Pomegranate molasses (or pomegranate syrup) is a thick, sweet, sticky syrup that’s used to flavor Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s used as a marinade, an ingredient in sauces and dips, and a beverage sweetener. It’s basically a reduction of pomegranate juice that’s been boiled down with sugar and lemon juice.

Pomegranate molasses is not the same as grenadine syrup, which is a sweet pomegranate-based syrup used to flavor and add color to cocktails. Pomegranate molasses is tart and fruity, and the color is a much darker red, closer to brown.