grenadine substitute
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9 Grenadine Substitutes to Try in Your Next Cocktail

Grenadine syrup is a non-alcoholic syrup that is commonly used in cocktails to add flavor and color. It is made from pomegranates, which gives it its rich red color, and has a sweet and tart flavor that makes for a nice addition to a variety of drinks.

This bright red syrup can not only add life to your alcoholic cocktails but it’s also a great addition to flavor your slushies and sweets. If you have a hard time finding grenadine, there are several grenadine substitutes that you could use instead.

1. Molasses

Molasses

Molasses is a delicious by-product of the sugar-making process and takes the form of a thick and dark-colored syrup. It has a strong and memorable flavor due to the boiling process of making sugar. Molasses tend to be very sweet and thick and can add color to any drink.

Molasses is by far the most common grenadine substitute as it is thick enough to float to the bottom of your drink, just like grenadine does. It also gives the drink a slightly darker color, though it is more brown than red. However, it won’t give your drinks a fruity flavor that grenadine does. If you want that fruity kick, consider using pomegranate molasses instead.

2. Raspberry Syrup

Raspberry Syrup

Raspberry syrup is a type of syrup made from sugar, raspberries, and water. It is tart and sweet with bright red color and liquid consistency. This syrup is typically used to flavor drinks or paired with different foods like waffles or pancakes.

Raspberry syrup makes a good substitute for grenadine as it has a similar color and flavor profile. It will not add the same flavor to your cocktails, but it will still add the fruitiness of raspberry and vibrant color.

3. Cocktail Cherry Juice

Cocktail Cherry Juice

Cocktail cherry juice is a concentrated juice that is sweet and sour. As you might suspect from its name, cocktail cherry juice is a common ingredient in cocktails. It is commonly used to make refreshing summer drinks with a bright color as well as to sweeten different dishes.

Cocktail cherry juice is another popular substitute for grenadine as it has a similar flavor. Like grenadine, cocktail cherry juice is also sweet and bright. It can add a burst of freshness to any cocktail blend.

4. Cranberry Juice

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is a fresh and tart juice made from crushed cranberries. It has a tart and bitter flavor profile and is bright red in color. Popularly used in alcoholic beverages to add flavor without making your drinks too sweet, cranberry juice is also used to flavor other foods.

Cranberry juice is a popular grenadine substitute as it has a similar red color and an equally tart flavor with subtle fruity sweetness. But, note that cranberry juice will affect the consistency of your drink as it is not syrup.

5. Strawberry Syrup

Strawberry Syrup

Strawberry syrup is a sweet syrup that is typically made from sugar, strawberries, and water. This syrup is very sweet and is usually used to flavor beverages or as a maple syrup substitute for foods like pancakes and waffles.

Strawberry syrup can be used as a grenadine substitute as it is also quite thick and will offer some sweetness to your drink. It will not add tartness, however, and only has a light fruity flavor that will not taste exactly like grenadine.

6. Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice is a delicious juice made from pomegranates. Featuring a bright red color and a distinct flavor, this juice is quite tart with some sweetness. It is commonly used in cocktails to balance out the alcohol.

Pomegranate juice is a great substitute for grenadine as it is going to be similar in flavor. It also has the same red hue and will add tartness to the drink. The downside, however, is that pomegranate juice will not offer the same consistency as the thick grenadine syrup.

7. Maraschino Cherry Syrup

Maraschino Cherry Syrup

Maraschino cherry syrup is the delicious liquid that maraschino cherries are soaked in. This red syrup is very sweet and has a rich cherry flavor that tastes exactly like maraschino cherries.

Maraschino cherry syrup is commonly used in cocktails as a grenadine substitute to add some sweetness to cocktails. Although it won’t add the flavor that grenadine does, this syrup does give alcoholic beverages a cherry flavor and a splash of color.

8. Creme De Cassis

Creme De Cassis

Creme de cassis is an alcoholic liqueur that is made from blackcurrants to create a fruity liqueur option. This liqueur has a rich flavor that is very fruity and slightly floral. It is a rich shade of purple and can add vibrant color to your drinks.

Creme de cassis is often used as a substitute for grenadine, though the flavors are very different. This liqueur will not be as sweet or as tart as grenadine, but it will add a lot of flavor to cocktail mixes.

9. Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry syrup is made by boiling down elderberries with sugar and water to create a dark purple syrup. It has a faint berry flavor that is slightly tart and floral with plenty of sweetness from the sugar. It is mostly used for medicinal purposes, though some add it to beverages as well.

Elderberry syrup can be used in place of grenadine to give cocktails a subtle sweetness. It will not give drinks the tartness of grenadine, but it will give them a unique color and make the drink taste more flavorful.

AboutRibana Hategan

Ribana is a certified pastry chef and passionate home cook who curates and develops recipes that are high on nutrition. She develops and tests cost effective, nutritious meals using quality ingredients to help people better their everyday eating experiences.