Explained: What Is Grenadine & When Is It Used In Drinks?
Are you in love with the crimson colour of cocktails and mocktails? You might be wondering what is this beautiful colour that enhances the overlook of drinks like Shirley Temple, Mai Tai, or Singapore Sling. Well, the colour comes from the syrup called Grenadine. Its vibrant colour and sweet-tart profile make it a versatile addition to a wide range of beverages. In addition to its use in drinks, grenadine is sometimes used as a drizzle or syrup for desserts.
The name, Grenadine, is not very familiar to the common people but is widely used in the drink industry for its delightful hue and flavour. If you know nothing about the syrup that is widely used in drinks, then fret not. We are here to give you details about this syrup and the drinks it is commonly used in.
What Is Grenadine?
Originally Grenadine was made with a base of pomegranate juice. The syrup got its name from the French word grenade which means pomegranate. For making a homemade version of the syrup, all you need is pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice. It exudes a characteristic crimson colour, creating a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
It is worth noting that the store-bought grenadine is usually made with little more than high-fructose corn syrup, citric acid, and red food colouring. This means that the store-bought syrup is more heavy-handed with sweetness and does not have the same complex flavours that would come from making homemade grenadine syrup with fruit juices.
Grenadine Used In Drinks
Grenadine's popularity soared in the realm of mixology, where it became a key ingredient in an array of cocktails. Its natural hue and tangy undertones make it an ideal companion for a spectrum of spirits, from the tequila-laced Tequila Sunrise to the rum-infused Hurricane. The visually striking effect of grenadine sinking to the bottom of a glass or creating layered patterns became synonymous with artful bartending.
Beyond alcoholic beverages, grenadine syrup found a cherished place in the world of mocktails. Perhaps its most iconic association is with the Shirley Temple, a beloved non-alcoholic concoction named after the legendary child star. The blend of grenadine, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, and a maraschino cherry creates a drink that not only delights the taste buds but also enchants with its rosy hue.
Grenadine's applications extend beyond drinks to desserts and culinary creations. It adds a burst of flavour and a touch of sophistication to dishes, elevating everything from fruit salads to glazes for meats. The versatility of grenadine in the culinary world mirrors its adaptability in the realm of beverages, making it a prized ingredient for chefs and home cooks alike.
Various Drinks That Use Grenadine Syrup
This syrup adds a vibrant crimson hue and flavour to the drinks. There is a wide range of drinks where Grenadine is used. Take a look at some of them:
Shirley Temple: The classic Shirley Temple mocktail includes grenadine syrup, giving the drink its signature pink colour and a sweet, fruity taste.
Tequila Sunrise: In this cocktail, grenadine is used to create a visually stunning sunrise effect. It's typically layered on top of a mixture of tequila and orange juice.
Sea Breeze: A Sea Breeze cocktail often combines vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice, with grenadine adding a touch of sweetness and colour.
Roy Rogers: Similar to the Shirley Temple, the Roy Rogers mocktail uses grenadine along with cola and a maraschino cherry.
Hurricane: In the Hurricane cocktail, which originated in New Orleans, grenadine is one of the ingredients alongside rum, passion fruit juice, and citrus.
