Grenadine Syrup Recipe

There’s a big difference between store-bought grenadine and the kind we make at home with real ingredients.

We enjoy making our own grenadine because it brings a fresh pomegranate flavor that really makes a difference in cocktails. It only takes about 30 minutes and three ingredients to whip up.

We use pomegranate juice, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice to create that perfect sweet and tangy balance. No corn syrup, no artificial coloring. Just a rich, ruby-red syrup that works well in both classic and modern drinks.

If you’ve been looking for a grenadine syrup recipe that’s easy to make and full of real flavor, this one’s worth trying. Once you do, you might not go back to the bottled kind.

What Is Grenadine Syrup?

Grenadine syrup is a sweet, non-alcoholic mixer we use to add flavor and color to cocktails. Real grenadine is made with pomegranate juice, sugar, and a bit of lemon juice. It has a rich red color and brings both sweetness and a little tang to drinks.

A lot of people think grenadine tastes like cherry, but that’s a common mix-up. Most store-bought versions are made with red dye and artificial flavors, not real pomegranate. That’s where the confusion comes from.

The word "grenadine" comes from the French word grenade, which means pomegranate. This syrup has been around for centuries and has long been a staple in mixed drinks.

We can spot the difference right away. Homemade grenadine has a deeper color and a fuller taste than the bright red syrup we often see in bars.

Making it at home doesn’t take much time, and it’s worth it. That natural pomegranate flavor gives our drinks a boost that bottled versions just can’t match.

Related: 17 Best Grenadine Cocktails You Need to Try

Ingredients You'll Need

Making grenadine at home is simple. We only need a few basic ingredients to get that rich color and fresh flavor.

Pomegranate Juice

We always choose 100% pure pomegranate juice. Fresh juice has a brighter taste, but good bottled juice works well too. It’s best to avoid blends or cocktail mixes since they usually have added sugars and other juices that change the flavor.

Sugar

We use plain white sugar to sweeten the syrup and help it last longer. You can adjust the amount based on how sweet or tart you like it.

Lemon Juice

A splash of lemon juice adds brightness and balance. It also helps keep that deep red color we love in grenadine. Fresh lemon juice works best.

Optional: A tiny bit of orange flower water adds a floral note, but it’s totally up to you.

How to Make Grenadine Syrup

Start by combining pomegranate juice and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir with a whisk until the sugar dissolves completely. Keep the heat steady and avoid letting it boil since high heat can make the syrup too thick or cause it to crystallize.

Once the mixture is off the heat, we add a splash of fresh lemon juice. It helps brighten the flavor and balance the sweetness.

Let the syrup cool fully before pouring it into a clean bottle or jar. A little patience goes a long way. We store ours in the fridge in an airtight container, and it stays fresh for about a month.

This simple method gives us that deep red color and bold pomegranate flavor that store-bought versions just don't have. It works great in cocktails like a Tequila Sunrise or Shirley Temple.

You can find the full grenadine syrup recipe with exact measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Use Grenadine Syrup

We love how grenadine brings a burst of color and a touch of sweetness to so many things. It's one of those ingredients that always finds a place in our kitchen and our drinks.

In cocktails, a splash of grenadine goes a long way. It gives classics like the Tequila Sunrise and Jack Rose their signature look and flavor. Without it, those drinks just wouldn’t feel the same.

Mocktails are another favorite. We use it in Shirley Temples and Roy Rogers, and they’re always a hit with both kids and adults. It’s an easy way to make any non-alcoholic drink feel fun and special.

But grenadine isn't just for drinks. We drizzle it over pancakes, stir it into yogurt, or pour a little on top of ice cream. It adds a fruity twist and makes everything look a bit more exciting.

If you bake, try mixing it into frosting or glaze. It gives cakes and cookies a natural pink color and a hint of pomegranate flavor that’s hard to beat.

One of our favorite tricks is adding a splash to plain soda water for a quick homemade soft drink. Simple, refreshing, and so satisfying.

With grenadine around, there’s always a fun and flavorful way to mix things up.

More Homemade Cocktail Syrups to Try

If you enjoyed making grenadine, you might also like these other easy and flavorful syrup recipes to enhance your home bar:

• Simple Syrup Recipe: A basic sweetener used in countless cocktails and mocktails.
• Honey Syrup: A smooth and natural alternative to simple syrup that pairs well with whiskey and bourbon.
• Mint Syrup: Cool and refreshing, perfect for mojitos or iced tea.
• Lavender Syrup: Floral and aromatic, ideal for lemonades or gin-based drinks.
• Blueberry Syrup: Fruity and vibrant, great for summer cocktails and spritzers.

Explore more to keep your drinks creative and delicious.

FAQs About Homemade Grenadine Syrup

What is grenadine syrup made of?

Authentic grenadine syrup comes from pomegranate juice and sugar. We combine these ingredients with a bit of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Some recipes add orange flower water or pomegranate molasses for extra depth.

Many store brands skip the real pomegranate and use corn syrup and red food coloring instead.

Is grenadine just cherry syrup?

No, grenadine is not cherry syrup, though many people think so. Real grenadine comes from pomegranates and has a tart-sweet taste.

The confusion comes from the similar red color and sweet profile.

Some bartenders substitute cherry syrup in a pinch, but the flavors are quite different.

Is grenadine alcoholic?

Grenadine syrup contains no alcohol on its own. We use it in both cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks like Shirley Temples.

You can add a splash of vodka as a preservative when making it at home.

This addition is optional and won't make your drinks noticeably stronger.

Is store-bought grenadine the same as homemade?

Store-bought and homemade grenadine differ greatly in taste and ingredients. Commercial versions often use corn syrup, artificial flavors, and red dye.

Our homemade recipe uses real pomegranate juice for a fresher, more complex flavor.

The color might be less bright in homemade versions, but the taste is much richer.

What is grenadine syrup used for?

We use grenadine in classic cocktails like Tequila Sunrise and Singapore Sling. It adds sweetness, color, and a fruity tang to any mixed drink.

Grenadine makes non-alcoholic treats like Shirley Temples and Roy Rogers special.

Try it drizzled over ice cream, mixed into frosting, or as a sweet addition to sparkling water.

How long does homemade grenadine syrup last?

Homemade grenadine stays fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 weeks. We keep ours in a clean glass bottle with a tight lid.

Adding an ounce of vodka can extend its shelf life by several more weeks.

Watch for signs of spoilage like cloudiness, strange smells, or bubbling when you open the bottle.

Can I freeze grenadine?

Yes, we freeze grenadine to make it last longer. Pour it into ice cube trays for easy portion control.

The frozen cubes work great dropped directly into drinks.

Thawed grenadine might separate slightly, but a quick shake brings it back together with minimal flavor loss.

Homemade Grenadine Syrup Recipe

Homemade grenadine syrup is rich, vibrant, and full of real pomegranate flavor. We make it with just a few simple ingredients and no artificial colors or flavors. It adds a perfect balance of sweet and tart to cocktails and mocktails. Once you taste it you’ll probably skip the store-bought stuff for good.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Syrup

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Funnel
• Glass bottle or jar with tight-fitting lid

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups pomegranate juice
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

 

• Pour the pomegranate juice into a saucepan.
• Add the sugar and stir until combined.
• Heat the mixture over medium-low and stir often.
• Don’t let it boil. Keep it at a gentle simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes until the sugar fully dissolves.
• Take it off the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
• Let it cool completely.
• Use a funnel to pour it into a clean bottle or jar. Seal it tight and keep it in the fridge.

Notes

• If you want to experiment with flavor, try a splash of orange blossom water or a little pomegranate molasses.
• To make it last longer, you can stir in a splash of vodka. Just one ounce can stretch the shelf life to a month.
• Looking for a sugar alternative? Cane sugar or coconut sugar both work. They might change the flavor slightly, but the sweetness stays the same. If you’re using honey, try three-quarters of a cup for every cup of sugar.

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