There are a number of delicious drinks and cocktails out there to try, and some of the tastiest are prepared with the famous red syrup called grenadine.
While there are a variety of grenadines for sale made with artificial ingredients, real grenadine is made from pomegranate. If you can’t find grenadine made with actual fruit juice, you can always try making your own at home, using pomegranate, sugar, and orange flower water.
Store-bought grenadine has a long shelf life and can be kept either in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
What’s the bottom line?
An unopened bottle of grenadine can last up to a year in the pantry, so don’t worry if you don’t use it for a long time after buying it.
Once you open your bottle of grenadine, the clock starts ticking, so if you want it to last a long time, keep it in the refrigerator, where it can last up to half a year. You can also keep it in the pantry, but it will only last you 1 or 2 months after being opened.
Signs Your Grenadine Has Gone Bad
Due to its high content of sugar, it is usually difficult for grenadine to spoil. This doesn’t mean grenadine lasts forever, but it will usually last quite a while after the expiration date.
Grenadine will lose some of its quality over time, so it’s always a good idea to check it before using it if it has been sitting in the bottle for a long time since you last consumed it.
Pay attention to the smell when you open the bottle or pour some into a glass. If you are not sure if the smell is ok, it is safe to give it a small sip to check the taste. If either the smell or taste is off, discard the rest of the grenadine.
If you notice that your grenadine has changed consistency, it is time to get rid of it.
How To Store Grenadine
Unopened grenadine can be safely kept in the pantry or a kitchen cabinet as long as it remains away from heat and direct sunlight. Though it is ok to keep grenadine at room temperature after opening it, placing it in the fridge will guarantee it will last longer.
If you know you will use the entire bottle of grenadine in a short amount of time, it is perfectly safe to keep it out of the fridge. Wherever you choose to keep it, make sure you close the lid very tightly after each use to limit its contact with air.
Remember, grenadine that is made with real fruit juice will spoil faster, so it may be a smart move to keep it in the fridge. And if the store where you bought your bottle of grenadine kept it refrigerated, that means it has to be immediately refrigerated when you take it home to avoid significant changes in temperature.
How Long Does Grenadine Last
Grenadine lasts a long time, but it will eventually go bad. While an unopened bottle of grenadine can last up to a year past the expiration date, kept at room temperature, an open bottle will last only 1 to 2 months or 4 to 6 months if you decide to keep it in the fridge.
There are different types of grenadine. Some are made with actual pomegranates, and others are made with artificial coloring and added flavors. This means that when grenadine contains real fruit, it is bound to start spoiling faster than when it’s made with artificial ingredients.
The Verdict On Grenadine
Store your grenadine according to your preference, but make sure to keep the lid closed tightly.
If you left your bottle of grenadine untouched for some time after using it, check for signs of spoilage before using it or preparing drinks with it.
Properly kept grenadine can last up to a full year past the expiration date, in the pantry or in a kitchen cabinet. Once you open the bottle, it will last only between 1 and 2 months at room temperature, so if you want it to last for longer, we suggest you keep it in the fridge, where it can remain in good condition for up to 6 months.
If you want to have some fun with grenadine, try preparing one of these delicious cocktails!
