grenadine

Grenadine is a thick, dark red syrup produced by reducing pomegranate juice, sugar, and water to create a sweet, tangy condiment with a deep crimson hue. The ingredient derives its name from the French word "grenade," meaning pomegranate. Traditional grenadine is made by simmering fresh pomegranate juice with sugar and sometimes citric acid or lemon juice, then straining and reducing until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency with a glossy appearance.

Commercial grenadine formulations vary widely; some are made from actual pomegranate concentrate, while mass-market versions often rely on synthetic flavoring, red food coloring (commonly FD&C Red No. 40), and high-fructose corn syrup. The flavor profile of authentic grenadine is distinctly tart, slightly fruity, and intensely sweet, with subtle notes of pomegranate and citrus when made traditionally.

Grenadine is a foundational ingredient in bartending and mixology, most famously used in the Tequila Sunrise and Hurricane cocktails where it provides color, sweetness, and a subtle fruity note. Beyond cocktails, it serves as a syrup for desserts, drizzled over ice cream, yogurt, and fruit preparations, and is used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine as a glaze for roasted meats and vegetables. The syrup can also be used in baking, to sweeten beverages, or as a finishing element for savory dishes that benefit from a sweet-tart balance. When mixing grenadine-based drinks, it is typically combined with spirits, citrus juices, and sparkling water or soda.