What Does Grenadine Taste Like? Is Grenadine Like Cherry?

Have you ever wondered what grenadine actually tastes like? This popular syrup is often used in cocktails, but what does grenadine taste like?

Grenadine is the secret recipe to cocktail deliciousness. I remember the first time I tried Fanta Chapman, a Nigerian cocktail containing grenadine and booze.

I was far from the legal drinking age, but my sister let me have it since, in her words, it contained only a small amount of alcohol.

Now that I think about it, she silently bribed me with the drink so I wouldn’t say a word about her boyfriend (I think) we met up with.

Either way, I was on cloud nine. Well, not cloud 9 drunk, but cloud nine in awe of this tasty goodness called Nigerian Fanta Chapman. But I digress.

Grenadine is a star ingredient in many cocktails, especially in the mother of all cocktails– a Shirley Temple.

If anyone here has been to a bar before, chances are they’ve had grenadine on multiple occasions without knowing it.

Grenadine is an exquisite versatile syrup that can be found in cocktails, drinks, fruit juice, and even soda!

As great as this syrup sounds, it is sad that so many fakes of it are available. The good news is that this article will show what Grenadine is, what it tastes like, and what it can be used for.

What Is Grenadine?

First appearing in 1872, Grenadine is a non-alcoholic, pomegranate-based syrup obtained from the mixture of Pomegranates, water, lemon juice, and sugar.

Now, some people can decide to spice things up by adding some extra ingredients to their grenadine syrup. Ingredients like Pomegranate molasses and orange blossom water.

Aside from its use, an interesting thing about Grenadine is its origin. The name Grenadine” comes from the French word “grenade.” And no, not the bomb. Grenade in French means Pomegranate.

The French word “Grenade” is coined from another language! Latin. Specifically, the Latin word “Granatum” stands for seeded.

Real Grenadine has a deep burgundy color and adds astonishing flavor to drinks. This is why it is a very popular cocktail ingredient

Although Grenadine is a highly favored component of many cocktails, people think Grenadine is added just for color, taste, and even vibes. They believe it’s nothing more than sugar syrup.

But some people, especially bartenders, beg to differ. This is why most bartenders prefer to make their own grenadine and spice up their grenadine recipe.

Why You’ll Love Grenadine

• Versatility: Aside from cocktails, grenadine can also be used in food. It serves as a delectable salad food dressing and a glaze for meats and vegetables.
• Balance: Grenadine balances out the taste of cocktails. It gives cocktails an equal taste of sweetness, tartness, and a fruity finish.
• Simplicity: Anyone can make grenadine. It is pretty simple and arguably tastes better when it’s homemade.

What Does Grenadine Taste Like?

The taste of Grenadine is a sweet yet tart and fruity one. If Grenadine has a predominantly sweet taste, cherry-like taste, or even a “cough syrupy” taste, it’s not real Grenadine.

Rather, it is an unsavory combination of high fructose corn syrup and food dye packaged as Grenadine syrup.

Most commercially made Grenadines are not made from Pomegranates. So their taste is never Pomegranate-like. Sometimes these commercial Grenadine syrups contain red coloring gotten from bugs.

What Is The Flavor of Grenadine?

It has a flavor reminiscent of the pomegranate juice it’s made from. This is why it has a sweet-tart and fruity flavor.

Does Grenadine Taste Like Bubblegum?

No, Grenadine doesn’t and shouldn’t taste like bubblegum. If there is a bubblegum-like taste in the Grenadine, it definitely isn’t made from the right ingredients.

Grenadine does have a sweet fruity taste but not like bubblegum.

Is Grenadine Healthy?

Well, Grenadine isn’t particularly unhealthy. If a person is trying to reduce their sugar intake due to diabetes or any other health issue, adding Grenadine to their meal or drink is not a great idea.

Grenadine is made of sugar and used to sweeten cocktails, so obviously, it’s not a health drink or health tonic. However, it is not endangering or harmful to anyone consuming it.

What Are The Benefits Of Grenadine?

Now Grenadine may not have a lot of health benefits because it’s basically a sweetening syrup. But one of its major benefits is its versatility.

It can be used for a variety of cocktails. For every cocktail it’s made a part of, Grenadine always bestows extra flavor. Grenadine tastes great in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Grenadine also gives extra flavor to meals as well. If you’re craving something different in your salad,  make it a little ‘fancy nancy’ by adding a bit of Grenadine.

Where To Find Grenadine

• In Grocery Stores: Grenadine can be found in grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, Aldi, and Publix. Check the liquor/wine aisle, seltzer aisle, or the line where cocktail mixers are kept.
• Online Marketplaces: Grenadine can also be bought online from stores like Walmart and Amazon. If anyone decides to make their grenadine they can also order everything needed from any online marketplace.
• Nearby Liquor Stores: Liquor stores always sell alcohol or cocktail mixers, so head down to that aisle and pick up a bottle of Grenadine.

Does Grenadine Go Bad?

Is there anything in a bottle that doesn’t go bad? If there are, well, Grenadine isn’t one of them. Grenadine can go bad.

A never opened bottle of Grenadine can last for a year on the kitchen shelves or pantry. However, an opened bottle of Grenadine will last for only one to two months, unrefrigerated.

But if refrigerated, it will last for 6 months.

Grenadine contains a lot of sugar, which is its secret to long shelf life. Grenadine’s sugar content is the reason it can last a little past its expiration date. Albeit, it will lose some of its quality over time.

If you have a bottle of Grenadine in the fridge for quite some time, check the smell, taste, and consistency. If any of these seem off, it’s time to toss that bottle into the trash.

So to properly store your Grenadine, refrigerate or store it in a cabinet safe from sunlight and heat. Also, ensure the cabinet or pantry is at room temperature and the lid is tightly closed.

How To Use Grenadine

• Grenadine can be used as a flavor-packed sweetener for cocktails and other drinks. Grenadine is a common ingredient in cocktails like Applejack, Jack Rose, Daiquiri, Singapore sling, and Tequila sunrise.
• But hey, grenadine is not only for cocktails. Add a small amount of grenadine to a pan of caramelized onions to add a burst of flavor.
• Grenadine can be used as a glaze on Turkeys, chicken, and even pork roast. Spread some Grenadine on any delicious meaty goodness, toss it in the oven and prepare to be amazed.
• And don’t forget your sweet desserts. From ice cream and cheesecake to fruit salad. Grenadine is versatile!

5 Best Substitutes For Grenadine

Raspberry Syrup

Raspberry syrup is a great alternative to grenadine. It has a similar sweetness and viscosity, making it ideal for creating cocktails and mocktails.

Raspberry syrup is also tart, which can be a plus or a minus depending on your preferences.

Cranberry Juice Cocktail

If you’re out of grenadine and need a substitute for your cocktail, cranberry juice is a good option.

Cranberry juice has a tart, slightly sweet flavor similar to grenadine. It also has a vibrant red color that will add visual appeal to your cocktails.

Cocktail Cherry Juice

If you’re out of grenadine and looking for a suitable replacement, cocktail cherry juice is a good option.

This type of cherry juice is made from sweet cherries and has a deep red color that resembles grenadine.

Cocktail cherry juice is also very sweet, making it ideal for use in cocktails and other drinks. While it won’t provide the same flavor as grenadine, it will still add a touch of sweetness to your drink.

Pomegranate Molasses

Pomegranate molasses is a thick, syrup-like condiment made from boiled pomegranate juice and sugar. It has a deep, rich flavor that is both sweet and tart.

Pomegranate molasses is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Additionally, pomegranate molasses can be used as a natural sweetener in baking recipes or even mixed into cocktails for a unique twist.

So if you’re looking for a Grenadine substitute, pomegranate molasses is a perfect choice.

Crème de Cassis

While crème de cassis is not an exact substitute for grenadine, it can be used in many ways.

Crème de cassis is made from blackcurrants, while grenadine is typically made from pomegranates. As a result, crème de cassis has a slightly tart flavor, while grenadine is slightly sweeter.

When substituting crème de cassis for grenadine, it is important to start with less syrup and add more to the taste.

5 Most Popular Grenadine Cocktails

1. Tequila Sunrise: This 1970s drink is a trifecta of tequila, orange juice and Grenadine poured on ice. The tequila sunrise is usually garnished with a cherry and orange slice.
2. Shirley Temple: Named after U.S diplomat and Ambassador Shirley Temple, this non-alcoholic drink is a staple at bars and one of many classic cocktails. It is made from fresh citrus, homemade Grenadine, and garnished with cherries. However, some bartenders love to switch it up by dousing it with vodka or any other spirit and calling it “The Dirty Shirley.”
3. Singapore Sling: This drink was made by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender in Singapore, hence its name. Originally made with a combination of pineapple, gin, Grand Marnier, bitters, cherry liqueur, herbal liqueur, lime, and club soda. But now, it’s mostly a combination of gin, bottled sweet-and-sour, and grenadine.
4. Zombie Cocktail: The Zombie Cocktail was created by Legendary bartender Donn Beach in the early 1930s. The Zombie is a blend of Jamaican rum, Puerto Rican rum, 151-proof, falernum, grenadine, an anise-flavored liqueur, fresh lime juice, and Donn’s mix. Donn’s mix combines cinnamon simple syrup mixed with fresh grapefruit juice.
5. Hurricane Cocktail: The Hurricane is made of grenadine, two types of rum, simple syrup, orange juice, passion fruit puree, and lime juice.

How To Store Grenadine

Storing Grenadine is pretty easy. If the bottle has never been opened, store it in the pantry. Ensure the pantry is dry, safe from sunlight, and at room temperature. Unopened Grenadine can last for an entire year and even a bit more.

Please remember that original grenadine– made from actual pomegranates, will not last as long as commercially produced Grenadine.

It is only natural that commercial Grenadine lasts longer than actual Grenadine made from Pomegranates.

An opened bottle of Grenadine is best stored in the refrigerator. This way, it would last for about six months. It can also be stored in the pantry but will only last for one or two months.

So, the bottom line is that the best way to store grenadine is either in the fridge or the pantry.

Everyone can choose what’s best for them, but if they’ve had the Grenadine for a while, please taste it to confirm its quality first.

Does Grenadine Need To Be Refrigerated?

Well, it’s more of a want than a need. If you want to refrigerate your Grenadine, feel free to do so. Refrigerated Grenadine lasts longer than pantry-stored Grenadine, so the choice is up to them.

Tasty Recipes With Grenadine

Conclusion

Grenadine syrup may taste like a concentrated cherry flavor to the untrained palate. However, this simple syrup is actually quite versatile and can be used to add a touch of sweetness to a variety of dishes. 

So, what does grenadine taste like?

Grenadine has a sweet yet tart and fruity taste that is reminiscent of Pomegranates. This is why this delicious syrup is used as a sweetener in cocktails, food, and drinks.

If the Grenadine doesn’t taste like this, then it isn’t real Grenadine. Everyone should try to make their Grenadine, so they can fully experience the exotic taste of real Grenadine.

Then they can slather it over their food, salad, and drinks and have a delightful time.

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