Grenadine syrup is a sweet, red syrup commonly used to make cocktails and desserts. When shopping for grenadine, the most logical place to check first would be in the syrup or cocktail mixer aisle of your grocery store.
Check the Syrup Aisle
Since grenadine is a syrup, it makes sense that it would be shelved with other syrups like maple syrup, chocolate syrup, and simple syrup. Take a look at the syrup selection and see if you spot that distinctive red bottle. Grenadine is often stocked on shelves near the maple syrup, chocolate syrup, corn syrup, and other pancake syrups. You may find it sitting on the top shelf, so look carefully.
Brands like Rose’s Grenadine, Real Grenadine, or Jack Rudy Grenadine are commonly found in the syrup aisle. Grenadine syrup is easy to identify by its bright red color. The syrup aisle is the first place you’ll want to check when searching for grenadine.
Check Near Drink Mixers
If you don’t see grenadine syrup shelved with the other syrups, your next stop should be to check the cocktail mixer aisle. Since grenadine is commonly used in cocktails like the Tequila Sunrise and Shirley Temple, it may be stocked alongside other drink mixers and ingredients.
Look for grenadine near drink mixes like margarita mix, bloody mary mix, simple syrup, and bar ingredients like maraschino cherries, olives, and cocktail onions. It may be on a shelf near vermouth, bitters, and other alcoholic mixers. Grenadine is considered a staple cocktail ingredient, so check the drink mixer aisle thoroughly.
Check the Baking Aisle
If your store doesn’t carry grenadine in the syrup aisle or drink mixer section, check the baking aisle. Since grenadine is also used to make desserts like grenadine cakes and fruit salads, it may be stocked near baking ingredients.
Look near the food colorings, cake decorating supplies, and baking extracts like vanilla, almond, and peppermint. Grenadine’s bright red color makes it a perfect food dye, so you may find it alongside liquids like red, blue, and green food coloring.
Also check near the sprinkles, frostings, and dessert toppings if you don’t see it with the food colorings. Grenadine’s sweet flavor makes it an ideal topping for fruit and ice cream desserts, so don’t rule out the baking aisle in your search.
Speak with a Store Employee
If you’ve checked the syrup aisle, drink mixer section, and baking aisle thoroughly without spotting grenadine, your next step is to speak with a store employee. Let them know you’re searching for grenadine syrup and ask if they can point you in the right direction.
The employee may lead you to a section you missed or place a special order for you if grenadine is not normally carried. Some smaller specialty stores may not regularly stock grenadine syrup due to low demand.
Inquire whether the store can order grenadine for you. Oftentimes, they’ll be happy to add it to their regular inventory if they know customers are interested in purchasing it. Don’t give up your search until you’ve spoken with a store employee.
Check Specialty Stores
If your regular grocery store doesn’t carry grenadine syrup, your next option is to check stores that specialize in cocktail mixers and bartending supplies. Look for grenadine at liquor stores, bar supply shops, or specialty cocktail stores.
Even some craft stores like Michael’s sell grenadine in the cake decorating section since it can be used as a vibrant food coloring. Don’t limit your search to just grocery stores. Expand into specialty cocktail and baking stores if needed.
Purchase Grenadine Online
If you’ve struck out finding grenadine syrup in local stores, ordering it online is an easy option. Websites like Amazon, Walmart.com, Instacart, and Target.com all carry grenadine syrup with the option to ship it directly to your door.
Look for name brand grenadine like Rose’s Grenadine or order artisanal grenadine from brands like Jack Rudy or Small Hand Foods. Buying grenadine online is convenient and expands your choices beyond what local stores may carry.
Make Your Own Grenadine
When all else fails, you can easily whip up homemade grenadine syrup with just a few simple ingredients:
- 2 cups pomegranate juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon orange blossom water or rose water (optional)
Heat the pomegranate juice and sugar together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the orange blossom or rose water, if using. Let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store refrigerated.
Making your own homemade grenadine allows you to control the flavor profile and avoid artificial ingredients found in commercial brands. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare!
Where to Find Grenadine: Final Tips
When searching for that distinctive red bottle of grenadine syrup, here are a few final tips to guide your grocery store search:
- Check the syrup aisle first, near the maple syrup and pancake syrup.
- Next, look in the drink mixer section near bloody mary mix and bar supplies.
- Don’t forget to check the baking aisle near food coloring and cake decorations.
- Ask a grocery store employee if you still can’t find it.
- Try specialty liquor stores, bar supply shops, or online ordering as a backup option.
- Make your own grenadine at home with pomegranate juice and sugar.
With some persistence and creativity, tracking down a bottle of grenadine syrup is totally doable. Don’t give up your search too quickly if your regular grocery store comes up short. Expand your options and you’ll be sipping grenadine-topped cocktails and desserts in no time.
