The Ultimate Homemade Grenadine Recipe for Beginners

If you’ve ever wondered what gives cocktails like the Shirley Temple or Tequila Sunrise that gorgeous red hue, it’s grenadine! And guess what?

Making your own homemade grenadine is ridiculously easy—and way better than the store-bought stuff. We’re talking real pomegranate juice, a bit of sugar, and a lot of flavor.

You’ll feel like a cocktail wizard, and your drinks will taste fresher and more vibrant.

Plus, it’s super fun to tell people, “Oh, I made that syrup myself.” Let’s dive in and bring some homemade magic to your drinks.

Read also: What Is a Bourbon Renewal and How Do You Make It?

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Homemade Grenadine Syrup

Homemade grenadine is a game-changer for your cocktails and mocktails! With its real pomegranate juice base, this syrup offers a depth of flavor far superior to store-bought versions. It’s easy to make and will add a fresh, vibrant touch to classic drinks like the Shirley Temple or Tequila Sunrise.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Servings 20 (approx. 1 tablespoon per serving)

Calories 50 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Small saucepan
• 1 Stirring spoon
• 1 Fine mesh strainer
• 1 Bottle or jar for storing the syrup
• 1 Measuring cups

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups pomegranate juice (fresh or store-bought)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a slight tartness)
• 1-2 teaspoons orange blossom water (optional, for floral notes)

Instructions

 

• Heat the juice:

  Pour 2 cups of pomegranate juice into a small saucepan and set it over medium heat.
  
• Add sugar:

  Stir in 1 cup of sugar until it's completely dissolved. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a touch of acidity, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. For subtle floral notes, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of orange blossom water. Allow the syrup to reduce slightly, but be careful not to overcook it. It should be slightly thick but still pourable.
  
• Cool and strain:

  Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool. Strain the grenadine into a clean bottle or jar to remove any seeds or pulp
  
• Store:

  Your homemade grenadine will keep in the refrigerator for up to a month. Shake before each use and enjoy!.
  

Video

Notes

• Fresh Juice: If you have access to fresh pomegranates, juicing them will yield an even richer flavor.
• Customization: Prefer a sweeter syrup? Add more sugar. Want a tangier version? Increase the lemon juice to 2 tablespoons.
• Batch Up: If you're prepping for a party or want extra on hand, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.

Nutritional Information (per tablespoon)

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Bottom Line

Look at you, DIY grenadine master! You’ve just made a syrup that’s not only tastier than the store version but also totally free of artificial flavors and colors. Now, every time you mix up a drink—whether it’s a mocktail or a cocktail—you can show off your homemade grenadine skills. So go ahead, impress your friends, and enjoy that pomegranate-powered goodness. Don’t forget to let us know what fun drinks you’re whipping up with your fresh batch of grenadine!