I’ve replaced the popular Rose’s syrup for this homemade grenadine syrup. Sorry, missy, but your first ingredient is high fructose corn syrup, and grenadine is supposed to be made from pomegranates. You have zero fruit. None. Instead, you have been dressed in red 40 and blue 1 food colorings. The homemade version has 100% pomegranate juice, which gives the grenadine a natural dark plum-red color. You see, I’m already thinking of Valentine’s Day, and I’m imagining some bubbly with a splash of grenadine. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?!
Grenadine syrup with no food colorings added
This homemade grenadine syrup recipe is SUPER-DUPER easy to make, and it tastes fantastic! I didn’t have any bubbly chilled, so I made my hubby and I tequila sunrises. Perfect Sunday brunch beverage, don’t you think?
Tequila Sunrise with Homemade grenadine syrup. Lacking the “sunrise” I need to work on my bartending skills!
I was a little stingy with the syrup, because this batch came out sooo good and I want to savor every little splash 🙂 I also plan on giving my daughter a jar for Valentine’s Day. Homemade grenadine syrup can also be made with regular white superfine sugar. If you are using fresh squeezed pomegranate juice, you will need approximately 2 large pomegranates. I used bottled Knudsen brand, 100% pomegranate juice. POM Wonderful is another brand that's readily available. If you want to use regular sugar, the same ratio remains, 2 cups for the grenadine and 1/4 cup for the molasses. Pomegranate molasses and orange blossom water are specialty items often in Mediterranean or Latin markets. I made my own molasses and purchased the orange blossom water at Marshall's store. Add one ounce of vodka as an optional preservative if you don't think you'll use the syrup within a month.
Homemade Grenadine Syrup, Sugar-Free
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Recipe from this bartender, writer, and mixologist.
I’ve made this recipe twice. The first time I only added the juice and sugar together. It’s still much better than Rose’s brand, but I have to tell you, adding the orange blossom water and the molasses takes this grenadine to another level. It adds a layer of depth that really compliments the syrup. Take the time to add those two additional ingredients. You won’t regret it. It’s definitely worth the hunt while shopping, especially if you make this for a special occasion or plan on giving it as a gift.
Aren’t these jars cute? Love the flip tops and little handle. Scored theses at Marshall’s
For the Tequila Sunrise
- 1 1/2 -2 ounces (give or take. I’m a giver) tequila
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 1/2 ounce grenadine syrup
Fill a tall glass with ice. Stir together the tequila and orange juice and pour over the ice. Slowly pour in the grenadine. The syrup will fall to the bottom and slowly rise. Garnish with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry.
Add this to your Sunday brunch recipe.
Mmmm, Mmmm.
The Irish Lady
You go above and beyond and are in a league of your own! I don’t even drink, but this looks sooo good.
Sandra
Can I tempt you with a Shirley Temple? That was another recent beverage I used the grenadine in!!
Norma Chang
Your Homemade Grenadine Syrup is so pretty, love your bottles.
Sandra
Thanks, Norma! I like that the rich color is all natural!
Allison@Main St. Cuisine
I would have never have thought to make homemade grenadine syrup! You make a great point on the artificial colors. I’ve been trying to remove those awful colors from our diet, though this is a little challenging.
Can you share any other ways you plan to use it?
Thank you!
Allison
Sandra
Oh, my mind is creating all kinds of dishes to use this grenadine (besides cocktails and non- alcoholic beverages). I think it would work in cupcakes, frosting, reduction over salmon with rosemary, maybe with some beef stock. Definitely will be using it in my prosecco 🙂
Donna
What a great recipe to have on hand!! Love it!
Sandra
Thanks, Donna! Super easy to make too!
Sammie
Wow Sandra! You’re quite the bartender there!! hehe. Drink looks fantastic! Could definitely have some right now! 😉 and mmm.. I love anything pomegranate! 😀
Sandra
Thanks! I need more practice,but I can work on that, right?! 🙂
Heather @ SugarDish(Me)
Can’t believe you made your own grenadine syrup!!! This is so cool! Seems easy enough. Tequila Sunrise IS perfect for brunch! Love it Sandra!
Sandra
So ridiculously easy, yet so tasty! 😉
Natalie
OMG this is great! I am always looking for grenadine but have never made my own, thanks for the post.
Sandra
I hope you give it a try, Natalie! It’s super easy to make. Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
Jess
This looks DELICIOUS! I’m gonna have to try this for sure.
Sandra
I hope you do give it a try, Jess!
Andria
Beautiful syrup! Is it shelf-stable or do you keep it in the fridge?
Sandra
Thank you! I keep it in the refrigerator because of the fresh juice added. I hope you try it!
Debi @ Life Currents
Such a lovely color. And, I love that it’s all natural. I love making my own versions of things that people normally just buy. One of my favorite comments goes like, “you can make that?” Always makes me smile! Your recipe sounds delish & I can’t wait to try it.
Sandra Shaffer
Thank you, Debi! I couldn’t agree more with you! I’m reading more labels now, and it really blows me away at the extra stuff that is so unnecessary (besides being cheap to produce in mass), but recipes like this is soooo EASY to make!