If there’s one recipe guaranteed to add a jolt of holiday cheer to your next party, it’s Grinch Punch. Bursting with vibrant green color, this bubbly and sweet drink is as festive as it comes, and so easy to make that it’s almost too fun. With creamy lime sherbet, fizzy lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, and a sparkly red sugar rim, every glass feels like a celebration. Whether you’re serving a crowd of kids or making a grown-up version with a splash of something stronger, Grinch Punch is the whimsical, eye-catching centerpiece your Christmas get-together deserves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Lime Sherbet Punch:
- 1 (1/2 gallon) container lime sherbet
Lemon-Lime Soda Mixture:
- 1 (2-liter) bottle lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring (optional, for extra vibrance)
- red sanding sugar (for rimming glasses)
- honey or corn syrup (for glass rim)
- maraschino cherries (for garnish)

How to Make Grinch Punch

Step 1: Mix the Base

Start by grabbing your biggest punch bowl—a clear one really lets those colors shine! Scoop the full container of lime sherbet into the bowl. Pour in the lemon-lime soda and pineapple juice. Stir gently: you want to combine everything without losing all those fizzy bubbles. The sherbet will begin to melt and create an irresistible, frothy top.

Step 2: Amp Up the Color

If you’re after that classic Grinch-green vibrance, add the green food coloring. Go slowly—a few drops can make a big difference! Stir again gently until the shade makes your heart grow three sizes. This step is optional, but it’s perfect if you’re aiming for over-the-top festive flair.

Step 3: Prepare Festive Glasses

The presentation is half the magic. Dip the rim of each glass into a shallow dish of honey or corn syrup to make it sticky, then immediately dip it into a plate of red sanding sugar so the rim gets a sparkling, Christmasy border. This little touch is surprisingly easy, but makes every cup look party-ready.

Step 4: Ladle and Garnish

With the glasses prepared, gently ladle the punch into each one. Top each serving with a maraschino cherry for that pop of cheerful red right on top. Serve immediately while the punch is cold, creamy, and deliciously bubbly.

How to Serve Grinch Punch

Garnishes

The best part about Grinch Punch is dressing it up! Aside from the sugar rim and cherry, you can add festive straws, sliced limes, or playful candy canes on the side. Edible glitter or shimmering green sugar sprinkles can take each glass to dazzling new heights.

Side Dishes

This punch pairs beautifully with Christmas cookies, mini cupcakes, or a platter of salty snacks like popcorn and pretzels. Its sweet-tart flavor makes it a welcome companion for a spread of classic holiday treats—you might even see guests sneaking back for a second glass between bites of fudge!

Creative Ways to Present

For a larger crowd, set up a Grinch Punch bar with a pitcher of the punch itself, a tray of empty sugar-rimmed glasses, bowls of cherries, and fun mix-ins. For an adult twist, offer little bottles of rum or vodka on the side, letting guests create their own grown-up versions. Don’t forget a festive punch ladle and, if you have one, a retro glass punch bowl for maximum nostalgia.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Grinch Punch is definitely at its best in the first hour—when it’s chilled and frothy—but if you do have leftovers, pour them into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The fizz will fade a little, and the sherbet will melt, but you’ll still have a tasty, sweet treat the next day.

Freezing

Freezing a finished batch of this punch isn’t recommended, as the carbonation and texture of the sherbet will change and become icy or flat. If you want to make ahead, freeze the lime sherbet separately and simply add the chilled soda and pineapple juice just before serving.

Reheating

Since Grinch Punch is a cold, fizzy delight, there’s no need to ever reheat it. If you want to revive leftovers, give them a good stir and add a splash of fresh soda to bring back some of that sparkle and fun.

FAQs

Can I make Grinch Punch sugar-free?

Absolutely! Swap in sugar-free lemon-lime soda and look for a lower-sugar or no-sugar-added sherbet. The punch will still be deliciously green and full of flavor, just a bit lighter on the sweetness.

What are some alcoholic versions of Grinch Punch?

For a grown-up crowd, feel free to stir in a splash of vodka, white rum, or coconut liqueur directly into the punch or offer it as a mix-in on the side. Just be sure to clearly label the adult batch to keep the holiday fun safe for everyone.

Can I double or triple the recipe for a big party?

Yes, this is one of the best things about Grinch Punch—it scales up with zero fuss. Multiply the ingredients and use a larger beverage dispenser or two big punch bowls to keep the servings coming all night long!

How far in advance can I prepare it?

You can pre-chill all your ingredients (sherbet, soda, juice) a few hours ahead. Assemble and combine right before serving for the freshest, most irresistible texture and fizz.

What if I can’t find lime sherbet?

If lime sherbet is out of stock, lemon sherbet works in a pinch, though you may want to add extra food coloring and a few drops of lime juice to keep that signature Grinch Punch flavor and color intact.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a festive family movie night or planning a big holiday bash, Grinch Punch is the kind of joyful treat that always gets people talking. The zippy green color and creamy, fizzy flavor combination are pure holiday magic. Make a batch, add your own twists, and don’t forget the cherry on top—your guests will be grinning from ear to ear. Give this playful punch a try and watch your celebration come alive!

Grinch Punch Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Get into the holiday spirit with this festive Grinch Punch recipe! A vibrant green punch made with lime sherbet, lemon-lime soda, and a hint of pineapple juice, perfect for your next holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Lime Sherbet Punch:

1 (1/2 gallon) container lime sherbet

Lemon-Lime Soda Mixture:

1 (2-liter) bottle lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite)
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 teaspoon green food coloring (optional, for extra vibrance)
red sanding sugar (for rimming glasses)
honey or corn syrup (for glass rim)
maraschino cherries (for garnish)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large punch bowl, combine lime sherbet, lemon-lime soda, and pineapple juice. Stir gently until the sherbet begins to melt and the punch becomes frothy.
Add Color: Add green food coloring if desired for a deeper green color.
Prepare Glasses: To prepare glasses, dip the rims into honey or corn syrup, then into red sanding sugar for a festive touch.
Serve: Ladle the punch into glasses and top each with a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.

Notes

For an adult version, add a splash of vodka, rum, or coconut liqueur.
This punch is best served immediately but can be partially prepped by chilling the ingredients in advance.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American