The title of Christmas Grinch used to be negative. By definition, a Grinch is someone who spoils the enjoyment and celebration of others, especially around the holidays.
But that image has slowly changed, largely thanks to cute Christmas movies, but also in popular culture in general. Being a Grinch isn’t the insult it used to be, and the adorable Grinch character has cemented itself in modern Christmas lore. It’s so popular this year that Grinch-themed Christmases are trending, turning entire homes lime green for the holiday season.
One way to jump in on the trend is in the kitchen—or, more specifically, the drinks cabinet. Grinch cocktails have received millions of views on TikTok and hundreds of thousands of likes, certainly fitting of the ‘viral’ cannon.
You can take a look at a few of the more popular versions online here from creators like @ruthhiann and @nikkiakkers.
To get in the Christmas (or, in this case, sort of anti-Christmas) spirit, I have a few versions of this viral Christmas cocktail for you to try. Pick one that best suits your tastes, or get your friends together and try them all! In moderation, of course.
The Cocktail That Stole Christmas
I must be honest and say I’m a little late to the party on this trend. Grinch cocktails have been circling the internet for a while, and you’ve probably seen a few variations by now. But since Grinch-themed Christmases remain a top trend for this year, I don’t think these lime-green cocktails are going anywhere.
Part of the allure is the almost luminous green color. It’s not often you see cocktails this bright and eye-catching. Pair that with a Christmas character we all know and love, and you can’t go wrong.
I will be making these cocktails this year as part of my mother’s Grinch-themed Christmas Eve party. Thanks to all the Grinch décor at our local Christmas supply store, she’s decided to go all out with a lime green tree, neon green fairy lights, and an all-green tablescape. Despite all this décor, I’m hoping my cocktails will be the real star of the show.
The Ingredients
There are several Grinch cocktail recipes online, each with varying strengths and flavor combinations. However, the one thing they all seem to have in common is Midori.
Midori is a melon liqueur that originated in Japan. The name means ‘green’ in Japanese, explaining where this viral Christmas cocktail gets its color.
Midori isn’t the only green melon liqueur on the market. You can purchase any brand or even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. You could also try other green alcohols, but they won’t have quite the same glowing hue as ones that use melon liqueur.
Beyond that, you can play around with the ingredients based on what kinds of cocktails you prefer. I’ve included recipes below for my favorite versions, but since the cocktail name is based on the color and not the flavor, whatever you add is ultimately up to you.
It’s also possible to make a non-alcoholic Grinch mocktail that everyone in your family, especially the kids, will love. The mix is great for a festive punch bowl, and guests can add their own clear spirits to their glasses if they wish.
The Garnish
Considering the luminous green glow of these cocktails, you don’t really need a garnish to make them stand out. A few cubes of ice and a nice glass are plenty when you’re ready to serve. But for those who like to add some extra flair to their Christmas party welcome drinks, you have several options.
Most recipes online recommend rimming the glass with either red or green sugar of some kind. Green adds to the Grinch feel, while red adds a bright, contrasting pop of color. Both look equally great, in my opinion, so go with whichever color theme suits your table.
Sticking with the red theme, you can also add a single red glace cherry – a classic cocktail garnish. This one pairs well with the fruity Grinch cocktail version, but it looks great in any recipe. Make sure your glasses are filled with ice so the cherry doesn’t sink to the bottom, or rest it on the side of the glass. Frozen cranberries also look great.
My favorite garnish is great for champagne flutes– cotton candy. Green cotton candy looks just like Grinch fluff, the perfect topping to a Grinch cocktail. Unfortunately, it can be a little hard to find, but versions are available online if you can’t find some nearby.
With your garnishes decided, it’s time to get to the recipes!
Grinch Cocktail Recipe 1: Spicy and Sour
The first Grinch cocktail is for those who like their drinks to pack a punch. I know we’re not all fans of super sweet cocktails, so this option has more of a sour twist.
Here are the ingredients (for one small glass):
- 1.5oz. Midori
- 1.5oz. tequila
- 1oz. lemon juice
- 1oz. lime juice
- Half ginger ale
- Lemon tonic water to fill
Shake the spirits and lemon and lime juice in a cocktail mixer and pour over a large glass filled with ice. Add half ginger ale and half lemon tonic water until the glass is full.
Grinch Cocktail Recipe 2: Sweet and Fruity
The next cocktail is for party-goers who prefer something sweet with a fruity twist. The Midori already adds the lemon flavor, but I’ve thrown in a few other mixers for a fruit salad cocktail feel.
Here are the ingredients (for one large glass:
- 1.5oz. Midori
- 1.5oz coconut rum
- 3oz. fresh apple juice
- 3oz. fresh pineapple juice
- Sprite to mix
Add the Midori, rum, apple juice, and pineapple juice to a cocktail shaker and mix. Pour into your glass over ice and fill to the top with Sprite. Don’t stir too much after adding the Sprite as it will affect the carbonation.
Non-alcoholic Grinch Cocktail Recipe
This mocktail is a great Christmas drink for the whole family. Throw on your preferred Grinch film or any other Christmas movie and sip away.
Here are the ingredients (for one small glass)
- 1 lime drink mix (like Kool-Aid)
- 2oz. fresh pineapple juice
- 3oz. sprite
- 3oz. ginger ale
No need for a cocktail shaker for this one. Mix your lime drink according to the instructions on the packet, then separate into glasses and top with the remaining ingredients.
Garnishing Your Cocktails
If you’re adding a sugar or sprinkle rim to the glass, you need to do that before you add any liquid inside. Start by sticking the rim of the glass in a simple syrup, then dip it upside down onto a plate filled with your sprinkles. Pour your cocktail carefully so you don’t disturb the sprinkles.
If you’re putting your cocktail mix in a punch bowl, you can prepare the rimmed glasses beforehand. Set them up next to the punch bowl with a few little bowls of other garnishes to create your own cocktail station.
For other garnishes, you can use cherries, frozen cranberries, or fruit slices like strawberries. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add an extra kick, toss a jalapeño slice or two on top.
Leave a Reply