You may already know grenadine syrup from your days of Shirley Temple drinks or Mai Tais, but did you know the delicious “cherry” taste (and classic red color) is actually a pomegranate-flavored syrup?

The French word for “pomegranate” is grenade, so from that we get the word grenadine!

The bright, sweet, and fruity taste of grenadine is the perfect addition to a variety of cocktails, and while you can buy your own at most liquor stores, those versions can have a lot of artificial coloring and flavors.

It’s quick and easy to make your own homemade version of grenadine syrup to give your cocktails a punch.

Looking for drinks that use grenadine? Try these:

What ingredients do I need to make grenadine?

All you need is unsweetened pomegranate juice (fresh or bottled), sugar, and orange flower water.

When making grenadine, can I substitute anything for the orange flower water?

You can! While it’s easy to order orange flower water online, you can substitute it for lemon or lime juice, which is also delicious.

Can I make homemade grenadine from fresh pomegranates?

Yes! To do that, you’ll want to remove all the seeds and bitter peel from the fresh pomegranate, place the seeds in a sturdy plastic ziplock-type bag (pressing all the extra air out), and then use a rolling pin to gently smush the juice out of the seeds. Be sure to do this without breaking open the bag.

Last, strain the juice through a strainer, and you’ve got fresh pomegranate juice!

What equipment do I need to make grenadine?

• Pot and spoon
• Funnel (optional but makes pouring into bottles easier)
• Airtight bottle or container for storing

How to make homemade grenadine syrup:

Step 1: Add your sugar and your pomegranate juice to a pot over medium-low heat.

Step 2: Once your juice is warm, the sugar will start to dissolve, so keep stirring it occasionally. Little bubbles will form around the edge as it starts to heat up, but don’t allow the mixture to fully boil. Turn the heat down if you need to.

Step 3: Once the sugar is dissolved, take the grenadine off the stove and allow it to cool.

Step 4: Add your orange flower water and store your homemade grenadine in an airtight container in the fridge!

Love a fruity cocktail? Check out:

How long will my homemade grenadine last in the fridge?

As long as it’s in an airtight container, the grenadine should last for up to four weeks in the refrigerator.

Can I add a preservative to the grenadine to help it last longer?

Yes! You can add an ounce of vodka to your grenadine to help it last even longer. With the vodka added it should last up to six months.

How much homemade grenadine does this recipe make?

This recipe will make about 3.5 cups of grenadine, which is 56 tablespoons.