Quick Answers
Cherry syrup and grenadine are similar red syrups that can both be used in cocktails, but they are not exactly the same. The main differences are:
- Grenadine is made from pomegranate juice, sugar, and sometimes additional fruit juices or flavorings.
- Cherry syrup is made from cherry juice, sugar, and water.
- Grenadine has a tart, fruity flavor from the pomegranate. Cherry syrup tastes overwhelmingly like cherries.
- Grenadine is thinner and more intensely red. Cherry syrup tends to be thicker and darker red.
- Grenadine was originally a French pomegranate syrup. Cherry syrup originated as an American invention.
So in summary, while grenadine and cherry syrup are both red bar syrups that can add flavor and color to cocktails, grenadine specifically refers to a pomegranate-based syrup, while cherry syrup is cherry flavored. They have slightly different uses and flavors.
What is Grenadine?
Grenadine is a red syrup long used as an ingredient in cocktails both for its flavor and vibrant red color. Traditionally, grenadine was made from pomegranate juice, sugar, and sometimes additional fruit juices and flavorings. The name grenadine comes from the French word “grenade” meaning pomegranate, as pomegranate was originally the key ingredient.
Authentic grenadine has a tart, fruity taste derived from pomegranate that gives cocktails a bit of a tang. It also has a rich red hue that makes drinks like the Tequila Sunrise so visually stunning. While grenadine can add sweetness, a high quality grenadine should not be overly sweet but have some balance from the natural sourness of pomegranate.
In addition to pomegranate juice, grenadine recipes may also include complementary fruit juices like pineapple, orange, or cherry. Other ingredients like citric acid, natural flavors, and food coloring may enhance the tangy flavor and red color.
Over time, some modern commercial grenadines strayed from the original formula of grenadine. Instead of pomegranate, they were made with artificial flavors and high fructose corn syrup as the main sweetener. However, there has been a revival of artisanal grenadines using real pomegranate juice, sugar, and fruit.
When a recipe simply calls for “grenadine,” it is assuming the pomegranate-based product. Grenadine is called for in cocktails like:
- Tequila Sunrise
- Jack Rose
- Ward 8
- grenadine and Gin
The tart grenadine balances out the other liquors and adds a pop of color. Quality grenadine has a unique flavor profile that other syrups cannot truly replicate.
What is Cherry Syrup?
Cherry syrup is a sweet, viscous red syrup in which the primary flavor is cherry. It is made by combining cherry juice or cherry purée with sugar and water, then heating until the sugar is fully dissolved.
The main ingredients are:
- Cherry juice – Provides the sweet cherry flavor and red color
- Sugar – Sweetens the tart cherry juice
- Water – Thins out the syrup
Cherry syrup originated in the United States as an imitation of European grenadine. Food coloring may be added to enhance the red hue. Natural or artificial flavors are sometimes included too.
Compared to grenadine, cherry syrup has a much stronger cherry taste. It lacks the pomegranate tartness of grenadine. The flavor is overwhelmingly like maraschino cherries.
The consistency of cherry syrup is slightly thicker and more viscous than grenadine. It has a deeper red color as well.
Cherry syrup became a popular replacement for grenadine in bars because it was cheaper to make. It could easily be substituted into cocktails without significantly altering the drink. For example, a Tequila Sunrise made with cherry syrup instead of grenadine will still taste fruity and look red.
However, cherry syrup does not provide the same complex, fruity flavor notes of true grenadine. It makes a better straight cherry flavoring compared to an all-purpose cocktail syrup.
How is Grenadine Used in Cocktails?
Grenadine serves two key functions in cocktails:
Flavor – The tart, tangy pomegranate taste balances out sweet liquors and citrus juices. It also adds a fruity hint in small amounts.
Color – Vivid red hue from natural pomegranate juice or other added colors. Even a small dash makes drinks pop visually.
A few drops of grenadine can add a subtle fruitiness and light pink tinge to a drink. In larger amounts, such as equal parts with other liquors, it makes a bolder impact on taste and appearance.
Here are some of the most common ways grenadine is used:
- Tequila Sunrise – Equal parts orange juice and tequila, with grenadine sunk to the bottom to create dawn sky effect.
- Jack Rose – Grenadine balances the tart applejack brandy and lemon juice.
- Planter’s Punch – Small amount adds hint of color and fruitiness.
- Vodka Cranberry – Dash of grenadine gives it extra vibrancy.
- Grenadine and Gin – Equal parts gin and grenadine for a simple, bright pink drink.
Grenadine brings its unique pomegranate flavor to cocktails, while also creating beautiful layers, swirls, and gradients with its vivid color.
How is Cherry Syrup Used?
Cherry syrup can be used in cocktails in similar ways as grenadine, though with some slight differences:
Flavor – Provides pronounced cherry sweetness instead of grenadine’s pomegranate tang.
Color – Deep red, though slightly darker than grenadine.
Sweetness – Much sweeter than grenadine, so less needs to be used.
Cherry syrup works well in fruit-forward drinks that highlight the cherry taste, such as:
- Cherry Cola
- Cherry Whiskey Smash
- Cherry Lime Rickeys
It can be substituted for grenadine in small amounts in drinks like Planter’s Punch without major taste difference. However, the flavor profile changes significantly in drinks with a higher grenadine ratio, like the Tequila Sunrise.
Since it is very sweet, cherry syrup may overpower other ingredients if too much is added. It is best used sparingly or in drinks already featuring a maraschino cherry flavor.
The deep red color also makes it ideal for creating layered shots and colorful gradients. Overall, while grenadine and cherry syrup can sometimes substitute for one another, they each shine in different cocktail recipes tailored to their unique flavors.
Are Grenadine and Cherry Syrup Interchangeable?
Grenadine and cherry syrup are similar in appearance and can both add flavor and color to cocktails. However, there are some key differences between them:
Flavor – Grenadine has a tart, nuanced pomegranate taste, while cherry syrup tastes strongly of sweet, candied cherries.
Consistency – Grenadine is thin, while cherry syrup has a thicker, more viscous texture.
Sweetness – Grenadine brings some natural tartness from pomegranate. Cherry syrup is very sugary sweet.
Origins – Grenadine is a European pomegranate syrup. Cherry syrup was created later in America.
Color – Grenadine is a bright translucent red. Cherry syrup is darker and more opaque.
In classic grenadine cocktails like the Tequila Sunrise, Ward 8, or Jack Rose, the unique pomegranate flavor is an important component. Replacing grenadine with cherry syrup makes them taste more like cherry soda.
However, grenadine and cherry syrup can substitute for one another in small amounts in some drinks without major differences, especially in fruit punch-style cocktails.
For the true distinctive flavor of grenadine, though, it works best on its own in recipes specifically calling for it. And recipes highlighting the cherry taste are better with real cherry syrup.
While they are both red bar syrups, grenadine and cherry syrup are not exactly interchangeable due to their differing flavors and origins. They each have appropriate cocktail uses based on their unique characteristics.
How to Make Grenadine
Authentic homemade grenadine can be made with just a few ingredients:
Pomegranate Juice – The key ingredient providing grenadine’s flavor and color. Use 100% pure pomegranate juice without added sugars.
White Sugar – Granulated white sugar adds sweetness to balance the tart juice.
Lemon Juice – A small amount of lemon juice helps round out the tanginess.
Water – Dilutes the syrup slightly so it pours easily.
Here is a simple grenadine recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 1 cup white sugar
– 2 tsp lemon juice
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Combine pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
2. Heat on medium, stirring frequently, until sugar fully dissolves.
3. Remove from heat, stir in water, and let cool.
4. Store refrigerated in a sealed bottle.
For an even fruitier flavor, try substituting 1/4 cup orange juice for the water. Other flavor variations can include ginger, hibiscus, cranberries, or vanilla.
The key is using real pomegranate juice as the base along with sugar to balance the tartness. Homemade grenadine has a delicious, nuanced fruity flavor that gives cocktails complexity.
How to Make Cherry Syrup
Making homemade cherry syrup is relatively easy. It only requires three ingredients:
Cherry Juice – Provides the vibrant cherry flavor and color. Use 100% pure cherry juice, not syrupy sweetened juice.
Sugar – White granulated sugar adds sweetness and thickness to the syrup.
Water – Thins out the syrup slightly for better pourability.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cherry juice
– 1 cup white sugar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Pour cherry juice and sugar into a small saucepan.
2. Heat on medium, stirring often, until sugar fully dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and stir in water.
4. Let cool completely before transferring to a glass bottle.
5. Store refrigerated for up to 1 month.
For a more intense cherry flavor, use an additional 1/4 cup of cherry juice instead of water. For variation, spices like cinnamon or vanilla can also be added.
The key to homemade cherry syrup is using pure, unsweetened cherry juice. This gives it the distinct natural cherry taste. With just juice, sugar, and water, you can easily make a delicious cherry syrup for cocktails.
Conclusion
While grenadine and cherry syrup may appear similar at first glance, they have distinct differences:
- Grenadine is defined by its pomegranate juice base, while cherry syrup highlights the sweet cherry flavor.
- Grenadine has a thinner, brighter red color compared to the darker, thicker cherry syrup.
- Grenadine contributes tangy tartness, while cherry syrup is very sugary sweet.
- Grenadine is essential for classic cocktails specifically developed around its flavor profile.
- Cherry syrup works better in drinks highlighting its candied cherry taste.
So in summary, grenadine and cherry syrup are related but not interchangeable. For the best results in cocktails, use grenadine when its fruity pomegranate flavor is required, and cherry syrup when you want that maraschino cherry sweetness. Knowing the nuances of these two popular red syrups helps ensure drinks have the perfect balance of flavors.
