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Grenadine is a highly adaptable, non-alcoholic syrup that can transform simple drinks into tantalizing cocktails, such as the Queen Mary, which combines light beer with grenadine. Additionally, it contributes its deep, pomegranate and orange flavors to various non-alcoholic mixes, like the Grown-Up Shirley Temple Mocktail.

When you’re out for brunch, you may have noticed the striking red and orange layers of the famous tequila sunrise cocktail. The sequence in which you introduce the ingredients is crucial. Start with orange juice and tequila, followed by a slow drizzle of grenadine, often poured over a bar spoon to help it cascade into the glass. Although added last, grenadine sinks to the bottom swiftly, creating the iconic “sunrise” effect. But why does this happen?

The reason lies in the scientific properties of grenadine: it is an extremely dense syrup, primarily owing to its high sugar and low water content, which makes it sink and creates that beautiful layering in drinks.

The density of a liquid is evaluated based on its specific gravity, which is described by Merriam-Webster as the proportion of the density of a substance to that of a reference substance (like pure water) when both are measured in air. This means the comparison of a liquid’s heaviness to that of water. A liquid that is lighter than water possesses a lower specific gravity. Water holds a specific gravity of 1.0; thus, any liquid with a higher specific gravity will submerge in pure water. For instance, Grenadine typically has a specific gravity of 1.18, though this might vary across different brands.

Sugar significantly influences a liquid’s density. For instance, high-proof, low-sugar liqueurs such as triple sec will rise above high-sugar, low-proof liqueurs like Butterscotch Schnapps. Pure spirits like whiskey, tequila, and vodka, known for their high-proof and low specific gravity compared to water, will float atop most ingredients in a layered cocktail, often delivering a potent taste of alcohol when the drink is sipped from the top. Grenadine, densely packed with sugar and minimal water, is heavier than most other mixers used in drinks.

For further details, read the article on Tasting Table.