Easy Grinch Punch Recipe

Get ready to steal Christmas – or at least steal the show – with this whimsical Grinch Punch!

It’s a fun, family-friendly way to jazz up your holiday drink table. And it’s ready in just 5. minutes.

It’s a drink so playful and spirited, it could make even the grumpiest party guest’s heart grow three sizes. 

With its lime-green hue and fizzy personality, this punch will have everyone wanting more. Plus, it pairs really, really well with roast beast – or so I’ve been told. 

Why You’ll Love This Grinch Punch

Quick & Easy: Just a few simple ingredients and a couple of minutes are all you need to whip up this cheerful drink.

Kid-Friendly Drink: This punch is more than just a refreshing beverage. With lime sherbet at its center, it’s a fun, frothy, ice cream-like treat that everyone can enjoy. 

Festive Appearance: Put away the food coloring! This tasty treat is naturally green from the lime sherbet and Hawaiian Punch. Add the optional red garnishes for a more authentic Grinchy look.

Customizable: Add your own festive flair with sprinkles, fruit slices, or even candy canes for a personalized holiday touch!

Ingredients

• Lime Sherbet: Provides the signature green color and a wonderful frothiness. It makes it creamy and velvety and gives it a bright, sweet, and tangy taste. 

• Hawaiian Punch: To enhance the green color and add a touch of fruity sweetness. 

• Lemon-Lime Soda: I always go with Sprite, but you can use any lemon-lime soda you prefer to brighten and lighten the punch.

• Pineapple Juice: Adds depth and a tropical sweetness for a more sophisticated flavor. 

• The Red Stuff: Red sanding sugar is perfect for rimming the glasses. You can also slice a few strawberries to represent the Grinch’s growing heart. Candy heart sprinkles work nicely, too. 

How to Make Grinch Punch

Like most punch recipes, this one only has a handful of steps.

Here’s what you’ll do: 

1. PREPARE GLASSES: If desired, wet the rims with water or simple syrup. While still wet, roll them in red sanding sugar for a festive appearance. Set aside. 

2. MAKE THE PUNCH: Add the sherbet to the bowl first. Then, pour the Hawaiian punch, Sprite, and half the can of pineapple juice on top. Stir gently to combine.

3. ADD GARNISHES: If using strawberries or red candy hearts, scatter them on top of the punch. They’ll float there for a more Grinchy aesthetic.

4. SERVE: Ladle the punch into serving glasses. Share with your friends, and enjoy! 

Homemade Lime Sherbet

Lime sherbet is the key to this yummy Grinchy punch’s color, flavor, and frothy finish.

But sometimes, I struggle to find it.

In that case, I just make my own! Here’s how:

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 cups fresh lime juice (about 30 limes!)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime zest

I know 30 limes is a lot, but I promise it’s worth it. Avoid the bottled stuff if you can.

If you can’t, use a brand like Santa Cruz Organic 100% Pure Lime Juice, which only lists lime juice in the ingredients.

Now, here are the steps to make the sherbet:

1. COMBINE the water and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until the sugar dissolves.

2. COOL completely in the saucepan or a heatproof bowl.

3. STIR in the lime juice and zest, then pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. FREEZE for about 4-5 hours, stirring with a fork every 30 minutes for the first 3 hours.

5. ALTERNATIVELY, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sorbet on an ice cream maker.

Tips for the Best Grinch Punch

There are a few things to remember when making sherbet punch.

I’ve included them here, along with a few variations: 

• Chill everything! Put the Sprite, Hawaiian Punch, and pineapple juice in the fridge at least 24 hours in advance. They should all be as cold as possible so the punch stays cold longer. 

• Don’t make it ahead of time. The longer the punch sits out, the more the sherbet will melt. Make it just before serving to keep it cold and fizzy for your guests. 

• Be mindful of the measurements. To the best of my knowledge, Hawaiian Punch only comes in gallons, and pineapple juice comes in 46-ounce cans. You’ll only need HALF a gallon of Hawaiian Punch and HALF the can of pineapple juice. A 1-liter Sprite is all the recipe requires, as well. 

• Make red ice cubes. Want to keep the punch colder and make it look more festive? Make tropical punch (red) ice cubes in a heart-shaped ice tray (available on Amazon). 

• No pineapple juice? That’s okay! Substitute orange juice or use the whole gallon of punch.

• For an adults-only option. If there will be no kids at your party, consider adding 1-2 cups of vodka or white rum. Even the grinchiest Grinches will be smiling after a few glasses.

• Other garnish ideas. Strawberry slices and these red candy hearts from Amazon work beautifully. You could also use pomegranate arils or chopped maraschino cherries. 

More Festive Drinks Your Family Will Love

Puerto Rican Coquito
Peppermint White Russian
White Christmas Punch
Homemade Eggnog