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Keeping things festive and fun with my Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail. Vodka mixed with fresh lime juice, a squeeze of grapefruit juice, spicy jalapeños, and topped off with ginger beer. It’s a touch of sweet and a little bit spicy…perfectly fitting for “the Grinch”. Finish this cocktail off with minted sugar-rimmed glass for the perfect Christmas punch. It’s both festive and warming, ideal for these cold December nights.
It’s safe to say that when I celebrate a holiday, I do it up right, and this fun drink is no exception. Everyone, say hello to “the Grinch” cocktail. It’s actually a little crazy that I haven’t shared this drink sooner. But it’s finally here and I think all the Who’s down in Whoville would very much approve of this spicy-sweet cocktail.
So cheesy, but hey, it’s Christmas, isn’t everything a little on the cheesy side this time of year?
I’ve wanted to create a drink with the Grinch in mind for three whole years now, but every single December I’ve yet to come up with a mix of ingredients that feels fitting. Finally, just this week, it hit me, the Grinch needs a drink hinted with spice, but sweet throughout. Just like the true Grinch himself. He puts off a bitter cold front, but in the end, his heart is sweet. This drink is just that, the Grinch, but in cocktail form. And it just so happens this drink is insanely delicious…slightly addicting, easy to make…and every bit as fun as you’d think.
Because really, what’s not to love about a cocktail recipe inspired by The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? You know? This. Is. Christmas!
The details.
This cocktail is simple as can be. First, start with the minted sugar. It’s simply just fresh mint and granulated sugar mixed together. But it adds a festive, sweet, and cooling touch to each drink.
Once you rim your glasses in minted sugar, make the drink. In a cocktail shaker or even just a glass jar with a lid (use what you have), shake together a splash…or two, of vodka, a squeeze of fresh lime, a little grapefruit, honey for sweetness, and jalapeños for that spice. Strain into your glass, then top off with ginger beer for even more spice, sweetness, and a touch of fizz too.
I like to add additional mint for serving and pomegranate arils for a pop of color.
Simple and perfect.
If you want to serve this for a holiday party, make the punch version. It serves about four, but can easily be doubled or tripled. I will be for sure be doubling the punch recipe when my family arrives for Christmas later this month. This drink has all of their favorites in one. They will love it.
My suggestion?
Plan to watch The Grinch, make the Grinch cocktail, and enjoy a Saturday night in by the fire.
The perfect night…especially because The Grinch is one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time. No matter how many times I watch it, I never tire of it or want to turn it off. It’s always good…and now it has its own cocktail too!
Hope you all enjoy!
If you make this Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail
Servings: 1
Calories Per Serving: 564 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2-4 finely chopped fresh mint leaves, plus more for serving
- 2 ounces vodka
- juice from 1/2 lime juice
- juice from 1/2 of a small grapefruit
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1-2 jalapeño slices
- ginger beer for topping
- pomegranate arils, for serving
Instructions
- 1. On a shallow plate, combine the sugar and mint. Rim your glass in sugar, then fill with ice.2. Combine the vodka, lime juice, grapefruit juice, honey, and jalapeños in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake until combined, about 1 minute. Strain into your prepared glass. Top with ginger beer and garnish as desired. Enjoy!
Spicy Sweet Grinch Punch
Servings: 8
Calories Per Serving: 319 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped, plus more for serving
- 2 cups vodka
- 1 cup lime juice (about 4-6 limes)
- 1 1/2 cups grapefruit (about 3 grapefruits)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1-2 jalapeño, sliced, to your taste
- 4 (12 ounce) ginger beers, for topping
- pomegranate arils, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Combine the vodka, lime juice, grapefruit juice, honey, and jalapeños in a large pitcher. Stir to combine and chill for 2 hours. The longer the jalapeños sit, the spicier the drink. Strain out the jalapeños and discard. Return the drink to the pitcher and chill until ready to serve.2. To make the sugar, combine the sugar and mint in a shallow bowl. Rim each glass with sugar before serving.3. When ready to serve, fill the pitcher with ice and top off with ginger beer. Or fill glasses with the spicy mix and top each glass off with ginger beer.
Love the recipe! But, I cannot drink grapefruit juice! What can I substitute it for? ☹️
HI! You can use an equal amount of lime juice, orange juice, or blood orange juice. Either will be so great!! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and Happy New Year! xTieghan
This looks delish. Do you think subbing simple syrup for honey would work?
HI! Yes, simple syrup will be great. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and Happy New Year! xTieghan
This was the perfect balance of spicy and sweet and so much fun. My guests loved it,
Thank you Sarah! xTieghan
I am thinking of making this for a progressive New Year’s get together when people stop by our house. What would you suggest serving as an appetizer with this that will compliment the drink and it’s flavors well?
Hi Karla! I would recommend the below 2 recipes. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and Happy New Year! xTieghan
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/goat-cheese-stuffed-bacon-wrapped-dates/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/spinach-and-artichoke-stuffed-soft-pretzels/#bo-recipe
Wow! We loved this drink. My sister said it was the BEST drink she’s ever had! Actually perfect!
Oh wow! That is so amazing! Thank you for trying this Tracy! xTieghan
Great recipe! Do you think it would work with tequila?
HI! Tequila will be great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
Your cocktails look amazing!! Must get around to actually making one soon ?
Is that fresh jalapenos in the recipe?
Merry Christmas!! ??
Yes it is! I am so glad you like this and I hope you try it over the holidays! Thank you so much Jessika! xTieghan
Made this last night for friends. It looked very festive, and tasted delicious. Instead of the honey I had added 2 Tbs of ginger syrup. As you said the drink has some fun flavors, sweet, spicy. Cannot wait to make it again.
Thank you so much Pauline! I am so glad this turned out so amazing for you! xTieghan
Could you switch out the vodka for tequila in this to make it a margarita?
xx
Hi1 Tequila will be great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
This cocktail was amazing! Perfection.
I can’t seem to find where the glasses are linked on the page.. They would be awesome as a gift for my dad.
– Sophia
Hi!! Glasses linked below. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
https://rstyle.me/+sIOz_nS6wZ5IRgKcnrLnKg
I love all your recipes and have made quite a few!! This will be my first cocktail to try! I want to make it for my family for the Holidays, do you have the measurements for a pitcher?
Hey Emily, the pitcher is listed just below the single cocktail. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
Where can I get those glasses?
Hi Aileen! Linked to the glasses below. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
https://rstyle.me/+YsaedzjSZpiz3jWbdEXgnw
This has all my favorite flavors!! Can’t wait to try it!
Thank you Tracy! xTieghan
I love this Grinch Cocktail recipe and I plan on making it soon. Where are the glasses from? They are so pretty.
Hi Kirsten! Glasses linked below. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
This is such a cute and festive idea! 🙂
Thank you so much Sarah! xTieghan