Refreshing Grinch Holiday Cocktail

Category: Drinks for Every Season

This playful green cocktail captures the festive essence of the holidays. Made with lime sherbet, lemon-lime soda, and vodka, it's a refreshing and whimsical treat for any occasion. Add a touch of green food coloring for an extra vibrant hue, and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an elegant finish. Perfect for serving at parties or simply enjoying a unique holiday beverage, this drink is a delightful blend of flavors and creativity. Whether it's the zesty lime notes or the creamy sherbet, each sip is sure to evoke the holiday spirit!

Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Sat, 20 Dec 2025 18:10:50 GMT
A glass of green cocktail with a mint garnish. Pin
A glass of green cocktail with a mint garnish. | zestplate.com

This festive and fun Grinch Cocktail is a vibrant green drink perfect for the holidays or a quirky themed party. It is quick to prepare, delightfully refreshing, and sure to be the star of any celebration.

I created this recipe during a holiday party when I wanted a festive drink that was simple yet visually stunning, and it became an instant hit with everyone.

Ingredients

  • Lime sherbet: Creates a creamy, tangy base that pairs beautifully with the soda
  • Lemon lime soda: Adds fizz and enhances the citrus flavor
  • Vodka: Brings a mild booziness that complements the sweet and tart elements
  • Green food coloring: Optional for an extra vibrant green hue
  • Fresh mint leaves: A festive garnish that adds a refreshing touch

How To Make The Grinch Cocktail

Combine the base:
In a large bowl, scoop in the lime sherbet. This will give the drink its creamy consistency and tangy flavor.
Add the bubbles:
Slowly pour the lemon lime soda over the sherbet. The bubbles will mix naturally, so there is no need for vigorous stirring.
Incorporate the vodka:
Gently stir in the vodka for a perfectly balanced boozy kick. If using green food coloring, add small drops here until the desired color is achieved.
Serve and garnish:
Carefully pour the mixture into glasses and finish with a fresh mint leaf on top for an elegant presentation.
A green cocktail with ice and mint.
A green cocktail with ice and mint. | zestplate.com

The lime sherbet used here is my favorite part of the cocktail. It adds such a fun, creamy texture and flavor that transports me back to childhood holiday memories while watching festive movies by the fire.

Storage Tips

This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately due to the sherbet and soda combination. If needed, keep the prepared mixture refrigerated for no more than 1-2 hours.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap lime sherbet with lemon or raspberry sherbet for a different twist. You can also replace vodka with rum for a slightly sweeter variation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside light appetizers like cheese and crackers or festive cookies. This cocktail pairs perfectly with sweet treats or salty snacks.

A glass of green cocktail with a mint leaf on top.
A glass of green cocktail with a mint leaf on top. | zestplate.com

This delicious cocktail’s whimsical green color and creamy, fizzy flavor will be loved by guests of all ages. Whether it’s a Grinch-themed party or a cheerful winter gathering, consider this recipe your go-to crowd-pleaser.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by simply skipping the vodka. The lime sherbet and lemon-lime soda combination will still create a delicious and festive drink.

→ What type of vodka works best?

A high-quality plain vodka works best, but you could also try a citrus-flavored vodka to enhance the lime and lemon notes in the drink.

→ Do I have to use green food coloring?

No, the green food coloring is optional. The drink will still be refreshing and flavorful without it, but the green tint adds a fun, festive touch.

→ What can I use as an alternative garnish?

If you don't have fresh mint leaves, you can use lime wedges, candied cranberries, or even a small candy cane as a garnish to complement the theme.

→ Can I prepare this drink in advance?

It's best to prepare this drink fresh just before serving to maintain its fizzy texture and sherbet's creamy consistency. However, you can pre-mix the soda, vodka, and food coloring, and then add the sherbet when you're ready to serve.

Grinch Cocktail with Lime

Festive green cocktail with hints of lime and refreshing soda. A holiday favorite for gatherings.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
~
Total Duration
5 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Beverages

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Output: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1.5 cups lime sherbet
02 2 cups lemon-lime soda
03 0.5 cups vodka
04 A few drops green food coloring (optional)
05 Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Directions

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine lime sherbet and lemon-lime soda.

Step 02

Stir in vodka and green food coloring if using.

Step 03

Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Protein: ~