What Is Grenadine Syrup Made Of?

Grenadine syrup is a staple in classic and modern cocktails, known for its bold red color and sweet-tart profile. But despite its popularity behind the bar, many are surprised to learn what authentic grenadine is truly made from.

Core Ingredients in True Grenadine

Classic grenadine syrup stays close to its roots: a simple combination of fruit juice, sugar, and water. Its original French name comes from 'grenade,' meaning pomegranate, which defines its signature flavor.

Pomegranate juice – provides the deep color and vibrant acidity
Sugar – adds balance and thickness
Water – used to control texture and dilute

Why Pomegranate Is Essential

Pomegranate juice delivers the backbone flavor for grenadine, with a balance of tartness, fruitiness, and subtle tannin. This natural juice—when paired with sugar and diluted with water—creates the unmistakable sweet-tart profile that complements drinks like the Tequila Sunrise, Shirley Temple, and Jack Rose.

Commercial Grenadine: Not Always Authentic

Most mass-market grenadine syrups on store shelves today are made mostly from high-fructose corn syrup, citric acid, artificial colors (often Red 40 or similar), and added flavors meant to imitate pomegranate. True pomegranate content can be minimal or missing entirely.

Corn syrup or inverted sugar syrup
Artificial flavorings (cherry, berry, or synthetic pomegranate)
Artificial colors (red dye for visual appeal)

Making Authentic Grenadine at Home

Homemade grenadine is easy to prepare. Fresh pomegranate juice is preferable for real depth, but good-quality bottled juice (unsweetened, 100% pomegranate) works well. Here's a straightforward home adaptation using ml measurements:

250 ml pomegranate juice
250 ml sugar
30 ml water

Combine pomegranate juice and sugar in a saucepan over low heat. Stir to dissolve.
Add water to adjust viscosity if needed.
Simmer gently until sugar is completely dissolved. Do not boil.
Let cool, then bottle and refrigerate.

homemade grenadine ingredients on a wood surface

Flavor Profile and Cocktail Uses

Real grenadine offers a bright, tart pomegranate flavor with balanced sweetness. It gives cocktails an appealing color without overpowering the palate. Substitute artificially flavored syrups only if you want extra sweetness and are not concerned with authentic flavor.