By michael vivar
Grenadine is a nonalcoholic syrup traditionally made from pomegranate and lemon juice, water and sugar. A mild sweetness makes it one of the most versatile drink ingredients.
It's also a great mixer for mocktails. The queen grenadine drink is the Shirley Temple, mostly sipped by children. These recipes show how adults can also have fun with grenadine.
New Jersey became notorious during Prohibition for bootlegging apple brandy. A favorite drink to use this tipple was the Jack Rose, named for its crimson hue.
Pour three parts nonalcoholic brandy, two parts apple juice and one part grenadine into an ice-filled shaker. Shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with lemon.
This cheerfully colored drink was another favorite during the Roaring 20s. In decades afterward if became a preferred beverage of high-society women.
Pour three parts nonalcoholic gin and one part grenadine into an ice-filled shaker. Add one egg white. Shake until chilled. Strain and garnish with a red cherry.
Based on the Tequila Sunrise, the Sunrise Mocktail evokes the 1970s West Coast rock n' roll culture from where it evolved.
Pour two parts nonalcoholic tequila and two parts orange juice into a chilled highball glass. Add one part grenadine slowly for a dramatic settling effect. Garnish with orange wheel.
The aforementioned Shirley Temple mocktail is associated with children because of its cloying sweetness. This mocktail substitutes ginger ale with club soda for a grown-up taste.
Splash lemon and lime juice into a glass. Pour in one part grenadine. Add ice. Fill the remainder with club soda. Stir gently. Garnish with Amarena cherries.
Surprisingly few storied drinks originate from Boston. The Ward Eight is one. It celebrates the 1898 election of Martin Lomasney who proceeded to become a "benevolent" tyrant.
Pour one part lemon juice, one part orange juice and four parts nonalcoholic rye whiskey into an ice-filled shaker. Add two dashes of grenadine. Shake until chilled. Strain into a chilled glass.
Recognizable brands such as Bacardi have begun offering nonalcoholic alternatives to their popular liquors. A burgeoning boutique market can also be found online.
Responsibility doesn't mean missing out on fun.