Review: Pama Pomegranate Liqueur
Pama’s a brand that’s been around for years, but to my knowledge it is the only pomegranate liqueur on the market.
Why no competition? Because the popular way to get pomegranate into a drink — overwhelmingly — is via that classic bar standby: Grenadine.
Now the catch is this: Rose’s Grenadine, by far the most common brand of the stuff, is little more than red corn syrup. So purists started looking for something legitimate, with real pomegranate flavor, and “authentic” grenadines were born. (Stirrings is just fine.)
Pama ups the ante with real pomegranate juice, and mixes in vodka and a touch of tequila to come up with a largely winning liqueur recipe. While it is perhaps the stickiest substance in my liquor cabinet, I have to say I’m a fan. The pomegranate taste is deep, and while Pama is very sweet, it’s certainly not intended for consumption straight. Rather, use it to make an amped-up Cosmopolitan, pink-ify a Margarita, or add fruit notes to just about anything… without weakening your alcohol level (for better or for worse).
Heck, sip enough of it straight and maybe you can drink it this way….
34 proof.
A- / $25 / pamaliqueur.com [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
And here’s a Pama cocktail to try…
Fruit Cobbler
1 oz. Pama liqueur
1 oz. blueberry vodka
1 oz. lemon juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
club soda
Combine all ingredients except club soda in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into empty highball glass, fill glass with ice and top with soda. Garnish with kiwi, strawberry, and blueberry on a spear.
Pama Pomegranate Liqueur
$25
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Quick question: can this stuff replace grenadine in my liquor cabinet?
It will sub for grenadine in a pinch, but I wouldn’t habitually use it that way unless I was out of real grenadine.
Good to know. Thanks Christopher.
Why do you consider PAMA to not be a real grenadine? Like real grenadine, PAMA has pomegranate juice, sugar and water. The only thing added to PAMA beyond that is 17% spirits which appeals to me because it acts as a preservative. I would appreciate your clarification as to why you consider them to not be good substitutes for each other. Thank you.
Because that is not what grenadine is.