Introduction
Nothing is more nostalgic than a Shirley Temple, which was unquestionably the ‘it’ drink in elementary school and continues to be popular now. The sugary cocktail fueled birthday parties and bar mitzvahs, leaving behind bright pink lips and the inevitable sugar crash. Despite my enthusiasm for it, the Shirley Temple introduced me to adulthood with a significant misconception. Because of the drink’s prized maraschino cherry garnish, I always assumed grenadine (one of just two components in a Shirley Temple) was cherry-flavored.
It was a few years into my 20s (and many years of working in restaurants) before I finally learned the truth: grenadine is created not from cherries but from pomegranates. Pomegranates give the wonderful syrup its crimson color and balanced sweet and tart flavor.
What is grenadine?
Grenadine is a crimson, non-alcoholic syrup with a sweet-tart flavor widely used in cocktail and mocktail recipes. It is derived from pomegranate juice and has a long history of use in cocktails and bartending. The first written reference to grenadine in a cocktail was in 1895, and it became pretty popular in beverages during the 1920s. The term is derived from the French word for pomegranate, grenade.
Grenadine was initially prepared with pomegranate juice, but many brands now contain artificial sweeteners and colors. Choose an all-natural syrup or make your own.
How to Make Grenadine
Making grenadine at home is a relatively straightforward technique. Boil pomegranate juice and sugar over medium heat until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add the orange flower water and refrigerate in an airtight jar for up to two weeks.
FLAVOR ORIGINS
The name ‘grenadine’ is derived from the French word grenade, which signifies pomegranate. A non-alcoholic syrup with a distinctive deep red color is usually made with pomegranate juice, sugar, and water. It is a popular cocktail component known for its tart and sweet flavor and the brilliant hue it imparts to mixed cocktails.
As a result, Grenadine is regarded as a must-have in bars and cafes worldwide. It is mixed into classic and current cocktails such as Tequila Sunrise, Queen Mary, and El Presidente. It’s also commonly used in non-alcoholic beverages like Roy Rogers and Shirley Temple cocktails.
Mathieu Teisseire Grenadine Syrup has a sweet, tangy flavor and a floral aroma. Made with pomegranate juice, this Syrup has a brilliant red hue that elevates everyday drinks like juices, lemonades, and sodas into something distinctive.
How to Use Grenadine
Tips for Using Grenadine
You will never use store-bought grenadine syrup again after you have prepared your own. Use your homemade grenadines syrup in the following mixed drinks:
1. Tequila Sunrise: This cocktail consists of grenadine, orange juice, and tequila. The orange juice and grenadine give it its distinctive color. Here is our recipe for Tequila Sunrise.
2. Jack Rose is a concoction of grenadine, lemon or lime juice, and applejack. The grenadine gives the Jack Rose its gorgeous red-orange color when it is served in a coupe glass.
3. Grenadine is also widely used in non-alcoholic beverages since, unlike liqueurs, it imparts flavor and color without alcohol. Shirley Temple and Roy Rogers are grenadine-based non-alcoholic beverages, just ginger ale and grenadine, but Roy Rogers is a cola with mixer.
History of Grenada
fruit syrup has been a popular cocktail ingredient since the late 1800s, but most people associate it with the bottle of Rose’s Grenadine held by Canada Dry Mott’s Inc.
One notable difference from the present commercial version is that it does not include fruit juice, only flavorings and chemicals. While you get a vibrant burst of crimson, you miss much of the sweet-tart flavor that grenadine produced with real pomegranate juice provides.
Grenadine Flavor
Grenadine has a fruity, sweet-tart flavor. Pomegranates are very tart but sweet, midway between a fresh raspberry and a ripe cherry,” Liebrich says. “Grenadine, as its syrup form, adds a significant amount of sweetness and viscosity to the pomegranate flavor, creating an easily palatable lingering experience. It’s truly delicious with just about anything.”
Grenadine Cocktails
Liebrich shares that some popular drinks using syrup include the Shirley Temple, Dirty Shirley, Roy Rogers, Singapore Sling, and the Zombie, and even some modern adaptations of the Clover Club and Tequila Sunrise, which replace raspberry syrup or creme de cassis, respectively.
Here are some of our favorite recipes for drinks using syrup.
Singapore Sling
This traditional cocktail combines pineapple, lime, and gin for a tangy and refreshing taste. A teaspoon of syrup adds a sweet-tart flavor and a pop of color to the cherry garnish.
Dirty Shirley
Adding top-shelf vodka transforms bright red grenadine and bubbly soda into a sophisticated cocktail. It’s smooth, crisp, refreshing, gently sweet, and somewhat boozy, making it perfect for sipping any time, especially on the summer porch.
Alabama Slammer
Combine Southern Comfort, amaretto, orange juice, and mixer for a sweet and fruity drink, ideally served over ice.
Planter’s Punch
Mix rum, lime, pineapple, orange, and mixer. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Conclusion
To summarize, mixer is an excellent and straightforward addition to your bar collection. This syrup can be used to make a variety of tasty cocktails. Of course, you may substitute a more typical strawberry or raspberry syrup. Still, adding homemade grenadine will undoubtedly enhance your cocktail game. Impress all of your guests