Out of Grenadine syrup, one case
Grenadine syrup substitute for Shirley Temple
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 in Shirley Temple
- The tweak —
- Mix together before adding to Shirley Temple
- Best for —
- shirley temple
One casethe full grenadine syrup card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of grenadine syrup |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pomegranate juice + simple syrupshirley temple | 2 parts pomegranate juice to 1 part simple syrup |
| 2 | Cranberry juice + simple syrupshirley temple | 2 parts cranberry juice to 1 part simple syrup |
| 3 | Simple syrup + red food coloringshirley temple | Same amountPlus 1-2 drops red food coloring per cup |
| 4 | Cherry juice + simple syrupshirley temple | 2 parts cherry juice to 1 part simple syrup |
| 5 | Raspberry syrupshirley temple | Same amount |
| 6 | Strawberry syrupshirley temple | Same amount |
Pomegranate juice + simple syrup
closest to grenadine · similar texture
Best overall substitute for grenadine syrup in Shirley Temple
- Best for
- shirley temple, virgin cocktails, mocktails, kids drinks
- Prep
- Mix together before adding to Shirley Temple
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
- shirley temple, virgin cocktails, mocktails, kids drinks
- Prep
- Mix together before adding to Shirley Temple
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
- shirley temple, virgin cocktails, mocktails, kids drinks
- Prep
- Mix together before adding to Shirley Temple
No fruit flavor, just sweetness and color.
Cherry juice + simple syrup
sweet and fruity · similar texture
Sweet, red juice with similar color
- Best for
- shirley temple, virgin cocktails, mocktails, kids drinks
- Prep
- Mix together before adding to Shirley Temple
More sweet than grenadine, similar color.
Raspberry syrup
sweet and fruity · similar texture
Sweet, red syrup with similar color
- Best for
- shirley temple, virgin cocktails, mocktails, kids drinks
- 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
- shirley temple, virgin cocktails, mocktails, kids drinks
- Prep
- Use directly as substitute
More sweet than grenadine, similar color.
The longer answer
About this case
Grenadine syrup is essential to the classic Shirley Temple cocktail, providing the signature sweetness and red color that makes this drink so recognizable. While nothing can well replicate its distinctive taste, there are excellent substitutes that can help you create delicious Shirley Temple drinks when grenadine syrup isn't available. The key is finding the right balance of sweetness and color.
Tips for substituting grenadine syrup
8 tips- Grenadine syrup works best in Shirley Temple when it can handle the sweetness
- For best results, combine pomegranate juice with simple syrup (2:1 ratio)
- Grenadine syrup is particularly good in combination with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
- It works well in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of Shirley Temple
- Test your substitute in small batches before making large quantities
- Consider the other ingredients in your Shirley Temple when choosing a substitute
- Grenadine syrup is often used in combination with lemon or lime juice
- It pairs well with vodka, rum, and other spirits in adult versions
Notes on grenadine syrup
- ClassicPomegranate juice + simple syrup2 × the amountComplex flavor profile works well in classic Shirley Temple
- VirginCranberry juice + simple syrup2 × the amountTart juice works well in virgin Shirley Temple
- AdultSimple syrup + red food coloringSame amount, plus 1-2 dropsSimple sweetness and color for adult Shirley Temple
- KidsRaspberry syrup or strawberry syrupSame amountFruity syrup works well in kids' Shirley Temple
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for grenadine syrup in Shirley Temple?
For Shirley Temple, a combination of pomegranate juice and simple syrup (2:1 ratio) works best. 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 in Shirley Temple?
Yes, pomegranate juice can work as a substitute for grenadine syrup in Shirley Temple, 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 essential to Shirley Temple?
Grenadine syrup is essential to Shirley Temple because it provides the signature sweetness and red color that makes this drink so recognizable. It's a key ingredient that gives the drink its distinctive flavor and appearance.
Can I use simple syrup instead of grenadine syrup in Shirley Temple?
Yes, simple syrup can work as a substitute for grenadine syrup in Shirley Temple, 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 Shirley Temple taste different without grenadine syrup?
Yes, your Shirley Temple 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 drink. For the most authentic taste, try to find grenadine syrup, but good substitutes can still create satisfying results.