Want to start off 5785 with a fun fact? Here you go: Grenadine is a pomegranate flavored syrup!
If you're anything like me, as you were guzzling down Shirley Temples at every b'nai mitzvah, you may have assumed the syrup was cherry flavored. But the name grenadine actually originates from the French word grenade, which translates to pomegranate.
The joke's on us, but grenadine is the perfect base for some delicious Rosh Hashanah cocktails and mocktails.
Pomegranates serve as several symbols in Judaism. They have exactly 613 seeds in each fruit, which represent the 613 commandments. They also symbolize fertility, love, and new life. They are frequently mentioned in the Torah and are even found on ancient Judean coins.
Pomegranates are one of the seven species of Israel, meaning that they grow naturally and free across the country. They are now common in both Ashkenazi and Sephardic Rosh Hashanah celebrations with the following phrase being offered on the second night of the holiday before eating pomegranate seeds, "May we be full of merits like the pomegranate is full of seeds."
As we head into 5785, this is my wish for us: May we have as many blessings as there are seeds in a pomegranate. Just as a pomegranate breaks into countless individual seeds when cracked open, may we all find our individual voices this year and use them to advocate for the things we believe in: For the safety of the Jewish people, a peaceful nation, a healthy year ahead, and whatever else you are praying for this year.
This past year has been one of terror, sadness, and incredible resilience. I continue to pray for the release of the hostages still held in Gaza and have hope that next year they will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah at home with their families. While it feels difficult to focus on the holiday this year, it is something that is bringing me so much hope. May this year be the beginning of a new chapter of safety.
This Rosh Hashanah, as I begin to prepare my meal, I will even make my own grenadine, and you can too with the following recipe:
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce the heat and bring down to a simmer. Put a lid on the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool and then pour into a bottle with a tight sealing lid.
Now that we've made the grenadine, we can make the drinks!
Shirley Temple
Fill a tall narrow glass with ice. Add grenadine and top with soda. Do not stir! Add a maraschino cherry for garnish and serve.
Dirty Shirley
Fill a tall narrow glass with ice. Add grenadine and vodka or gin then top with soda. Add a maraschino cherry for garnish and serve.
Marissa Wojcik is the founder of the Jewish baking blog North Shore to South Bay (northshoretosouthbay.com), where she shares her modern and updated versions of beloved Jewish classics.
