Grenadine syrup appears in some of the world's most beloved cocktails, adding vibrant colour and sweet pomegranate flavour to drinks that have delighted generations. Whether you're stocking a home bar or simply want to impress guests at your next gathering, mastering these classic recipes transforms you from a casual drink maker into a capable home bartender. Here are ten essential grenadine cocktails that every Australian should know.
1. Tequila Sunrise
Perhaps the most visually stunning grenadine cocktail, the Tequila Sunrise creates a dramatic gradient effect that mimics a sunrise over the horizon. The drink gained massive popularity in the 1970s, particularly after the Rolling Stones adopted it as their tour drink.
To make the perfect Tequila Sunrise, fill a tall glass with ice and add 45ml of tequila followed by 90ml of fresh orange juice. Stir gently, then slowly pour 15ml of grenadine down the inside of the glass. The syrup will sink to the bottom, creating the signature sunrise effect. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry. The key is not stirring after adding the grenadine, as this preserves the beautiful layered appearance.
2. Singapore Sling
Created around 1915 at Singapore's famous Raffles Hotel, the Singapore Sling represents cocktail craftsmanship at its finest. This complex drink balances multiple spirits and flavours into a refreshing, fruity whole.
Combine 30ml gin, 15ml cherry heering, 7.5ml Cointreau, 7.5ml Benedictine, 120ml pineapple juice, 15ml fresh lime juice, 10ml grenadine, and a dash of Angostura bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry. The grenadine provides essential colour and subtle sweetness to this legendary cocktail.
3. Hurricane
Born in New Orleans at Pat O'Brien's bar during World War II, the Hurricane has become synonymous with the city's festive spirit. This powerful rum punch delivers tropical flavours with a serious kick.
Mix 60ml dark rum, 60ml white rum, 60ml passion fruit juice, 30ml orange juice, 15ml fresh lime juice, 15ml grenadine, and 15ml simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and pour into a hurricane glass or tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with orange slice and cherry. The combination of rums creates depth while grenadine adds colour and pomegranate sweetness.
4. Jack Rose
This elegant cocktail showcases applejack or apple brandy, balanced by lime juice and grenadine. Dating from the early 1900s, the Jack Rose offers a sophisticated alternative to more common cocktails.
Combine 60ml applejack or Calvados, 22ml fresh lime juice, and 15ml grenadine in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into a chilled coupe glass. The drink should have a beautiful pink hue and offer a perfect balance of apple, citrus, and pomegranate flavours. No garnish needed, as the colour speaks for itself.
5. Ward Eight
Created in Boston around 1898, the Ward Eight honours a local political ward famous for its spirited elections. This whiskey-based cocktail offers a refreshing twist on the traditional sour.
Shake 60ml rye whiskey, 22ml fresh lemon juice, 22ml fresh orange juice, and 10ml grenadine with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange slice and cherry. The grenadine adds subtle sweetness and an attractive colour that complements the rye's spicy character.
Find the Perfect Grenadine for Your Cocktails
Quality grenadine makes all the difference in these classic recipes. Compare brands and find your ideal match.
Compare Grenadine Products6. Monkey Gland
Despite its unusual name derived from a controversial 1920s medical procedure, the Monkey Gland delivers delicious results. Created by Harry MacElhone at Harry's New York Bar in Paris, this gin-based cocktail balances citrus with subtle complexity.
Combine 45ml gin, 30ml fresh orange juice, 5ml absinthe, and 5ml grenadine in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled coupe glass. The absinthe adds herbal complexity while grenadine provides sweetness and colour. Adjust the absinthe quantity to taste, as its anise flavour can dominate.
7. El Presidente
This Cuban classic emerged during Prohibition when American bartenders fled to Havana. Named in honour of Cuban President Gerardo Machado, El Presidente showcases rum's versatility in elegant cocktails.
Stir 45ml white rum, 22ml dry vermouth, 15ml orange curacao, and a bar spoon of grenadine with ice until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with an orange twist. The grenadine serves primarily for colour, adding the faintest hint of sweetness to this spirit-forward drink.
8. Bacardi Cocktail
The Bacardi Cocktail became so associated with the rum brand that a 1936 New York court ruling mandated using Bacardi rum when serving this drink. Similar to a daiquiri with added grenadine, it offers a slightly sweeter, more colourful variation.
Shake 45ml white rum, 22ml fresh lime juice, and 10ml grenadine with ice until very cold. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. The grenadine's pomegranate notes complement the rum beautifully while adding a pleasant pink hue. Use fresh lime juice for best results.
9. Mary Pickford
Named after the famous silent film star who frequented Cuba during Prohibition, the Mary Pickford combines rum with pineapple for a tropical treat. The cocktail likely originated at Havana's Hotel Nacional.
Combine 45ml white rum, 45ml pineapple juice, 5ml grenadine, and 5ml maraschino liqueur in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry. The grenadine adds sweetness and colour while the maraschino provides subtle almond notes.
10. Clover Club
This pre-Prohibition classic, named after a Philadelphia men's club, features gin and raspberry syrup traditionally, but many bartenders substitute grenadine for its similar sweet-tart profile and easier availability.
Shake 45ml gin, 22ml fresh lemon juice, 15ml grenadine, and one egg white vigorously without ice first to emulsify. Add ice and shake again until very cold. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with fresh raspberries if available. The egg white creates a luxurious foam atop the pink drink.
Tips for Success
Quality ingredients make quality cocktails. Fresh citrus juices vastly outperform bottled alternatives, and premium grenadine delivers authentic pomegranate flavour that artificial products cannot match. Invest in a proper cocktail shaker and strainer, and always use plenty of ice when shaking to ensure proper dilution and chilling.
Practice your technique regularly. Cocktail making improves with experience, and these classic recipes provide an excellent foundation for developing your skills. Soon you'll be confidently creating drinks that rival those from professional bars.
Conclusion
These ten classic cocktails represent decades of cocktail history and craftsmanship. Each recipe showcases grenadine's ability to enhance drinks with colour, sweetness, and flavour. By mastering these fundamentals, you join a long tradition of bartenders who have delighted guests with these timeless creations.
Ready to start mixing? Use our product finder to discover the best grenadine for your home bar and begin your cocktail journey today.