Are you a fan of sweet and tart cocktails? Then you probably know that grenadine syrup is a must-have ingredient in your home bar.
But with so many brands and varieties available, it can be tough to know which one to choose. Do you go for the classic Rose’s or opt for a more craft-style syrup? And what about the ones that claim to be made with real pomegranate juice?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular grenadine syrups on the market and help you decide which one is the best for your cocktails.
So grab a shaker and let’s get started!
What Is The Best Grenadine Syrup?
When it comes to choosing the best grenadine syrup, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, you want a syrup that has a balanced flavor of sweet and tart. You also want to look for a syrup that is made with natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or colors.
One popular brand of grenadine syrup is Rose’s. While it’s widely available and affordable, it’s important to note that it contains high-fructose corn syrup as its main ingredient and doesn’t actually contain any pomegranate juice. The flavor is also quite subtle, which may be ideal for some cocktails but not for others.
If you’re looking for a more authentic grenadine syrup, you may want to try one that is made with real pomegranate juice. These syrups tend to have a deeper, richer flavor and a more vibrant color. However, they can also be more expensive.
Craft-style grenadine syrups are another option to consider. These tend to have a more fruity flavor and are often less sweet than traditional grenadine syrups. They may also be made with natural ingredients and no artificial colors or flavors.
Ultimately, the best grenadine syrup for you will depend on your personal taste preferences and the cocktails you plan on making. It’s worth trying out a few different brands and styles to see which one works best for you.
The History Of Grenadine Syrup
The history of grenadine syrup can be traced back to its name, which originates from the French word grenade, meaning pomegranate. The syrup was originally prepared from pomegranate juice, sugar, and water. In fact, Harry Johnson’s Bartender’s Manual from 1882 does not even list grenadine as a required syrup at the bar, instead listing white gum, raspberry, pineapple, lemon, strawberry, orange, orchard, rock candy, and orgeat syrups.
Over time, the recipe for grenadine has evolved and changed. While some brands still use pomegranate in their recipe, others use different fruits or no fruit at all. Many popular brands of grenadine also contain artificial flavors and colors, as well as high-fructose corn syrup.
However, there has been a recent resurgence in craft-style grenadine syrups that aim to bring back the authentic flavor of the original pomegranate-based recipe. These syrups are often made with natural ingredients and real pomegranate juice concentrate. They tend to have a deeper, richer flavor and a more vibrant color than their artificial counterparts.
Despite the changes in its recipe over time, grenadine syrup has remained a popular ingredient in cocktails for its ability to provide both sweetness and tartness. Whether you prefer a more traditional or craft-style grenadine syrup, there are plenty of options available to suit your taste preferences and cocktail-making needs.
What Is Grenadine Syrup Made Of?
Grenadine syrup is traditionally made with a base of pomegranate juice, which is how it got its name. The French word for pomegranate is grenade, and this sweet-tart syrup was originally made from real pomegranate juice, sugar, and sometimes lemon juice. However, many store-bought brands of grenadine syrup don’t contain any juice at all and are made with citric acid, high fructose corn syrup, and other sweeteners, sodium benzoate (or other preservatives), red food dye, and artificial flavors, among other things.
If you’re looking to make your own homemade grenadine syrup, you only need three ingredients: pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice. This combination creates the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors that are essential to a good grenadine syrup. Some recipes may call for additional ingredients like orange blossom water or rose water to add a floral note to the syrup.
It’s worth noting that the color of grenadine syrup is also important. A good grenadine syrup should be a vibrant shade of magenta that brightens every cocktail it touches. Many store-bought brands have a pale pink or brown color that doesn’t do justice to the true flavor and appearance of grenadine syrup. By making your own homemade grenadine syrup with natural ingredients like real pomegranate juice, you can ensure that your cocktails have a beautiful color and rich flavor.
The Importance Of Choosing A Good Quality Grenadine Syrup
Choosing a good quality grenadine syrup is crucial if you want to make delicious and authentic cocktails. Many popular brands of grenadine syrup contain high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors, which can negatively impact the taste and quality of your drinks.
Real grenadine syrup, made with natural ingredients and real pomegranate juice, provides a deeper and richer flavor to your cocktails. Craft-style grenadine syrups, which are often made with natural ingredients and have a more fruity flavor, can also be a great option.
When selecting a grenadine syrup, it’s important to consider the balance of sweet and tart flavors, as well as the color and consistency of the syrup. A good quality grenadine syrup should enhance the flavors of your cocktails without overpowering them.
Investing in a high-quality grenadine syrup may cost more upfront, but it will ultimately pay off in the quality of your cocktails. So the next time you’re shopping for grenadine syrup, be sure to read the labels carefully and choose a brand that is made with natural ingredients and has a balanced flavor profile.
Rose’s Grenadine Syrup: A Classic Choice
Rose’s Grenadine Syrup is a classic choice for those who prefer a more subtle flavor of grenadine. While it may not be made with real pomegranate juice, it is widely available and affordable, making it a popular option for bars and restaurants.
One of the benefits of Rose’s Grenadine Syrup is its light flavor, which allows it to blend well with other ingredients without overpowering them. It has predominant notes of cherry, cotton candy, and spiced apples, making it a great choice for kids’ cocktails or for those who prefer a less intense flavor.
Another advantage of Rose’s Grenadine Syrup is its viscosity. It’s the least viscous of the bunch, which means it won’t thicken up your cocktails too much. This makes it ideal for use in drinks that require a thinner consistency.
Craft-Style Grenadine Syrups: What Sets Them Apart?
Craft-style grenadine syrups are a newer option in the market that have gained popularity in recent years. These syrups are often made with natural ingredients and are crafted in small batches, giving them a unique flavor profile. Unlike traditional grenadine syrups, craft-style grenadines tend to have a more fruity and floral taste, with a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Craft-style grenadines also tend to be less sweet than their traditional counterparts, which makes them a great choice for those who prefer a less sugary cocktail. These syrups may also contain other ingredients, such as orange blossom water or black currant, to enhance the overall flavor profile.
One thing to keep in mind when choosing a craft-style grenadine syrup is that they can vary greatly in taste and quality. Some brands may use only natural ingredients, while others may add artificial flavors or colors. It’s important to read the label and do your research before purchasing a craft-style grenadine syrup.
Real Pomegranate Juice Grenadine Syrups: Are They Worth It?
Real pomegranate juice grenadine syrups are definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a more authentic and flavorful option. These syrups are made with actual pomegranate juice, which gives them a deeper and more complex flavor profile. They also tend to have a more vibrant color than other grenadine syrups.
One example of a real pomegranate juice grenadine syrup is Liber & Co. Real Grenadine, which is made with pomegranate juice, pure cane sugar, and orange blossom water. This syrup has a rich, deep crimson color and a fruity flavor that’s reminiscent of blackberry and currant. It also has subtle notes of cocoa and vanilla, which add an unexpected twist to cocktails.
While real pomegranate juice grenadine syrups may be more expensive than other options, they’re worth the investment if you’re looking for a high-quality syrup that will elevate your cocktails. These syrups are often made with natural ingredients and don’t contain any artificial flavors or colors, which makes them a healthier choice as well.
If you’re interested in trying out a real pomegranate juice grenadine syrup, there are several brands to choose from, including Small Hand Foods, Employees Only, Stirrings, Sonoma Syrup, and Okole Maluna’s Hibiscus Grenadine. Each of these brands offers a unique flavor profile and can be used in a variety of cocktails.
