Grinch Cocktail (Festive & Fun!)

I’ve always loved a cocktail that feels playful and instantly recognizable, and this version of the Grinch Cocktail is exactly that—bright green, sweet, fruity, and just mischievous enough to match its name.

With a blend of cherry vodka, blue curaçao, coconut rum, Midori, and pineapple juice, it delivers a tropical-citrus flavor that still feels perfectly festive.

Add a green sanding sugar rim, and you’ve got a drink that steals the spotlight at every holiday party.

This cocktail is ideal for Christmas parties, holiday movie nights, or festive gatherings with friends.

It also photographs beautifully, making it a top-tier option for Pinterest, Instagram, and holiday boards.

The combination of sweet melon liqueur, citrus juice, and lemon-lime soda gives it a crisp, refreshing flavor with just enough sweetness to feel indulgent.

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Recipe Highlights

This Grinch Cocktail is bold, vibrant, and full of cheerful Christmas flavor. Its neon green color comes naturally from the mix of Midori, pineapple juice, and blue curaçao, creating a drink that stands out in any holiday lineup.

The mix of fruitiness from pineapple and cherry vodka with the coconut rum creates a refreshing profile that’s easy to sip.

It’s extremely simple to make and perfect for serving in batches at Christmas gatherings.

This version is slightly sweeter and more colorful than traditional recipes, making it ideal for Pinterest and holiday content.

• Super vibrant green color that looks amazing in photos
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• Sweet, tropical, and fruity flavor profile
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• Easy to make with basic bar ingredients
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• Perfect for holiday parties and themed gatherings
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• Gorgeous sanding sugar rim for extra sparkle

Ingredient Notes

Cherry vodka: Adds subtle cherry sweetness and intensifies the cocktail’s fruitiness.

Blue curaçao: Provides bright citrus notes and deepens the green color when mixed with Midori.

Coconut rum: Adds tropical smoothness and soft coconut flavor.

Midori (melon liqueur): Gives the cocktail its base green color and sweet melon taste.

Pineapple juice: Adds acidity, sweetness, and body to the drink.

Ginger ale: Gives the drink a refreshing sparkle and light fizz.

Simple syrup: Helps the sanding sugar stick to the glass and adds a touch of sweetness.

Green or red sanding sugar: Creates a bright, festive rim.

Ice: Chills the drink and gives it structure.

How to Make My Grinch Cocktail

Step 1: Prepare the glass– Dip the rim of your glass into simple syrup, then into green or red sanding sugar to coat.

Step 2: Add ice – Fill the glass with ice to chill the drink.

Step 3: Add the liquors – Pour in the cherry vodka, blue curaçao, coconut rum, and Midori.

Step 4: Add pineapple juice – Pour in the pineapple juice to brighten the flavor and color.

Step 5: Add a splash of ginger ale – Top with ginger ale for fizz and a light finish.

Step 6: Stir gently – Give it a soft stir to mix while keeping the vivid color.

Step 7: Serve immediately – Enjoy while cold and sparkling.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Christmas cookies or candy trays
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• Pair with light appetizers or fruit skewers
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• Feature as the signature drink for a Grinch-themed party
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• Serve with salty snacks to balance the sweetness
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• Add festive straws or a maraschino cherry for extra charm

Tips for the Best Grinch Cocktail

Use chilled pineapple juice and soda to keep the drink cold without needing too much ice.

The more finely textured your sanding sugar is, the cleaner the rim will look. If you want an electric green color, increase the Midori slightly.

If making for a crowd, combine all ingredients except ginger ale in a pitcher and add the soda just before serving.

A clear glass works best to showcase the neon color.