Grinch Punch

Kristina Vänni
Kristina Vänni
Internationally recognized culinary authority Kristina Vänni is a well-known food writer, engaging TV host, award-winning recipe developer, food stylist, and photographer. In addition to writing for industry-leading websites including Better Homes and Gardens, The Spruce Eats,…read more
published Dec 16, 2022
christmas
Photograph of grinch punch ladled into a cup from the punch bowl.
Credit: Kristina Vanni

A fun and kid-friendly holiday drink inspired by the iconic Christmas movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Serves12

Makesabout 12 cups

Prep10 minutes

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Photograph of grinch punch ladled into a cup from the punch bowl.
Credit: Kristina Vanni

There are countless family traditions when it comes to the holiday season, but one of my favorites has always been cozying up on the couch and watching Christmas movies together. While popcorn might be the typical year-round movie-watching treat, it is fun to mix things up a bit during the holidays. This kid-friendly bright-green punch is the perfect beverage to sip while watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas. With a combination of Kool-Aid, sherbet, and lemon-lime soda, it is a beverage and dessert in one. The best part is when the sherbet combines with the bubbly soda and a flavorful green foam forms on top!

What Is the Inspiration Behind Grinch Punch?

Grinch punch is a fun, kid-friendly holiday drink inspired by the iconic Christmas movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This vibrant green drink looks just like the Grinch himself and the red rim is reminiscent of his hat. The punch is filled with sweet flavors kids love. It’s an easy recipe that is just as fun to make as it is to drink!

Credit: Kristina Vanni

What Are the Ingredients in Grinch Punch?

The basic recipe for Grinch Punch is made with a few easy ingredients.

  • Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid mix: This is a useful ingredient here because not only does it impart flavor to the punch, but also the signature green color. Country Time lemonade drink mix is a good substitute if you have trouble finding it. When using the Country time mix, measure the powder to the one-quart line and combine with four cups of water. Then add a few drops of green food coloring until the desired shade of green is achieved.
  • Lime sherbet: If you have any trouble finding lime sherbet, pineapple sherbet is also a delicious choice. If you can only source orange or rainbow sherbet, simply add a few drops of green food coloring to adjust the color of the drink as necessary.
  • Lemon-lime soda: It makes the drink bubbly and festive!
  • Red sprinkles: For added flair, moisten the rims of the serving glasses with a slice of lime, then dip them in red sanding sugar.

What Alcohol Can You Use to Make Grinch Punch Boozy?

If you want to make a boozy version of Grinch Punch, substitute two cups of the cold water in the recipe with chilled vodka. You can use plain vodka or even a lemon- or lime-flavored vodka to further boost the citrus flavors in the punch.

Grinch Punch Recipe

A fun and kid-friendly holiday drink inspired by the iconic Christmas movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Prep time 10 minutes

Makes about 12 cups

Serves 12

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1

    medium lime

  • 2 tablespoons

    red sanding sugar

  • 4 cups

    cold water

  • 2 (.13-ounce) packets

    Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid mix, or 1/3 cup Country Time lemonade drink mix

  • Green food coloring, if using lemonade drink mix

  • 1 quart

    lime or rainbow sherbet (about 4 cups)

  • 4 cups

    cold lemon-lime soda

Instructions

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  1. Cut 1 medium lime into 8 wedges and place 2 tablespoons red sanding sugar in a shallow dish. Use the lime wedges to moisten the rim of the punch glasses, then dip the glasses in the sanding sugar to coat the rim.

  2. Place 4 cups cold water and 2 (.13-ounce) packets Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid or 1/3 cup Country Time lemonade drink mix in a large punch bowl. If using lemonade drink mix, add a few drops of green food coloring if desired. Stir until the mix is completely dissolved. Add 1 quart lime or rainbow sherbet a few scoops at a time, letting the sherbet slowly melt and incorporate into the punch.

  3. Add 4 cups cold lemon-lime soda 1 cup at a time. The punch will foam up, but adding it slowly will allow it to dissipate and avoid overflowing the punch bowl. Ladle the punch into the glasses.