Grenadine is a vibrant and versatile syrup that adds a beautiful touch to cocktails. This is, without a doubt, a staple syrup that every bar and home bar should have.
Today we're going to go over the 8 Best Grenadine Cocktails utilizing real, fruit-forward grenadine made from pomegranate.
➑ Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is a classic cocktail that has become a staple in bars worldwide. This drink is known for its stunning ombre effect, created by layering grenadine over orange juice. The modern version of this cocktail originated in the 1970s at the Trident Hotel in Sausalito, California.
Ingredients:
- ½ oz Real Grenadine
- 1½ oz tequila
- ½ oz lime juice
- 3 oz orange juice
Instructions:
- Add tequila and citrus juices to a highball glass filled with ice
- Stir and slowly add grenadine
➐ Mexican Firing Squad
Coming in at number seven, we have the Mexican Firing Squad.
This cocktail originated in the 1930s in Mexico City at the La Cucaracha Bar. Despite its violent-sounding name, this is a really delightful little sour. Grenadine provides the perfect amount of fruit-forward sweetness that this cocktail needs.
Ingredients
- ¾ oz Real Grenadine
- 2 oz tequila
- ¾ oz lime juice
- 2-3 dashes aromatic bitters
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
- Fill with ice and shake for 10 seconds
- Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice
- Garnish with a lime wedge
➏ Black Rose
At number six is the Black Rose, a cocktail that incorporates grenadine for a subtle fruit element that complements the drink's complexity. This Sazerac-style cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a rich and flavorful experience.
Ingredients:
- ¼ oz Grenadine
- 1 oz cognac
- 1 oz bourbon
- 3 dashes of Peychaud's bitters
- 1 dash of Angostura bitters
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine grenadine, cognac, bourbon, and bitters with ice. Stir well.
- Strain into a chilled rocks glass, served up with no ice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
➎ El Presidente
Sliding into the number five spot is, El Presidente.
This cocktail utilizes only a bar spoon of grenadine, but it's very important to the end result. Cocktail historian and expert David Wondrich also says that the white vermouth you use is key. We're using Dolin's Vermouth De Chambéry, which apparently is the only vermouth you can use to perfectly execute El Presidente.
Ingredients:
- barspoon Real Grenadine
-
1 ½ oz aged rum
- ¾ oz blanc vermouth (Dolin Vermouth De Chambéry)
- ½ oz orange liqueur
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice
- Stir for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
- Garnish with a brandied cherry.
➍ ZOMBIE
The Zombie is a classic tiki cocktail that was invented by Donn Beach in the 1930s. This drink is known for its complex flavors and vibrant presentation. Grenadine adds a lovely fruit backbone and color to this cocktail.
Ingredients:
- ½ oz Real Grenadine
- 1 ½ oz Jamaican rum
- 1 ½ oz Puerto Rican rum
- 1 oz overproof 151° rum
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ¼ oz fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ oz falernum
- ½ oz cinnamon syrup
- 2 dashes absinthe
- 1 dash aromatic bitters
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker
- Add ice and shake until chilled
- Strain over crushed ice into a chilled glass
- Garnish with a lime wheel, brandied cherry, and a fun straw.
➌ JACK ROSE
We're starting our top three grenadine cocktails in the Bronze spot. Perfect little sour, great balance between apple lime and that pomegranate juice flavor, the Jack Rose.
We're using Laird's Applejack, a classic apple brandy from the oldest distillery in the United States. Apple brandy is a great yet often overlooked drink. When mixed with grenadine and lime juice, it makes a perfect cocktail for fall and cooler weather.
Ingredients:
- ¾ oz Real Grenadine
- 2 oz unsweetened apple brandy
- 1 oz lime juice
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a shaker, combine grenadine, apple brandy, and lime juice with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a coupe glass, served up with no ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
➋ Scofflaw
The Scofflaw cocktail has its origins in 1920s Paris and is named after those who defied prohibition laws. This cocktail combines rye whiskey, lemon juice, and grenadine, creating a balanced and elegant drink.
Ingredients:
- ¾ oz Real Grenadine
- 1 ½ oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- ¾ oz lemon juice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
- Fill with ice and shake for 10 seconds
- Strain into a chilled coupe
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
➊ Shirley Temple
The Shirley Temple is arguably the most iconic grenadine cocktail. This non-alcoholic drink is beloved for its bright color and sweet flavor. Grenadine is essential to its character, providing both taste and visual appeal.
Ingredients:
- ½ oz Fiery Ginger Syrup
- ½ oz Real Grenadine
- ¾ oz lime juice
- 2 dashes of Peychaud's Bitters
- soda water
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add syrups, lime juice and bitters to a highball glass filled with ice
- Top with soda water and stir.
These eight grenadine cocktails showcase the versatility of this syrup and its ability to elevate your drinks. What are your favorite grenadine cocktails? Comment down below. Cheers!
Want to see the process? Watch our YouTube video.
