We’ve been filling up all December long on Christmas snacks, like hot cocoa bombs that explode into a flurry of soft marshmallows or Mint Chocolate Twinkies that only debut once a year. But if you crave a bit of booze with all that sweetness, hang tight—we’ve got the drink for you.
It comes without ribbons. It comes without tags. But this Grinch cocktail is the best gift you can give this holiday season!
This Grinch Cocktail Is a Mean One
Move aside, Santa, because this Christmas is all about paying homage to our favorite grouch—The Grinch. How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a holiday classic we cozy up next to all winter, and now watch this festive flick with a Grinch-inspired cocktail in hand.
Just look at how gorgeous these are!
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You can also get as creative as you like with the toppings and add-ins. Drive a toothpick through a maraschino cherry to represent the Grinch’s growing heart, or finish this cocktail with a candy cane to pull off that red-and-white Santa suit look.
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If you’d prefer a virgin version of this drink, you can always try your hand at Grinch punch.
How to Make a Grinch Cocktail
There are more than 400 ways to make this drink! The bottom line is that you’ll want to use something tangy, like lemon-lime soda or pineapple juice, and pair it with a strong spirit, like vodka or tequila.
- 1 shot Malibu rum
- 1 shot Midori (or other melon liqueur)
- 1 shot vodka
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- Red or green sugar sprinkles
You don’t have to be a professional mixologist to whip up the best holiday cocktail, either. Simply wet the rim of your glass so the sugar will stick, then rim the glass with sugar sprinkles. Next, mix your Malibu, Midori, vodka and pineapple juice with ice in a covered shaker. You want all of your ingredients to mix well for that murky-green look.
The last step is to pour into your prepared glass. Cheers!
It’s Not Christmas Without Cocktails
For more holiday cocktail ideas, we’ve got you covered. Follow this video tutorial to make your own peppermint holiday cocktail with Rumchata and peppermint Smirnoff. And don’t forget to tune into How the Grinch Stole Christmas this year—it’s just not the holidays without that frowny green guy.
Spiced Mulled Wine
You'll want to heat this traditional beverage before company arrives. Your home will have the scent of Christmas! —Lana Gryga, Glen Flora, Wisconsin
White Chocolate Brandy Alexander
This brandied white cocoa is a wonderful drink to warm up with after coming in from the cold. Whipped topping and chocolate shavings make special finishing touches. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bubbly Champagne Punch
This champagne punch, served at my wedding, continues to this day to be the elegant drink we serve at special events. —Anita Geoghagan, Woodstock, Georgia
Hot Spiced Wine
My friends, family and I enjoy this spiced wine during cold-winter gatherings. This warm drink will be a special treat for anyone who enjoys dry red wines. —Noel Lickenfelt, Bolivar, Pennsylvania
Honey-Bourbon Hot Chocolate
My husband and I like to enjoy this grown-up version of hot chocolate on a cold winter evening. It's even better made with honey-flavored bourbon if you can find that in your local store. —Andrea Harvath, Duncannon, Pennsylvania
Bourbon Slush
At our holiday parties, Bourbon Slush is definitely a favorite. Have fun experimenting with different teas when you make it. We like black tea, green tea and orange spice. —Darcene Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
Banana Nog
During my family's annual cookie exchange, we ran out of our beloved eggnog...much to everyone's horror! So into the kitchen I went to create this cool, creamy treat. —Jennae LeFebvre, Aurora, Illinois
Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas
I came up with this beverage to serve at holiday celebrations for a festive twist on the traditional margarita. It's light and refreshing, and looks beautiful with sugar crystals on glass rims. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
Holiday Mimosa
Add a splash of color to your brunch table with this lovely rosy mimosa. It has a fantastic sweet-tart taste. —Jessie Sarrazin, Livingston, Montana
Maple Brandy Punch
Reminiscent of an old-fashioned brandy punch, this smooth, maple-infused beverage will add pizzazz to holiday dinner parties and other festive occasions. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pear & Ginger Sparkler
I created this twist on a Bellini when a friend gave me some Asian pears she grew in her backyard. If you like ginger and want more of a kick, try substituting ginger liqueur for the vodka. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
Poinsettia
Mixing festive red cranberry juice, Triple Sec and champagne creates a fun cocktail for Christmas parties, a New Year's Eve bash or any get-together during the fall and winter seasons. Garnish with a few fresh berries and enjoy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Orange & Coffee Martini
With its pretty jeweled color and complementary orange-coffee flavor, this impressive martini lends an elegant, upscale feel to any party.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
White Christmas Sangria
This punch has a pleasant fruity flavor. It's not too sweet so everyone will enjoy it! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cranberry-Orange Vodka Slush
Years ago, my mother made a rosy and refreshing party drink I’ve never forgotten. The sparkle comes from fruit juices, vodka and lemon lime soda. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa
Champagne Party Punch
To make this punch even more festive, float an ice ring in the punch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cranberry-Jalapeno Martini
I describe this cocktail as slightly tart, a little sassy and completely delicious. I make a big batch when I'm hosting a party because it tends to disappear quickly. Garnish with fresh mint and cranberries for an extra-special touch. —Kelli Haetinger, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Fireside Glogg
An aromatic blend of spices flavor this superb wine-based beverage. It is served warmed and it's sweet fruity taste will warm you to your toes. This traditional Scandinavian recipe is serve during the holidays.—Sue Brown, West Bend, Wisconsin
Apple Cider Smash
A smash is a fruity and chilled cocktail—very refreshing. It's a great use for those apples you bought from the orchard plus some sparking cider. —Moffat Frazier, New York, New York
Cranberry Bourbon
The subtle tang of cranberry and the warm winter spices make this bourbon just right for holiday toasts—neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. —James Schend, Deputy Editor, Taste of Home.
Raspberry Truffle Cocktail
This adults-only hot chocolate is a decadent addition to any holiday gathering. It can easily be adapted to dairy lovers' tastes by substituting chocolate milk and heavy cream for the almond products.—Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York
Pumpkin Pie Martinis
My girlfriends begin requesting this cocktail in fall and continue to ask for it through the holidays. Every sip is like a taste of pumpkin pie! —Cathleen Bushman, Geneva, Illinois
Pomegranate Cosmo
Every soiree needs a signature drink. Sugar dresses up this simple cosmo that lets you enjoy a cozy evening with friends and still shake things up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Orange-Apricot Mimosa Punch
We make this punch for our annual Christmas brunch, and everyone loves it! I usually triple this recipe for a bigger crowd and garnish the punch with an orange-tangerine ice ring made several days ahead of time. —Kathy McKay, Acworth, Georgia
Santa’s Orange-Kissed Cocktail
Refreshing but not overly sweet, this drink is a festive choice for Christmas get-togethers. Serve it during cocktail hour, at dinner or even for brunch in place of mimosas. —Claire Beattie, Toronto, Ontario
Cranberry Orange Mimosas
Mimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois
Pink Sparkling Wine Punch
A long-standing tradition in our home, this sparkling punch makes spirits bright. Garnished with fresh strawberries and lime, it makes a colorful Christmas cocktail.—Karen Kuebler, Dallas, Texas
Pear Ginger Mojito
A pear, flavored vodka, ginger beer and cinnamon syrup turn a traditional mojito into a seasonal refresher for fall and winter. Add a lime slice to each glass for a festive garnish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cranberry-Orange Sangria
Letting this sangria sit in the fridge overnight improves the fruitiness, making it the perfect make-ahead drink for a holiday party. It's also nice with a splash of brandy. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
Creamy Irish Coffee
My maternal grandma seldom drank more than a glass of champagne at Christmas, but she couldn't resist my Creamy Irish Coffee. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, IllinoisThe post This Grinch-Inspired Cocktail Is Mean, Green and Perfect for a Christmas Movie Marathon appeared first on Taste of Home.
Laurie Dixon