Grinch Punch made with lime sherbet, Hawaiian Punch, Sprite, and pineapple juice—festive, fizzy, and perfect for Christmas.
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
The first time I made Grinch Punch, I was running late before a Christmas party. You know those days when you think you’ve got everything under control, but suddenly there’s an hour left and you still haven’t showered, wrapped the gifts, or figured out a drink? Yeah, that was me. I spotted lime sherbet in the freezer aisle, tossed it in my cart with some Hawaiian Punch and Sprite, and thought, “Well, this could either be brilliant or a total disaster.”
Fast forward to the party, I dumped everything in a punch bowl, and the whole thing started foaming up like some mad scientist experiment. The kids gasped, one yelled “It looks like slime!” (thanks for that), and the adults immediately started asking for the recipe. And here’s the funny part—I didn’t actually have a recipe, just vibes. Now it’s tradition. Every December, when I pull out the red sanding sugar, someone in my family says, “Ah, it’s Grinch Punch season.” And honestly? That makes me smile more than it probably should.
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Grinch Punch Recipe?
Here’s the thing about Grinch Punch: it’s simple, but it never fails to impress. It’s the kind of drink that makes you look like you’ve gone all out when really you spent, what, five minutes? The bright green color makes it instantly stand out on a holiday table (you can’t miss it, even among the tinsel and cookies). The taste? Sweet, fizzy, creamy—like a soda float but way more festive. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, which means you won’t have little ones asking for “just a sip” of the adults’ drinks. Although, I’ll be honest, it’s also way too easy to spike for the grown-ups. Win-win.
Ingredient Notes:
Nothing fancy here, just a few key players:
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Lime sherbet – This is the secret to the frothy, creamy texture. Also, that neon green? Perfectly Grinch.
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Green Hawaiian Punch – Adds fruitiness and helps keep that signature color.
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Sprite (or lemon-lime soda) – You need the fizz; otherwise it’s just green juice.
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Pineapple juice – Cuts through the sweetness with just enough tang.
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Red sanding sugar – For glass rims. Do you need it? No. Does it make everyone grin like a kid? Yep.
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Strawberries or candy hearts – Because the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes, remember?
How To Make Grinch Punch?
Step 1: Sugar the rims
Dip your glass rims into water or simple syrup, then roll them in red sanding sugar. Let them dry while you prep. It feels like a small thing, but it sets the whole mood.
Step 2: Mix the base
In a big punch bowl, scoop in the lime sherbet. It’ll look messy, but don’t worry—it’s part of the charm. Pour in the Hawaiian Punch, Sprite, and pineapple juice. Stir gently; you don’t want to kill all the fizz.
Step 3: Add the extras
Toss in sliced strawberries or candy hearts. It’s over the top, sure, but that’s kind of the point with Grinch Punch.
Step 4: Serve and sip
Ladle into your sugar-rimmed glasses, maybe add a little extra sprinkle on top, and serve immediately.
Storage Options:
Here’s where I’ll be honest: this isn’t a “make it on Monday and serve it on Wednesday” kind of recipe. The sherbet melts, the soda goes flat, and you’re left with something that tastes okay but looks… sad. If you do have leftovers, stick them in the fridge and drink within a day. For planning ahead, I like to pre-scoop the sherbet into a container and keep it in the freezer, so when it’s party time, you just toss everything together. Easy.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to play around with it? Totally doable.
Want To Save This Recipe?
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Use ginger ale instead of Sprite for a little spice.
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Add a splash of orange juice if you want more citrus.
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Swap in rainbow sherbet if lime is MIA at your grocery store. (The color won’t scream “Grinch” as much, but still tasty.)
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For an adults-only version, mix in vodka, rum, or even champagne. Just make sure the kids don’t grab from that bowl, unless you want your Christmas to be really memorable.
What to Serve with Grinch Punch?
Honestly, Grinch Punch doesn’t need much—it’s a star on its own. But if you’re making a spread:
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Christmas cookies – Sugar cookies with sprinkles, gingerbread men, or even chocolate crinkle cookies.
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Snacky stuff – Popcorn (bonus points if you toss in red and green M&Ms), pretzels, or candy canes.
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Party bites – Sausage balls, pigs in a blanket, or cheese cubes. The salty-sweet balance is spot on.
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Brunch treats – Cinnamon rolls, muffins, or coffee cake. Trust me, punch and pastries are underrated together.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make Grinch Punch ahead of time?
Not really. You can prep the glasses and pre-scoop sherbet, but don’t actually mix until you’re ready to serve.
Can I make it less sweet?
Sure! Try half soda, half sparkling water. Or swap pineapple juice with orange juice for more tartness.
Can I make it adult-friendly?
Oh absolutely. Vodka, rum, or sparkling wine all work. Just don’t mix it too strong—you don’t want to knock out Aunt Linda before the gift exchange.
So there it is—my go-to Grinch Punch recipe, guaranteed to make even the grumpiest Grinch in your house smile. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s one of those things you’ll want to keep making every holiday season.
What do you think—would this be a hit at your family Christmas, or would someone roll their eyes and drink it anyway?
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Grinch Punch
Ingredients
- Red sanding sugar for rimming glasses
- ½ gallon lime sherbet
- ½ gallon green Hawaiian Punch
- 1 liter Sprite lemon-lime soda
- ½ 46-ounce can pineapple juice
- Optional: sliced strawberries and/or red candy heart sprinkles
Instructions
Prepare the Glasses
- Dip the rims of serving glasses into a shallow dish of water or simple syrup. Immediately roll the rims in red sanding sugar to create a festive coating. Set aside to dry while preparing the punch.
Assemble the Punch
- Place scoops of lime sherbet into a large punch bowl. Slowly pour in the Hawaiian Punch, followed by the Sprite and pineapple juice. Stir gently to combine, allowing the sherbet to create a frothy texture.
Add Garnishes
- Top the punch with sliced strawberries or decorative red candy heart sprinkles to enhance presentation and add festive detail.
Serve
- Ladle the punch into the prepared glasses and serve immediately. Additional sprinkles may be added before serving if desired.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
