I’ve been making Grinch Punch for my holiday parties for years now, and honestly, it’s become one of those traditions people actually look forward to – the kind where they start asking in November if I’ve “got the green stuff on the menu this year.” There’s just something about a goofy neon-green drink at a Christmas party that instantly gets everyone grinning and somehow makes even the most diehard eggnog fans curious.
The first time I whipped up a batch, it was a total experiment. I had a fridge full of leftover lemon-lime soda from Halloween, my sister left half a tub of lime sherbet in my freezer, and I was tired of the usual holiday drinks. I’m not kidding: the punch bowl looked like a science experiment, but as soon as I set it on the table, people gathered around like moths to a (very green) flame. The recipe has made the rounds among my friends ever since.
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The flavor is that perfect sweet spot between tangy and creamy, with the fizz from the soda making it almost too easy to drink. If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a boozy snow cone while wearing a Christmas sweater, this one’s for you. And trust me, there are always at least three people hovering nearby, trying to figure out what makes it taste “so good and kind of familiar but I can’t put my finger on it…”
One thing I genuinely love about Grinch Punch is that it feels right at home in a fancy goblet or a red Solo cup – no judgment and no wrong way to serve it. I’ve poured it for dressy dinner parties, neighbor potlucks, and even our family’s “pajamas and pizza” gift-wrapping night. It’s basically Christmas spirit in a glass (with a little help from vodka).
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 4 ounces lemon-lime soda
- 1 big scoop of lime sherbet
- A few drops green food coloring (optional – most of the time sherbet is bright enough)
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
- Ice
How to Make Grinch Punch
- Fill your favorite glass about halfway with ice.
- Add vodka (or skip it for a kid-friendly version – more on that in a sec).
- Pour in the lemon-lime soda. I usually tip the glass a little and pour down the side so it stays nice and fizzy.
- Drop a generous scoop of lime sherbet on top – no need for perfection here; melty sherbet is half the fun.
- If you’re channeling maximum Grinch vibes, add a drop or two of food coloring and swirl it gently.
- Top with a bright red cherry as the “Santa hat.”
Pro tip: my neighbor Lisa makes a kid-friendly batch every year for her twins. She leaves out the vodka and adds a splash of bottled lime juice, and honestly, the kids (and some of the adults) go wild for it. I caught my nephew sneaking “refills” last Christmas and he’s already told me Grinch Punch is his favorite holiday tradition.
This drink plays especially nice with salty snacks – think cheese and crackers, spiced nuts, or that one friend’s famous shortbread cookies. Last December, I served it alongside a massive charcuterie board, and I’m not exaggerating: the whole thing disappeared in under an hour. There’s just something about the SweeTARTS-meets-salty-snacks combo.
A couple of quick tweaks if you’re feeling creative (or if you run out of ingredients last minute, like I do): swap vodka for white rum, or try a splash of melon liqueur for a different fruity twist. One year, in a moment of panic, I used vanilla ice cream with lime juice and extra green coloring instead of sherbet, and somehow ended up with the creamiest, happiest accident ever.
And let me throw in a few lessons learned: stick your glasses in the freezer for ten minutes before serving (frosty glasses = happy guests). If you’re making a party-sized batch, don’t add the sherbet until people serve themselves or you’ll end up with green soup by hour two.
Whether you’re a holiday enthusiast or just need something that’ll make you feel a little less “grinchy,” this punch has you covered. Just remember – enjoy responsibly. We want your heart to grow three sizes, not your headache the next morning!
