Brighten your holidays with this bright green Dr. Seuss inspired libation.
When I think of the holidays, so many things flood my mind and senses. My family is the first thing, with my parents decorating and cooking… Ma’s making her green bean casserole, dad’s baking a pie or two. Twinkling Christmas lights softly illuminate the house, the tree is up and surrounded by a plethora of gifts, all wrapped in pretty paper. The scent of cinnamon gently wafts through the air, and there is, of course, the traditional seasonal cartoons.
Just about everyone has felt the excitement of a yearly viewing of their favorite holiday programs. A Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and of course, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. You remember this one; a green fuzzy curmudgeon decides to ruin Christmas by stealing all the presents and decorations from nearby Whoville. Instead, he reveals what the season is really all about, and his heart that was once two sizes too small now grew and burst with love and joy. Narrated by Frankenstein’s monster himself, Boris Karloff, this short animated special has maintained its popularity over the generations. It’s as much a Christmas tradition as eggnog is.
And speaking of drinks, the one we’re making tonight is inspired by the devious green guy and is named after him, the Grinch. A cocktail that mixes melon liqueur, vodka and lemon-lime soda, the Grinch has a very sweet, citrusy and effervescent quality. Not to mention a bright green color that resembles the famous Dr. Seuss character.
The next time the hustle and bustle of the holidays get you stressed out and down, shake yourself up a Grinch or two, and take some time to relax. After all, you wouldn’t want your heart to grow two sizes too small.
What is the Best Alcohol to Use in a Grinch Cocktail?
There are many brands of melon liqueur on the market for you to choose from. The range of quality and price is wide, so if you feel a little lost and you’re not sure what to use, I recommend Midori. It’s fairly easy to find, and the flavor isn’t as strong as some other brands. This, along with the vodka and lemon-lime soda, will go a long way in creating a balanced and even mixture.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces melon liqueur
- 1 ounce vodka
- 4 ounces lemon-lime soda
- Ice cubes
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour the melon liqueur and vodka into the shaker.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice cubes.
- Top with lemon-lime soda and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and serve immediately.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
Use a rocks glass filled with ice for your Grinch. A red cherry for garnish will pop out against the green, making for a festive presentation.
You can upscale this recipe and premix the melon liqueur and vodka ahead of time and save it in your fridge until you’re ready to pour. Just shake individual servings over ice and top with the lemon-lime soda.
If you find yourself really enjoying these at your next holiday get-together, remember each glass is 272 calories.
You can swap out the lemon-lime soda with a dry and crisp sparkling wine for a slightly boozier treat.
Similar Cocktails to the Grinch
It’s Christmastime and your guests will be arriving soon. You already have the recipe for the Grinch Cocktail committed to memory, but what if someone wants something different? What happens if everyone wants something different? No need to worry, Twist & Toast has some delicious holiday-themed drinks that will be sure to please even the stingiest of Scrooges. Add some of these to your party menu.
- Sugar Cookie Martini – Don’t forget to leave this scrumptious and sweet tipple out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
- Cranberry Whiskey Sour – Make your next Sour a festive one with this tart, whiskey-based cocktail.
- Poinsettia Cocktail – This orange-flavored bubbly concoction could be your newest holiday favorite.
- Mulled Wine Sangria – Not just a summertime treat, this seasonal sangria is sure to please.
Leave a Comment