If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and incredibly easy holiday drink that brings instant Christmas cheer, this Grinch Punch is the perfect addition to your celebration.
Glowing bright green with a fizzy, fruity, sweet flavor, this punch captures the playful, mischievous spirit of the Grinch — but in the most delicious way. Made with sherbet, pineapple juice, lemon-lime soda, and a hint of holiday magic, this punch is a hit with kids, adults, and every family gathering.
Perfect for Christmas parties, holiday brunches, school events, cookie exchanges, or movie nights watching “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” this punch is refreshing, whimsical, and incredibly Instagram-worthy.
Why You’ll Love Grinch Punch
This drink is festive, fun, and totally refreshing.
- Bright Grinch-green color
- Kid-friendly AND adult-friendly (easy to spike!)
- Only 4 simple ingredients
- Perfect for large gatherings
- Looks magical with heart-shaped sprinkles or cherries
- Ready in minutes — no cooking required
- Fun centerpiece for any Christmas table
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Classic holiday punch can be too sweet — but this one strikes the perfect balance with citrus soda, pineapple juice, and creamy sherbet. The green color pops on Christmas tables, and the fun garnishes make it unforgettable. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, big-batch, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any holiday event.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/2 gallon lime sherbet
- 1 (2-liter) bottle lemon-lime soda (Sprite, 7UP, etc.)
- 1 (46-oz) can pineapple juice
- Green food coloring (optional for extra brightness)
Garnishes (Optional but Highly Recommended)
- Red maraschino cherries (“Grinch hearts”)
- Heart-shaped sprinkles
- Sliced limes
- Whipped cream on individual cups
- Sugared rims (dip cups in corn syrup + green sugar)
How to Make Grinch Punch (Detailed)
1. Start with the Sherbet
Add lime sherbet scoops to a large punch bowl.
Break up large chunks with a spoon so it melts more evenly.
2. Add the Pineapple Juice
Pour pineapple juice directly over the sherbet.
Stir gently.
3. Add the Lemon-Lime Soda
Slowly pour in the entire 2-liter bottle of soda.
The punch will foam beautifully — this is perfect.
4. Adjust Color
If you want a deeper Grinch green, add a few drops of green food coloring and stir.
5. Add the Garnishes
Finish with cherries, sprinkles, or lime slices.
The red cherries look like the Grinch’s growing heart!
6. Serve
Serve immediately while punch is cold, fizzy, and creamy.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per cup)
- Calories: 165
- Carbs: 40g
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 20mg
Tips for the Best Grinch Punch
- Use very cold soda to keep punch chilled longer.
- Add sherbet right before serving so it stays foamy.
- Adjust sweetness by using diet soda or sparkling water.
- Freeze cherries before adding for fun ice-cube effect.
- Spike for adults: add vodka, rum, or sparkling wine.
- Serve with a ladle that scoops both punch + bits of sherbet.
Variations & Substitutions
- Adult Grinch Punch: Add 1–2 cups vodka or coconut rum.
- Creamier Version: Add a splash of coconut milk.
- Citrus Twist: Add fresh lime juice.
- Zero-Sugar Soda: Use diet lemon-lime soda.
- Sparkling Version: Use lime sparkling water instead of soda.
- Frozen Slush: Blend everything for a Grinch slushie.
What to Serve with Grinch Punch
- Christmas cookies
- Holiday brownies
- Hot chocolate bar
- Finger-food appetizers
- Sugar cookie trays
- Kid-friendly party snacks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding soda too early: It will go flat. Add just before serving.
- Letting sherbet melt fully: You want some creamy chunks.
- Using warm ingredients: Punch won’t be refreshing.
- Skipping garnishes: Cherries make it look magical!
Storing Tips
- Best served immediately — this is a fresh punch.
- If making ahead:
- Chill sherbet in freezer
- Chill pineapple juice + soda in fridge
- Assemble right before serving
- Leftovers keep 1 day in fridge but lose fizziness.
Conclusion
This Grinch Punch is the perfect addition to any Christmas celebration — whimsical, refreshing, colorful, and so easy that even the Grinch himself would approve. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or creating a fun drink for movie night, this punch brings laughter, sweetness, and holiday cheer in every bright green sip.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make this ahead?
Prepare ingredients ahead but mix right before serving.
Can I make it without sherbet?
Yes — use limeade + soda for a lighter version.
Can I use ginger ale instead of lemon-lime soda?
Yes, but it will change the flavor slightly.
How do I naturally color the punch green?
Use a splash of green juice (limeade + spinach extract), though color will vary.
Can kids drink this?
Absolutely — it’s kid-friendly unless spiked.