What is grenadine syrup? You might be surprised to find out what it’s actually supposed to taste like. Find out everything you need to know about this lip-staining syrup.
Sipping away on a Shirley Temple or a Tequila Sunrise (or, heck, maybe both—you deserve it!) you may be overtaken by the sheer beauty of your tipple’s crimson tint. Well, you have grenadine to thank for that. Today, we’ll take a closer look at this striking syrup and answer all your grenadine questions.
What is grenadine made of?
Homemade grenadine syrup is typically made from a combination of pomegranate juice, sugar, and occasionally a small amount of lemon juice. These ingredients are combined and heated to dissolve the sugar, creating a sweet and flavorful syrup. Commercially produced grenadine may contain additional ingredients, such as preservatives or flavor enhancers. Or they may contain no trace of pomegranate and only those “additional” ingredients. Rose’s grenadine, for example, contains high fructose corn syrup, water, citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate, red 40, natural and artificial flavors, and blue 1.
Does grenadine have alcohol?
Traditional grenadine syrup does not contain alcohol. But there are a few versions out there that contain trace amounts of alcohol. So, if you’re making Shirley Temples or Roy Rogers for kiddos, make sure to check the label.
What flavor is grenadine syrup? What does grenadine taste like?
Classic grenadine syrup made with pomegranate juice has a sweet and slightly tart flavor with just a hint of tannic bitterness at the end. It adds delicious complexity to co*cktails, as well as a beautiful red hue. But more highly processed grenadine syrup tastes very, very sweet with just the slightest twinge of artificial bitterness thanks to the dye.
Does grenadine go bad?
Grenadine syrup, if stored properly, has a relatively long shelf life. The high sugar content acts as a preservative, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. However, prolonged exposure to air and contaminants can impact the quality over time. But, you’ll be adding it to so many delicious drinks, you’ll be rid of it well before that!
Does grenadine need to be refrigerated?
Grenadine syrup typically does not need to be refrigerated, however, storing grenadine in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat sources is advisable to maintain its quality! Hmmm…so THAT’S why they keep bars so cool and dark! Now I understand why that bartender told me to put away my space heater and sun lamp.
So, the next time you’re looking to broaden your options in your minibar, grab some grenadine and get to mixing! One sip of that Jack Rose and you’ll be wondering how you ever went without it! In fact, you’ll be so worked up that you’ll be seeing red… Oh wait, nevermind, that’s just the grenadine, all good!
