Where can I find grenadine syrup?

What is grenadine syrup?

Grenadine syrup is a sweet, tart, red-colored syrup that is commonly used as an ingredient in cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. It has a flavor profile similar to pomegranate juice but tends to be much thicker and sweeter due to the high sugar content. Grenadine is made from pomegranate juice, sugar, and other flavorings. The bright red hue comes from food coloring as most pomegranate juices tend to be a darker burgundy color naturally. Some key facts about grenadine syrup:

  • Adds a touch of sweetness and tartness to drinks
  • Commonly used in cocktails like the Tequila Sunrise, Ward 8, and Grenadine Gimlet
  • Also used in non-alcoholic drinks and desserts
  • Shelf-stable at room temperature when unopened
  • Once opened, store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months

The versatility and unique flavor of grenadine make it a staple ingredient for any home bar or kitchen. It’s easy to make your own but store-bought options are readily available if you’d rather skip the DIY route. Whether using grenadine in cocktails or simply mixing it into lemonade or iced tea for a flavor twist, it’s worth having a bottle on hand.

Where to Buy Grenadine Syrup

When it comes to finding grenadine syrup, you have a few options: buying it pre-made from the store, purchasing it online, or making your own homemade version. Here are some of the best places to buy grenadine:

Grocery Stores

Many grocery stores carry grenadine syrup in the juice, mixers or liquor aisle. Popular mass market brands like Rose’s and Mr. & Mrs. T are widely available at stores like Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens and more. Grenadine is usually stocked along with other drink mixes and cocktail ingredients. Check the syrup or mixer section for options.

Liquor Stores

Specialty liquor stores or bottle shops will have a wider selection of grenadine brands and varieties than typical grocery stores. You can find premium options from brands like Jack Rudy, Liber & Co, Small Hand Foods, BG Reynolds and more. These tend to be higher quality with natural ingredients.

Online Retailers

Websites like Amazon, Instacart, Drizzly and others allow you to easily order grenadine syrup online if you can’t find what you need locally. This is a good option for buying specialty grenadine like organic or gourmet varieties. You can compare different brand options and prices easily online.

Bartending Supply Stores

Shops that sell bar supplies for professional bartenders will carry several commercial brands and sizes of grenadine. These large bottles are convenient for busy bars and restaurants. But many bartending supply shops also sell smaller bottles perfect for home use.

International Markets

Grenadine originally comes from the Mediterranean and Middle East region. You can sometimes find unique imported varieties and brands at international markets or specialty food stores. These homemade-style grenadines offer an authentic flavor.

Make Your Own

Finally, you can easily DIY grenadine at home with pomegranate juice, sugar and lemon juice. Homemade allows you to control the ingredients and taste. It also saves money compared to store-bought. See recipes online for exact measurements and methods.

How to Choose Grenadine

With so many options for buying grenadine syrup, keep these tips in mind when making your selection:

  • Ingredients: Check if the grenadine contains high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors/colors versus natural juices and cane sugar.
  • Flavor: Sample different brands to find one with the right balance of sweet and tart for your tastes.
  • Color: Grenadine ranges from bright candy red to deep crimson depending on food coloring.
  • Consistentcy: Some grenadines have a thicker, viscous texture while others are thinner like juice.
  • Price: Artisanal brands made with premium ingredients tend to cost more than mass-produced options.
  • Size: Purchase larger bottles for home bartending or small bottles to test out a new grenadine.

Think about how you will use the grenadine most – in cocktails, drinks, desserts? This can help determine the ideal flavor profile and consistency you want. Read grenadine reviews online to get others’ thoughts before purchasing.

How to Store Grenadine

An unopened bottle of grenadine syrup will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a year. Once opened, it’s best to refrigerate grenadine and use within 3-6 months. The high sugar content prevents microbiological growth but over time, the flavor can deteriorate.

Here are some grenadine storage tips:

  • Keep sealed in the original bottle until ready to use.
  • Store away from direct sunlight which can impact color and flavor.
  • Refrigeration is ideal to maximize freshness once opened.
  • Shelf life is approximately 3-6 months refrigerated or about 1 year unopened.
  • Transfer to a plastic squeeze bottle for easier pouring if desired.
  • If grenadine starts tasting flat or muted, it may be expired.

With proper storage techniques, your homemade or store-bought grenadine syrup will stay vibrant and flavorful for months of cocktail and dessert making. Discard if you see any mold, fermentation or off smells.

Substitutes for Grenadine

If you don’t have grenadine on hand, these syrups make suitable substitutions in a pinch:

Pomegranate Juice

Mix 1 cup pomegranate juice with 1⁄4 cup sugar or simple syrup. The flavor profile is nearly identical to grenadine. Adjust sugar to taste.

Cherry Juice

Blend 3⁄4 cup cherry juice with 1⁄4 cup lemon juice and 2 tbsp sugar. Matches grenadine’s tart-sweet balance.

Cranberry Juice Cocktail

Cranberry juice cocktail provides nice red hue and sweetness. Dilute with water or lemon juice to reduce sweetness.

Raspberry Syrup

Commercial or homemade raspberry syrups mimic grenadine’s color and sweet/tart taste.

Strawberry Syrup

Puree fresh strawberries with sugar and strain to yield a pink syrup. Lower in tartness than grenadine.

When substituting, you may need to adjust other ingredients in the recipe to account for differences in sweetness, tartness and flavor compared to grenadine. But in a pinch, these juice-based syrups can work well.

How to Use Grenadine

This vibrant red syrup brings a sweet-tart pop of flavor to drinks. Here are some of the most popular ways to use grenadine:

Cocktails

Grenadine is a key ingredient in numerous iconic cocktails like the Tequila Sunrise, Ward 8, and Singapore Sling. It also livens up drinks like the Sea Breeze, Pom Pom, and Granada Negra.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Add grenadine to lemonade, ginger ale, cream soda, iced tea and other non-alcoholic beverages for flavor. Mix with orange juice for a kid-friendly mocktail.

Dessert Sauces

Drizzle grenadine over ice cream, pound cake, cheesecake, and fruit desserts. Or swirl into cream cheese frosting or whipped cream.

Granitas & Ice Pops

Freeze grenadine with water, juice or milk for vibrant, sweet icy treats.

Vinegars & Dressings

Whisk grenadine into oil and vinegar for a pomegranate vinaigrette on salads. Or blend with herbs and mustard for a glaze on meat or fish.

Yogurt & Ricotta

Stir a splash of grenadine into plain Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for pretty color and flavor.

The options are endless for livening up drinks and dishes with grenadine’s unique flavor. It’s especially useful for adding a pop of color along with sweetness. Keep experimenting with new grenadine uses once you have this versatile syrup stocked in your kitchen.

5 Popular Brands of Grenadine

1. Rose’s Grenadine

The most popular mass market grenadine brand. Made from high fructose corn syrup, water, citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate, FD&C Red #40, and natural and artificial flavors. Affordable price and widely available.

2. Stirrings Grenadine

All natural grenadine made from cane sugar, pomegranate juice, citric acid, orange flower water, and natural flavors. No artificial ingredients. Sold online and in some stores.

3. Liber & Co. Grenadine

A gourmet grenadine made with pomegranate juice, cane sugar, maraschino liqueur, citric acid, and natural flavors. Complex flavor popular for cocktails.

4. Small Hand Foods Grenadine

Organic ingredients like raw cane sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, pomegranate juice, and citric acid. Tart and not overly sweet.

5. Jack Rudy Grenadine

Artisanal small-batch grenadine with pomegranate juice, cane sugar, citric acid and lemon oil. Bold pomegranate flavor.

These are some of the top grenadine brands on the market, ranging from commercial to specialty gourmet options. Prices vary but reflect the quality of ingredients and flavor complexity.

How to Make Homemade Grenadine

It’s easy to DIY grenadine at home with pantry staples. Here is a simple homemade grenadine recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup 100% pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1⁄4 tsp orange blossom water (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until sugar fully dissolves, about 5 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  4. Stir in orange blossom water if desired.
  5. Transfer to an airtight glass bottle or jar.
  6. Refrigerate for up to 6 months.

Adjust sugar amount to taste preference. Other flavor variations can include ginger, vanilla, raspberry, or herbs. Homemade with natural ingredients beats store-bought!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is grenadine just pomegranate juice and sugar?

Grenadine is made from pomegranate juice and sugar but also typically contains additional ingredients like lemon juice, citric acid, and natural or artificial flavors and colors. So while pomegranate juice and sugar create the base, commercial grenadines often have more complex recipes.

Why is grenadine red and not purple?

Pure pomegranate juice takes on a deep burgundy purple hue. Grenadine gains its signature bright red color from added food dyes and artificial colors. Some natural brands use beet juice or herbs for a red tint.

Is grenadine okay for kids?

Yes, grenadine is safe for kids. The tart sweet flavor and vibrant color makes it popular in kid-friendly mocktails and other drinks. Avoid brands with artificial dyes if this is a concern. Also dilute with water or juice as it can be quite sugary on its own.

Does grenadine need to be refrigerated?

An unopened bottle of grenadine can stay at room temperature. But once opened, it’s best to store grenadine syrup in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and prevent any potential fermentation. Keep refrigerated for up to 6 months.

What’s the difference between grenadine and raspberry syrup?

Grenadine is made from pomegranates so has a distinctive tart, almost winy taste. Raspberry syrup gets its flavor and pink color from raspberries, giving it a sweeter, more delicate raspberry flavor. Grenadine also tends to be thicker.

Conclusion

Grenadine syrup brings vibrant flavor and color to cocktails, drinks, desserts and more. Look for it at grocery and liquor stores, online retailers or specialty markets. Popular mass market brands like Rose’s offer affordability and widespread availability. Or choose premium options from brands like Small Hand Foods, Jack Rudy or Liber & Co for top-notch quality and taste. Grenadine can also easily be whipped up at home. No matter which you choose, this versatile pomegranate syrup is a must-have ingredient for both sweet and savory recipes. Keep it stocked to add a punch of flavor anytime.

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