Out of Grenadine syrup, one case
What is a substitute for grenadine syrup?
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Pomegranate juice + simple syrup
2 parts pomegranate juice to 1 part simple syrup
Best overall substitute for grenadine syrup
- The tweak —
- Mix together before using in recipes
- Best for —
- cocktails
One casethe full grenadine syrup card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of grenadine syrup |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pomegranate juice + simple syrupcocktails | 2 parts pomegranate juice to 1 part simple syrup |
| 2 | Cranberry juice + simple syrupcocktails | 2 parts cranberry juice to 1 part simple syrup |
| 3 | Simple syrup + red food coloringcocktails | Same amountPlus 1-2 drops red food coloring per cup |
| 4 | Cherry juice + simple syrupcocktails | 2 parts cherry juice to 1 part simple syrup |
| 5 | Raspberry syrupcocktails | Same amount |
| 6 | Strawberry syrupcocktails | Same amount |
Pomegranate juice + simple syrup
closest to grenadine · similar texture
Best overall substitute for grenadine syrup
- Best for
- cocktails, beverages, cooking, desserts
- Prep
- Mix together before using in recipes
Most closely mimics grenadine's flavor and sweetness.
Cranberry juice + simple syrup
different but pleasant · similar texture
Tart, red juice with similar color
- Best for
- cocktails, beverages, cooking, desserts
- Prep
- Mix together before using
More tart than grenadine, similar color.
Simple syrup + red food coloring
sweet but no fruit flavor · similar texture
Homemade alternative with similar sweetness and color
- Best for
- cocktails, beverages, cooking, desserts
- Prep
- Mix together before using
No fruit flavor, just sweetness and color.
Cherry juice + simple syrup
sweet and fruity · similar texture
Sweet, red juice with similar color
- Best for
- cocktails, beverages, cooking, desserts
- Prep
- Mix together before using
More sweet than grenadine, similar color.
Raspberry syrup
sweet and fruity · similar texture
Sweet, red syrup with similar color
- Best for
- cocktails, beverages, cooking, desserts
- Prep
- Use directly as substitute
More sweet than grenadine, similar color.
Strawberry syrup
sweet and fruity · similar texture
Sweet, red syrup with similar color
- Best for
- cocktails, beverages, cooking, desserts
- Prep
- Use directly as substitute
More sweet than grenadine, similar color.
The longer answer
About this case
Grenadine syrup is a sweet, red syrup made from pomegranate juice that's essential to many cocktails and beverages. While nothing can well replicate its distinctive taste, there are excellent substitutes that can help you create delicious drinks and dishes when grenadine syrup isn't available.
Tips for substituting grenadine syrup
8 tips- Grenadine syrup works best in recipes that can handle its sweetness
- For best results, combine pomegranate juice with simple syrup (2:1 ratio)
- Grenadine syrup is particularly good in cocktails and mocktails
- It works well in combination with citrus juices and other fruit flavors
- Test your substitute in small batches before making large quantities
- Consider the other ingredients in your recipe when choosing a substitute
- Grenadine syrup is often used in combination with lemon or lime juice
- It pairs well with vodka, tequila, and other spirits
Notes on grenadine syrup
| Property | Grenadine syrup | Pomegranate juice simple syrup | Cranberry juice simple syrup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweetness | High | High | High |
| Flavor | Sweet with pomegranate flavor | Sweet with pomegranate flavor | Sweet with tart cranberry flavor |
| Color | Red | Red | Red |
| Notes | Adds both sweetness and fruit flavor | Closest to grenadine syrup flavor | More tart than grenadine syrup |
Questions
5 questionsWhat is a substitute for grenadine syrup?
The best substitute for grenadine syrup is a combination of pomegranate juice and simple syrup (2:1 ratio). This provides the sweetness and fruit flavor that's characteristic of grenadine syrup. Cranberry juice with simple syrup is also a good option for similar color and tartness.
Can I use pomegranate juice instead of grenadine syrup?
Yes, pomegranate juice can work as a substitute for grenadine syrup, but it may be more tart. It's better to combine it with simple syrup (2:1 ratio) to achieve the right balance of sweetness and fruit flavor that's characteristic of grenadine syrup.
Why is grenadine syrup so popular in cocktails?
Grenadine syrup is popular in cocktails because it adds sweetness, color, and a hint of fruit flavor. It's a key ingredient in many classic cocktails like the Shirley Temple and Tequila Sunrise, and it works well in combination with citrus juices and other fruit flavors.
Can I use simple syrup instead of grenadine syrup?
Yes, simple syrup can work as a substitute for grenadine syrup, but it won't add any fruit flavor or color. You may want to add red food coloring for color, but the drink will lack the fruit flavor that grenadine syrup provides.
Will my recipe taste different without grenadine syrup?
Yes, your recipe will taste different without grenadine syrup, but it can still be delicious. The key is to choose a substitute that complements the other ingredients in your recipe. For the most authentic taste, try to find grenadine syrup, but good substitutes can still create satisfying results.