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Grenadine syrup is revered in the arena of beverages and mixology for the vibrant colour it gives drinks. For example, iconic cocktails, such as Tequila Sunrise, Pink Lady, and Hurricane Blast wouldn’t be what they are today without the inclusion of grenadine syrup. The syrup infuses these cocktails with an eye-grabbing colour, making them attractive to potential consumers. Beyond appearance, grenadine syrup also elevates the taste profile of cocktails by striking a wonderful balance between sweet and tart flavours. Therefore, its addition to cocktails provides the drinks with a refreshing taste and textural depth.
A favourite among mixologists and bartenders, grenadine can also be incorporated in mocktails to enhance their taste and presentation. Remarkably, the world’s most popular mocktail, the legendary Shirley Temple, comprises a blend of grenadine syrup and ginger ale; the drink is bursting with exhilarating flavours that help cleanse the palate and appeal to various age-groups. Although rare, this sweet syrup is sometimes using in cooking as well to add sweetness to dishes, such as desserts, glazes, and sauces. Let’s explore the origins of grenadine syrup.
Image Credits: Freepik
Grenadine Syrup: Origins
Grenadine is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean, where pomegranates were popularly cherished as symbols of abundance and fertility; the fruit was also treasured for its delicious sweet-tart taste. With the advent of modern innovation and technology, as time passed, the extraction and reduction of pomegranate juice led to the formation of grenadine syrup. The syrup was crafted by blending pomegranate juice with sugar to form a dense, sugary liquid.
Image Credits: Freepik
The syrup’s name has been derived from the French word “grenade,” which literally translates to “pomegranate.” Therefore, grenadine has been quite aptly named as its base ingredient is pomegranate juice. The recipe for homemade grenadine syrup, which will be covered in detail later in this article, only requires three key ingredients—pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice. Let’s see why it is beneficial to make grenadine syrup at home.
Grenadine Syrup: Why Make It At Home?
It is critical to note that store-bought grenadine has high concentrations of high-fructose corn syrup, an ingredient that has been linked to several health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. Apart from fructose, citric acid, and red food colouring, store-bought versions of the syrup don’t comprise much else. As a result, they lack the delectable sweetness and the exhilarating freshness that an authentic, high-quality grenadine syrup should hold. Therefore, it is recommended to make homemade grenadine to ensure that the syrup imbues cocktails with the best possible taste. Here’s a recipe for homemade grenadine syrup.
Image Credits: Freepik
Grenadine Syrup: Recipe
Ingredients
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups freshly squeezed pomegranate juice
Method
Step 1: Slice the fresh pomegranates in half and juice them with a citrus mixer. You can also press the seeds using a fine-mesh strainer.
Step 2: In a pan on medium heat, blend the pomegranate juice and granulated sugar. Stir the concoction till the sugar absorbs fully.
Step 3: Introduce lemon juice to the concoction to give the mixture a tangy and a zesty flavour.
Step 4: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes on low heat until it becomes somewhat thick.
Step 5: Take the mixture off the heat and allow it to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, strain the syrup into an airtight container to ensure pulp and seeds are removed.
Step 6: Lastly, move the strained grenadine syrup to glass bottles or jars for storing purposes; refrigerate for up to a month.
