Monin Grenadine Syrup

Appearance: Intense dark purple/red. Smell: Artificial berry-flavored syrup. Taste and Mouthfeel: Extremely sweet, standard berry tastes with a sour note from citric acid. The consistency is viscous and syrupy. I don't want to criticize Monin specifically. This could be about any commercially produced grenadine syrup. They are all quite similar and nothing like the real thing. Even the top brands use artificial flavors and colors instead of actual pomegranate juice or concentrate. They all contain preservatives, have a generic artificial "berry" taste, and frequently a vanilla scent, which is incorrect. The cheaper options can be truly awful, with an artificial look, smell, and taste. Making your own grenadine is straightforward, costs less than store-bought, and tastes much better. Combine 250ml pomegranate juice, 250g white sugar, and 30ml pomegranate molasses in a pot. Warm, stirring until sugar dissolves (do not boil). Cool, bottle (yields just under 500 ml), and refrigerate. It lasts about two weeks. That's the method I use. Many others are available online. Once you experience how much better cocktails and mixed drinks taste with authentic grenadine, you'll never go back. There are numerous syrups, extracts, infusions, macerations, tinctures, and liqueurs you can easily make at home. It's very rewarding to elevate a good cocktail into a great one with your own homemade ingredients. Regarding Monin grenadine syrup, it's among the superior options, making it... "Subpar": 65/100 (1.5 stars)