dating back to the 1600s. Every region has its own spin, but most recipes include rum, citrus, and sweeteners. Grenadine often plays a key role, adding both sweetness and a deep red color. It is a timeless cocktail that captures the spirit of island life.
Mexican Firing Squad
This tequila-based cocktail was first made in Mexico City in 1939. It combines lime juice, tequila, grenadine, and Angostura bitters for a bold and slightly spicy drink. The balance of tartness and sweetness makes it a great choice if you want something different from your usual margarita. You can also adjust the grenadine to match your preferred level of sweetness.
Get the recipe for Mexican Firing Squad
Squashed Frog
This playful party shot is all about the visual effect. It layers grenadine, melon liqueur, and Advocaat to create a look that resembles a “squashed frog.” It is a fun drink to serve at parties and a great conversation starter. Getting the perfect layers takes a bit of skill, making it a cool challenge for home bartenders.
Rum Runner
Born in the Florida Keys in the 1970s, the Rum Runner is a fruity tiki drink that mixes rum with banana and blackberry liqueurs. Grenadine adds a splash of sweetness and color, making it a tropical treat. Serve it frozen for an extra refreshing twist.
Jack Rose
The Jack Rose was a popular drink during Prohibition, and its deep red color makes it stand out. It is a simple yet bold mix of applejack brandy, grenadine, and lemon juice. The tartness of the lemon pairs perfectly with the apple brandy, while grenadine smooths out the flavors. It is a must-try if you love classic cocktails with a strong but balanced taste.
How to Make Homemade Grenadine
Making your own grenadine is easier than you might think and the best part is you get a fresh natural syrup without any artificial flavors or colors. All you need are a few simple ingredients and you will have a homemade version that tastes way better than anything from the store.
Start with one cup of pomegranate juice and one cup of sugar. Pour them into a saucepan and warm over low heat stirring gently until the sugar completely dissolves. You do not need to boil it just let the ingredients blend smoothly.
For a little extra flavor you can add a dash of orange flower water at the end. This gives your grenadine a subtle floral note that makes cocktails even more special. Once everything is mixed let it cool before pouring it into a clean bottle.
Store your grenadine in the fridge where it will stay fresh for about a month. Now you have a rich flavorful syrup ready to bring color and sweetness to your favorite drinks whenever you want.
Get the recipe for Homemade Grenadine Syrup
Frequently Asked Questions
Is grenadine alcoholic?
Grenadine is a non-alcoholic syrup. It's often confused as alcoholic due to its frequent use in cocktails. Unlike cherry brandy, it contains no alcohol.
What is grenadine made of?
Traditional grenadine consists of pomegranate juice, sugar, and sometimes citrus juice. Commercial versions might use high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. While some may include cherry flavorings, real grenadine is pomegranate-based.
What is the origin of grenadine?
Grenadine originated in France, named from "grenade," the French word for pomegranate. Initially, it was used in medicinal drinks before becoming a cocktail staple. It reached the U.S. in the 19th century.
What does grenadine do for a cocktail?
Grenadine adds sweetness, tartness, and color to cocktails. It enhances the visual appeal, creating layered effects like in a Tequila Sunrise. It also balances tart or citrus-heavy drinks.
Is grenadine a cherry or cranberry?
Grenadine is often mistaken for cherry or cranberry due to its red color. Authentic grenadine is made from pomegranates. Some brands use artificial cherry flavoring, adding to the confusion.
How long does homemade grenadine last?
Homemade grenadine lasts about 3-4 weeks when refrigerated in a sealed container. It contains fresh fruit juice, which affects its shelf life. Adding a small amount of vodka can extend its duration.
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