Grenadine is a sweet, red syrup commonly used as a cocktail ingredient and in non-alcoholic drinks, known for its sweetness, mild flavor, and vibrant red color. Traditionally, grenadine was made from pomegranate juice, sugar, and water, which gives it a tart and sweet balance. The name "grenadine" comes from the French word "grenade," meaning pomegranate

. Originally, grenadine was a natural syrup made from pomegranate juice and sometimes pomegranate molasses, often enhanced with orange blossom water for added fragrance and complexity. However, many commercial versions today do not use pomegranate juice; instead, they rely on artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and other fruit juices like blackcurrant or raspberry to mimic the flavor and color. This shift is due to minimal regulation and cost considerations in production

. Grenadine is widely used in cocktails such as the Tequila Sunrise, Shirley Temple, Jack Rose, and Singapore Sling, adding both color and a sweet, fruity flavor. It is also used in some desserts and culinary applications to enhance flavor and appearance

. In summary, grenadine is a sweet, red syrup originally made from pomegranate juice and sugar, now often produced with artificial ingredients, used primarily to add color and sweetness to drinks and desserts. Homemade grenadine can be made by simmering pomegranate juice with sugar and lemon juice for a fresh, natural syrup