Grenadine Pearls

Sweet and ruby-red, grenadine pearls burst with vibrant pomegranate flavor — a stunning finish for drinks and desserts.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (125mL) grenadine syrup
  • ½ cup (125mL) cold water
  • ½ tsp (2g) sodium alginate
  • 1 tsp (4.5g) calcium chloride
  • 2 cups (500mL) ice-cold water (for bath)

Instructions

  1. Mix Liquid
    • In blender, combine grenadine and water. Blend briefly.
  2. Add Alginate
    • With blender on low, sprinkle in sodium alginate. Blend for 1 minute until smooth.
  3. Rest
    • Let mixture sit 30–45 minutes to remove bubbles.
  4. Strain
    • Push through fine sieve into The Spherificator®.
  5. Prepare Bath
    • Dissolve calcium chloride in 500mL cold water.
  6. Form Pearls
    • Using The Spherificator®, drip mixture into bath from 5 inches high. Cure for 1 minute.
  7. Finish
    • Rinse gently in cold water. Serve chilled.

Expert Tips

Flavor Ideas
  • Tart balance: Add 1 tsp lemon juice to cut sweetness.
  • Depth: Mix with pomegranate juice for natural flavor.
Color Control
  • Bright red: Use high-quality or homemade grenadine.
  • Glossy look: Double strain and refrigerate pearls before use.
Troubleshooting
  • If sticky: Rinse pearls well and serve immediately.
  • If too soft: Cure an additional 15 seconds.
Serving Ideas
  • Drinks: Float in Shirley Temples or daiquiris.
  • Desserts: Top cheesecake, panna cotta, or yogurt.
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