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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.
LOVED this. Wow. I am horrible at making cocktails but always try for one for a holiday gathering I have each year as a “signature cocktail.” This was AMAZING. Seems like more of a summer drink, really, but I garnished each glass with a mint leaf, a cranberry and some pomegranate seeds and it was very holiday-ish. Can’t wait to serve it again this summer with lime and mint garnish. All of my guests asked for the recipe.
Hey Jenny,
Awesome!! Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your review! Love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy Sunday!🎄
Hey
Is there a substitute for grapefruit? I can find it anywhere in thailand at the moment.
Thank you!
Hey Naomi,
Another fruit juice will work well for you! Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love the recipe! xx
10/10
Was a bit unsure about the jalepeno but it really took it to another level!!
Hi Robin,
Amazing!! Thanks a lot for trying this cocktail and sharing your feedback, I love to hear that it was tasty for you! xT
I love this cocktail ❤️?
Hey Traci,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xxTieghan
This was absolutely delicious! I love the hint of spice from the jalapeños- its not spicy by any means, but adds great flavour. I made it for my friends’ christmas cocktail night, and loved it so much I’m going to make it for my family!
Hi Monica,
Happy Holidays! Thank you so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!?? xTieghan
Made this for Christmas last year and will be making again this year! So delicious 🙂
Hi Madeline,
Thank you so very much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy Holidays!??
Oh yeah! It’s good. Had by the fireplace and then watched the grinch movie!
Your drink recipes are the best!
Hi Karen,
Awesome! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it. Happy Holidays!❄️ xT
Very excited to try this, is there a substitute for the ginger beer? I am in Mexico visiting family and I don’t know if I will be able to find ginger beer.
Thank you
Hi Coral,
You could use ginger ale or sparkling water in place of the ginger beer! Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, cheers! xTieghan
This is delicious!!! It’s like a margarita, salty dog, and mule in one! Goes down WAY too easy! Will be making these every weekend in December! It’ll be the best Grinchmas yet!
Hi Danielle,
Happy Sunday! Thanks for giving the recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
I’m excited to try this drink. Is there a particular brand of ginger beer you recommend? Thanks…love your recipes! Pam
Hey Pam,
I like Gosling or Bundaberg. I hope you enjoy this recipe, cheers! xTieghan
This looks delicious but I am more of a tequila girl! Would this be good with tequila? Should I add anything different if I use tequila?
Hey Emily,
Sure, tequila would be great here! I hope you love the recipe, cheers! xTieghan
This was so delicious!!!
My new signature drink. We let it sit for a bit to mix all the flavors.
I wish recipes would say in CUPS how much liquid from fruit is needed…..
Limes, for instance. Rather than say liquid from 1 lime…..tell me in cups.
Cuz depending on your fruit….one can get different amounts.
Thank you so much, I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe! Happy Monday 🙂 xTieghan
Hi! Where are these amazing cocktail glasses from?? I don’t see them linked below. THANK YOU! 🙂
Hi!
Hope you at able to answer this! I’m gonna have a wedding on a Norwegian barn I’m planning to fill big jars with punch! I’m looking for a recipe that will last all night in a big glass jar ( so not tasting weird after some hours or go flat) any tips ?:))
Kathrine
Hey Katherine,
Here are a few punch recipes:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/pumpkin-patch-punch/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/holiday-cheermeister-bourbon-punch/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/sparkling-christmas-party-punch/
I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hey! If we don’t have fresh Grapefruit how much store bought juice should we use?
Hey Amy,
I would say about 1/4 cup. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy New Year! xTieghan
This drink is incredible! It hits the perfect balance of spicy and sweet. We topped it off with a fair amount of ginger beer and had to use dried mint for the mint-sugar rim, but it worked out perfectly. We’ll be making this again.
Hey Caitlin,
I am so glad you enjoyed the cocktail, thanks so much for giving it a try! Happy New Year! xTieghan
What would the mocktail version be? Just leave out the vodka?
Hey Molly,
You bet, just skip the vodka:) I hope you love this recipe! Cheers! xx