So, you are ready to try making homemade grenadine syrup? Well, you might be happy to know that it is easier than you think, and healthier than store bought brands.
Grenadine syrup has probably been a part of your life without you even knowing it. If you have every been to a bar and had a Shirley Temple or a Tequila Sunrise, you have probably had this tart – yet sweet syrup.
If you are wondering what grenadine actually is, then you are about to find out.
What Is Grenadine Exactly?
First, it is important to note that grenadine fruit is not a thing! Grenadine is a word from the French, so if you are looking for grenadine fruit, it translates to pomegranate – which is a fruit used to make grenadine.
The french word for pomegranate is grenade, which is how grenadine got its name. Pomegranates, lemon, and sugar are the main ingredients in grenadine.
It is important to note that pomegranate syrup is not the same thing as pomegranate. Pomegranate syrup is much more tart and usually uses less sweetener than grenadine.
Grenadine can be store-bought, but we highly recommend making your own to keep it healthy. The store brands can often include additional ingredients like food coloring and high-fructose corn syrup which diminishes the flavors of the pomegranate.
If you prefer to buy pomegranate juice, be sure to look for a brand that is as natural as possible. I have included a simple recipe below for making it at home if you are interested in giving it a try.
Homemade Grenadine Syrup
Homemade Grenadine Syrup From Pomegranate Fruit
Ingredients
- 2 cups pomegranate juice (commercial or made from fresh pomegranates)
- 1¼ cups white sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Pour pomegranate juice, sugar and lemon juice into a saucepan with a thick bottom.
- Add cinnamon stick if you use it.
- Mix well.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
- Once it boils, lower heat and continue cooking until mixture thickens to a syrupy texture. This should take about 30-40 minutes. Do not let it thicken too much as it will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Use a spoon to test the mixture, it it starts sticky it is safe to remove from heat.
- Remove cinnamon stick if you used it.
- Pour mixture into an airtight jar.
- Close jar and store in refrigerator.
This diy grenadine syrup is easy to make, but be sure you allow enough time before you actually need it as it needs about an hour to cook and more time to cool. Recipe makes about 1 cup of syrup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pomegranate juice (commercial or made from fresh pomegranates)
- 1¼ cups white sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Preparation
- Pour pomegranate juice, sugar and lemon juice into a saucepan with a thick bottom.
- Add cinnamon stick if you use it.
- Mix well.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
- Once it boils, lower heat and continue cooking until mixture thickens to a syrupy texture. This should take about 30-40 minutes. Do not let it thicken too much as it will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Use a spoon to test the mixture, it it starts sticky it is safe to remove from heat.
- Remove cinnamon stick if you used it.
- Pour mixture into an airtight jar.
- Close jar and store in refrigerator.
Ways To Use Grenadine Syrup
Grenadine syrup is most often associated with cocktails, but there are other ways to enjoy it you may not have even considered.
It can also be used in similar ways as our pomegranate molasses. It’s a perfect topping for desserts and cakes of all kinds like panna cotta or angel food cake. It can also be drizzled over cheesecakes or ice cream.
Let’s not forget about breakfast! It makes a great accent for pancakes and waffles to when you want something different.
The beautiful dark red color of grenadine can bring a unique look – and flavors to so many different dishes. Do not be afraid to experiment!
Homemade Pomegranate Juice Recipe
I am all about making things from scratch and for this grenadine recipe I prefer to make fresh pomegranate juice instead of buying it from the store. If you want to make your own pomegranate juice using fresh pomegranates, wear an apron, because this stuff can stain.
It takes about 8 medium grenades to make 2 cups of pomegranate juice and there are 2 ways you can make it.
Method 1: Extract seeds from pomegranates and put seeds into a blender or mixer and mix on high. Filter the juice with a very fine strainer to remove seeds.
Method 2: Cut pomegranate in half and squeeze its juice into a juicer.
Once you have your juice, you can add some flavor to make it our own. Popular options are cinnamon, vanilla, citrus peel, or orange blossom water.