Add some colorful flavor to your libations with this homemade Grenadine Syrup recipe.
The last weekend of July is a pretty big one for me. I’ve mentioned before that I’m co-president and co-founder of LA’s first James Bond film and social society, and right now we’re in the middle of our second year of screenings and regular cocktail hours. This Friday and Saturday we’re presenting a sold-out showing of Casino Royale for its 20th anniversary, and as always, themed drinks will be served at the bar.
Our friends at A Good Squeeze (check out their podcast, especially if you love 007) are pretty adept at making unique and delicious Bond-centric tipples, so we’ve asked them to come up with a few inspired sippers that’ll share a menu with the classic—and iconic—Vesper Martini.
One of these cocktails is a take on the Bee’s Knees, which they’ve ominously named The Le Chiffre. If you remember the movie, Mads Mikkelsen plays the villainous high-stakes gambler with an eye that weeps blood. The drink christened after the character features a drop of grenadine, simulating the blood that dribbles from his peeper.
And tonight’s recipe will help make that evil-looking libation possible, as we’ll be checking out how to make homemade Grenadine Syrup.
What are the best uses for Grenadine Syrup?
Like mentioned above, cocktails are the typical thing that grenadine gets added to. Whenever I see grenadine at the store or hear its name, my mind immediately goes to a sweetened and crimson-colored mixed drink. It’s also a main ingredient in some of the most well-known non-alcoholic beverages as well, such as the Roy Rogers and Shirley Temple. Grenadine blends pomegranate with sugar (and sometimes lemon) to add a distinct, fruity, and tart flavor to whatever you’re mixing it with.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 2 dashes orange flower water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the pomegranate juice and the sugar. Place the pan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and the orange flower water.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature in the pan and then store in a glass bottle or jar with a lid.
Nutrition
How To Store Homemade Grenadine?
After your mixture has cooled to room temperature, store it in a resealable mason jar or glass bottle. Keep it chilled in your fridge between uses.
What are some good grenadine brands?
If you’re looking to just pick up some grenadine instead of having fun making your own, you can find a nice selection of bottled syrups at your grocery or local liquor store. I’m a big fan of Fever-Tree, and Liber & Co. is often ranked as one of the best amongst bartenders and mixologists.
Some Grenadine Cocktails Worth Trying
Now that your homemade Grenadine Syrup is chilled and ready to use, let’s take a look at some of the mixed drinks that just wouldn’t be the same without it. And once you and your friends have given these a gander, make sure you explore the Twist & Toast site for even more sweet ideas.
- Tequila Sunrise – Grenadine helps make this classic taste and look the way it does.
- Jack Rose – This red beverage is sour, sweet, and potent.
- Zombie – The tiki favorite gets some of its magic from grenadine.
- Scofflaw – Grenadine is joined by whiskey, vermouth, and lemon juice in this memorable concoction.
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