It’s Friday night; you’ve been looking forward to this all week long. You’re finally meeting your friends at the bar for drinks.
But when you get there and scan the menu, you realize that your favorite drink is not on offer.
What do you do?
You could order something else, but where’s the fun in that?
Instead, why not try one of these grenadine substitutes?
This article will list some great grenadine replacements that will work perfectly in your cocktails.
They’ll have you swirling and spiking your cocktails like a pro in no time!
Substitutes for Grenadine
- Pomegranate molasses
- Unsweetened pomegranate juice
- Cranberry juice cocktail
- Cocktail cherry juice
- Raspberry syrup
- Strawberry daiquiri syrup
- Creme de cassis
- Home-made Grenadine
- Orgeat syrup
Pomegranate Molasses
Pomegranate molasses is a great option in place of grenadine. And, like grenadine, it’s made from pomegranates!
Pomegranate molasses has the same great taste as grenadine, but it’s thicker and less sweet. This makes it perfect for savory dishes like roast chicken or lamb, as well as for sweet treats like ice cream or drinks.
Plus, because it’s less sweet, pomegranate molasses is a great choice for those who are watching their sugar intake.
Use a 1 to 1 ratio of pomegranate molasses to grenadine.
Unsweetened Pomegranate Juice
If you’re looking for a thinner, less sweet alternative to Grenadine, unsweetened pomegranate juice makes a perfect substitute.
This substitute works well in any drink that calls for Grenadine, from classic cocktails to virgin mocktails. For example, Tequila Sunrise or a Shirley Temple.
Believe me; It’s perfect for making your non-alcoholic drinks for the kids or designated drivers.
Mix the pomegranate juice and simple syrup in a 1-to-1 ratio to use it as a substitute.
Pomegranate juice is a good trade for Grenadine because it is so versatile, easy to find, and relatively inexpensive.
Cranberry Juice Cocktail
A 2 to 1 ratio of cranberry juice cocktail can be used as a substitute for Grenadine. This means you should use only half the cranberry juice cocktail to grenadine required.
A swap such as this works great in dishes that are paired with citrus or other fruity flavors. Subsequently, Cranberry cocktails, pies, and cakes are all examples of sweet dishes that would pair well with this substitution.
In addition to its versatility, cranberry juice is also a great source of antioxidants and has been shown to have several health benefits.
As a result, using cranberry juice as a Grenadine substitute can be a great way to add some extra nutritional value to your favorite dishes.
Cocktail Cherry Juice
Cocktail cherry juice is often used as a substitute for grenadine. This is because it is 1 to 1 ratio, is low cost, and has a dazzling red color.
For example, you may use this substitute in a martini, a pie, or even a cherry fizz.
Additionally, it gives a sour flavor to your dishes that many enjoy. To get that perfect tart-sweet balance, use 1 part lemon juice or 1/2 part lime juice for every 2 parts cherry juice.
The benefits of using cherry juice as a Grenadine substitute are many. It is easily available and adds a boost of vitamins C and A to your cocktails!
Raspberry Syrup
You can use Raspberry syrup as a Grenadine substitute in many cocktails, such as the Tequila Sunrise, Pisco Sour, and Royalty.
Raspberry syrup is a common ingredient in baked goods and pairs well with nuts and citrus.
Some benefits of using raspberry syrup as a Grenadine substitute are that it is just as sweet and adds an amazing depth of fruity flavor.
It is also easier to find in stores and does not require any special equipment to make.
Additionally, the natural color of raspberry syrup makes it ideal for adding a splash of color to your dishes.
Strawberry Daiquiri Syrup
Strawberry daiquiri syrup is such a compelling alternative to grenadine!
It’s the perfect 1-to-1 replacement for Grenadine, and it can be easily found at your local grocery store.
Plus, it’s less tart and sweeter than Grenadine, making it ideal for mixed drinks and smoothies.
One of the best things about strawberry daiquiri syrup is that it’s already flavored, so you don’t need to add anything else. Simply dilute with a bit of water and use as a replacement for grenadine in your favorite recipes.
Creme De Cassis
Creme de cassis is a blackcurrant liqueur that can be used as a replacement for Grenadine. While it’s not the preferred swap, it can work in a pinch.
Creme de cassis is richer and deeper than Grenadine, and less sweet. You’ll need to use half as much, though, so keep that in mind.
Some dishes that can be prepared using these substitutes include blackcurrant cocktails, blackcurrant cake, and blackcurrant pie.
There are many benefits to using the substitute, including the fact that it is lower in calories and sugar.
As with most things, there are also some drawbacks. Namely, the fact that it is not as widely available as Grenadine and it is not the best swap if you are looking for an exact replica of your favorite drink.
Nevertheless, creme de cassis can be a delicious alternative to Grenadine in many cocktails.
Orgeat Syrup
If you’re looking for a nutty, complex syrup to add to your cocktails, orgeat is a great alternative to grenadine.
While it lacks the fruity tart flavor of grenadine, it’s a sweet alternative that can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
Orgeat syrup is commonly used in mai tais and other tiki drinks, and can also be used to make orgeat-flavored desserts like ice cream and cake.
In addition to its flavor, orgeat syrup also has the benefit of being shelf-stable and easy to find in stores. Orgeat syrup is definitely a unique substitute to give your drinks that extra kick you may need.
Fruit Juice
One popular alternative for grenadine is fruit juice, which comes in many different flavors and can be easily found at most grocery stores.
Fruit juice is of a thinner consistency than grenadine, thereby making it easier to mix with other ingredients.
If you find that your drink is too thin, you can always add a bit of maple syrup to thicken it up, but it will add a hint of maple flavor to your drink.
Similarly, if you find that your drink is too sweet, you can always add a little bit of lemon or lime juice to balance things out and offset the sweetness as needed.
Homemade Grenadine
Grenadine is a delicious syrup that can be used in a variety of cocktails and dishes. However, store-bought grenadine is often loaded with sugar and additives.
For a healthier alternative, try making your own homemade grenadine.
Homemade grenadine is made with only two ingredients- pomegranate juice and sugar. The best part is that you can control the amount of sugar you add, so it can be as sweet or as tart, as you like.
Additionally, homemade grenadine has a richer flavor than the store-bought variety, making it the perfect substitute for those who want the best taste without all the added ingredients.
How to make Homemade Grenadine
To make your own grenadine, simply mix 1 part pomegranate juice with 1 part sugar in a saucepan over low heat.
Cook the mixture until the sugar has dissolved, then allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the grenadine to a bottle or glass jar and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
When using your homemade grenadine, hobbyists recommend using a 1:1 ratio in place of store-bought Grenadine. So, if a recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grenadine, simply use 1/4 cup of your homemade Grenadine.
Afterward, you can use this healthier, tastier substitute in any recipe that calls for Grenadine.
FAQ
What are the benefits of using a grenadine substitute?
There are many benefits to using a grenadine substitute. Some substitutes, like cherry juice, add vitamins C and A to your cocktails.
Others, like raspberry syrup, are already flavored and don’t require any additional ingredients.
What is the difference between grenadine and these substitutes?
Grenadine is a syrup made from pomegranates.
The substitutes listed above are made from other fruits or flavors and have different properties.
For example, strawberry daiquiri syrup is less tart and sweeter than grenadine.
What are some dishes I can prepare using these substitutes?
There are many dishes you can prepare using these substitutes.
Some examples include blackcurrant cocktails, blackcurrant cake, and blackcurrant pie.
You can also use orgeat syrup to make orgeat-flavored desserts like ice cream and cake.
What are some of the drawbacks of using a grenadine substitute?
One drawback of using a grenadine substitute is that it may not be as widely available as grenadine.
Additionally, some substitutes, like creme de cassis, are not the best swap if you are looking for an exact replica of your favorite drink.
Nevertheless, creme de cassis can be a delicious alternative to grenadine in many cocktails.
What is the best grenadine substitute?
If you’re looking for a grenadine substitute, there are many good options to choose from.
Cherry juice, raspberry syrup, and orgeat syrup are all great substitutes that can add their own unique flavor to your cocktails.
So next time you’re in the mood for a mixed drink or smoothie, be sure to give one of these a try.
Is grenadine like Campari?
Grenadine and Campari are two different types of syrups.
Grenadine is made from pomegranates, while Campari is made from bittersweet herbs, bark, and fruits.
While they share some similarities, grenadine is sweeter than Campari and can be used in a variety of cocktails and dishes.
Campari, on the other hand, is mostly used as an aperitif or cocktail ingredient.
Do I need to refrigerate grenadine?
Grenadine does not need to be refrigerated and can be stored at room temperature.
However, if you make your own grenadine, it is recommended that you refrigerate it and use it within two weeks.
In Conclusion
There are many grenadine substitutes available, each with its own unique flavor.
If you’re looking for an exact replica of your favorite drink, cherry juice or raspberry syrup may be the best option.
However, if you’re looking for something with a little more kick, try orgeat syrup.
No matter what you choose, be sure to enjoy your next grenadine-flavored drink responsibly.
Cheers!