Grenadine is a non-alcoholic pomegranate syrup that has a tart and sweet taste with a deep red colour. Grenadine was originally made from reduced pomegranate juice, water, and sugar but most store-bought products now have additional ingredients such as artificial colours, sodium benzoate, and corn syrup. A shot of grenadine is normally used in cocktails to make popular drinks such as Tequila Sunrise, Singapore Sling, and Shirley Temple. The syrup can also be used to flavour sweets and slushies. If you cannot get your hands on a bottle of grenadine, or have run out, there are other alternatives you can consider for your drinks or recipes. Below is a list of some of the best grenadine substitutes to consider.
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Pomegranate Molasses Or Concentrate
Our first option when it comes to grenadine substitutes is Pomegranate molasses. This is one of your best options for replacing grenadine. It is a rich and tangy juice reduction that has a syrupy, sticky consistency. Pomegranate molasses or concentrate is very popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, it is ideal for adding a hit of fruity tartness, along with a deep red colour, to your next drink. Keep in mind that pomegranate molasses does not have as much sweetness as grenadine which some people will surely notice in their Shirley Temple. To add a bit of sweetness simply add syrup made out of equal parts water and sugar, boiled until it becomes syrupy. There are some differences you may notice with pomegranate molasses such as a stronger, tarter flavour and a much thicker consistency. On the other hand the differences will be barely noticeable once the pomegranate is added to mixers or incorporated into a dessert. Simply use half the amount of molasses as you would grenadine and taste test, and add more if required. You can find some pomegranate molasses or concentrate from most Middle Eastern specialty stores.
Raspberry Syrup
Another excellent substitute to grenadine is Raspberry syrup. Raspberry syrup is a vibrant red liquid that you can use to add a tangy and sweet flavour to any drink or food. It is a great substitute for grenadine if you are looking for a similar colour, texture, and tartness. Raspberry also provides the taste of raspberry to your drink which many people may prefer. You can use raspberry syrup in equal quantities as grenadine when cooking your meal or mixing beverages. If you cannot find it at your local supermarket you can find it at your local liquor store and it is almost certain to be stocked there. You can also consider red currant syrup which provides similar benefits except that it has a red currant flavour.
Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Also on our list of best substitutes for grenadine is cranberry juice. Cranberry juice cocktail can be bought in bottles from the supermarket and it is usually a mix of cranberry juice concentrate, corn syrup or sugar, ascorbic acid, and water. Keep in mind that cranberry juice is also sweeter than regular cranberry juice with a delicious blend of tart and sweet. Cranberry juice is made for mixing into cocktails and does a similar job to grenadine syrup, providing a burst of red colour and a syrupy consistency. Also the juice cocktail will bring a new flavour to your drinks and food. As you would expect, instead of pomegranate, you will get the taste of cranberries. The taste you will also get from using cranberry juice cocktail will be a little tarter, however, the flavour profile is not overly different you can use cranberry juice cocktail in almost anything that requires grenadine. To use it in place of grenadine use half the amount that you would grenadine and perform a taste test. Make sure that whatever you are flavouring is not getting overwhelmed by the tart cranberry flavour.
Pomegranate Juice
You can also consider using pomegranate juice in place of grenadine. Using unsweetened pomegranate juice makes sense for those that want to reduce their sugar intake. This alternative has no added sugar and has a more natural, fresher taste of pomegranate. The biggest difference with using this option is the reduction in sweetness. Cocktails will not have the same pleasant sweetness that you may want. If you are trying to mimic the original taste, then you may need to add a sweetener. For every teaspoon of grenadine use 2 to 3 teaspoons of pomegranate juice. If you want to use the juice in baking, you may want to reduce the other liquid in the recipe to keep the right ratios.
Strawberry Daiquiri Syrup
Another excellent substitute for grenadine is strawberry daiquiri syrup. Strawberry daiquiri is a premixed beverage that is used to make strawberry daiquiris. Essentially it is strawberry juice that is combined with sugar, and used to bring a fruity flavour to your drinks. It has a consistency that is much thicker than grenadine and you will get a less tart flavour and a different taste than pomegranate. But if you are looking for something sweeter and less tart than pomegranate, then strawberry daiquiri is one of your best options. Strawberry daiquiri syrup can be used in any drink that requires grenadine but it is ideal for cocktails or even smoothies.
Cocktail Cherry Juice
Consider using cocktail juice as a replacement for grenadine. Cocktail cherry juice is relatively easy to find. You can purchase it in most supermarkets. Cocktail cherry juice is a refreshing juice that has a concentrated cherry flavour with hints of sweetness and sourness. You can use the beverage in homemade summer drinks as well as sweet dishes. Desserts, puddings, pies, and cakes all taste delicious when you use this juice. You can try it in classic cocktails like the Mimosa, Fuzzy Navel, or Manhattan and will not be disappointed.
Creme De Cassis
Lastly, consider substituting grenadine with Creme de Cassis if you want a less sweet alternative. Since it is not a syrup but a liqueur, you will be increasing the alcohol content in your drink. Creme de Cassis is a dark liqueur that is a little sweet and has the taste of blackcurrants. If you use it to replace grenadine, make use of only half the amount and increase if there is a need to.
