Small Hand Foods Grenadine Syrup

Small Hand Foods Grenadine Syrup is an 8.5 oz bottle of grenadine made the way it was before the red dye took over — organic pomegranate juice and pomegranate concentrate cooked with organic cane sugar, with no water or other ingredients added, by San Francisco's Small Hand Foods, bartender Jennifer Colliau's 2008 syrup company founded at the Slanted Door on the 1800s method: no high-fructose corn syrup, no preservatives, nothing artificial, available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• Size: 8.5 oz bottle
• Ingredients: organic pomegranate juice, organic cane sugar, pomegranate concentrate — no water, no HFCS, no artificial color
• Origin: Small Hand Foods, San Francisco — founded 2008 by bartender Jennifer Colliau
• Use: Jack Rose, Ward Eight; ginger ale + grenadine for an authentic Shirley Temple
• Storage: refrigerate after opening

Grenadine, Before the Dye Bottle

The word "grenadine" means pomegranate — and the neon-red corn-syrup stuff on most bar shelves has nothing to do with it. Small Hand Foods' version is pomegranate juice and cane sugar, nothing else, and it tastes like what the word promises: bright acidity with a real tannic backbone that retailers say "will transform any drink that uses it." A Jack Rose with the real thing is a different cocktail — tart, structured, almost wine-like against the applejack — and a Ward Eight finally gets the pomegranate snap it was written for. Even a Shirley Temple changes character when the grenadine is actual fruit. Compare it against the raspberry gum syrup for the classic berry swap, or browse the full Small Hand Foods line.

Tasting Notes

Real pomegranate — bright acidity, tannic backbone, deep fruit without the medicinal edge of artificial grenadine. Tart and structured rather than syrupy-sweet; finishes clean.

How to Enjoy

The Jack Rose (applejack + grenadine + lime) and the Ward Eight (rye + grenadine + orange + lemon) are the canonical calls. Ginger ale + a heavy pour makes an actual Shirley Temple; dashes in whiskey sours add fruit and color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is real grenadine just pomegranate?
Yes — historically grenadine is pomegranate syrup. This one is pomegranate juice, pomegranate concentrate, and cane sugar only.

What's the difference from the red bottle at the grocery store?
Commercial grenadine is typically HFCS with artificial color and flavor; this is actual pomegranate with real tannin and acidity.

Does it need refrigeration?
After opening, yes.

Can it replace grenadine in any recipe?
Yes — anywhere a recipe calls for grenadine, this is the upgrade.

Pomegranate as promised — order Small Hand Foods Grenadine Syrup online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.