6 Grenadine Substitutes

Replacements for Grenadine

Grenadine itself is pretty simple to make and if you don’t have access to store bought, it can be homemade with only a few ingredients. Homemade is also the closest you’ll come to getting a similar taste for grenadine syrup. 

That’s our first grenadine substitute, homemade! So how do you make it?

1. Homemade Grenadine Syrup

• Juice from 1 lemon
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups unsweetened pomegranate juice

You can’t just combine all of these ingredients and be done, there is a short process to get your grenadine syrup to the right consistency. 

First, place all ingredients into a pan and begin to cook on low heat. Be sure to stir the mixture as it heats.

Once the mixture is homogenous, bring it to a boil while continuing to stir. After the sugar dissolves and there are no lumps, reduce heat and place a lid on the pan and allow the mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes or until it’s a consistency similar. IMPORTANT: the syrup will thicken as it cools, so you don’t have to cook it until it’s at it’s finished consistency. 

Once it’s removed from heat, allow it to cool and pour into a sealed bottle/container, storing in your fridge!

2. Raspberry Syrup

The second alternative to grenadine is raspberry syrup! 

Use the same amount of raspberry syrup as you would grenadine syrup for whichever recipe you’re following. It won’t be the exact same flavor, but it will add a sweet tang and color it nicely.

Additionally, raspberry syrup makes for a great addition to some ice cream desserts!

3. Pomegranate Molasses

Another replacement for grenadine syrup is pomegranate molasses. It gives the similar tangy taste the raspberry syrup will and a splash of color. 

Pomegranate molasses can also be made at home if there isn’t any available locally. Simply boil pomegranate juice, some sugar, and lemon juice until it reaches the desired consistency. The recipe is unsurprisingly similar to homemade grenadine syrup. 

4. Cranberry Juice Cocktail Concentrate

The fourth grenadine substitute is cranberry juice cocktail concentrate!

This has basically everything grenadine does, but is made entirely from 100% cranberry juice and adds a nice bit of juicy flavor. 

5. Unsweetened Pomegranate Juice

As we get further down the list of grenadine substitutes, you’ll find that they begin to differ more and more.  This is the case with unsweetened pomegranate juice.

You’ll notice a slightly bitter taste in comparison to grenadine syrup. This isn’t a bad thing and is commonly an alternative to people who think grenadine is too sweet or if they want to cut down on their sugar.

You will still have a great taste for your cocktails though, it just won’t be as sweet! 

6. Cocktail Cherry Juice

Cherry juice has a multitude of uses for cocktails and acts as a great substitute for grenadine. 

There is a difference in flavor comparing cherry juice to grenadine syrup, but you’ll have a similar sweetness and red color added to your cocktail. 

Another great aspect of cherry juice are the health benefits! Believed to boost immunity and combat inflammation, you can have a delicious cocktail while staying healthy!

Overview of Grenadine Substitutes

If you’re ever without grenadine syrup and have the ingredients to make some from home, I suggest you go that route first!

Alternatively, the other grenadine substitutes on this list work just as well with only a few difference in flavor or sweetness. 

For more info on making your own grenadine syrup, check out the video below!

Also check out our other great substitutes for your culinary adventures!