Grinchy Punch

If the holidays stress you out just a little too much, then this Grinchy Punch was made for you. This simple Christmas cocktail requires only a handful of easy ingredients to turn a festive green color, and gets a needed boozy boost with the addition of vodka. It's as simple as mixing everything in a punch bowl and ladling into glasses, making it an easy, no-fuss Christmas punch perfect for your next holiday party. No matter how hectic your holiday season, I promise, this boozy grinch punch will make even the crankiest of hearts grow three sizes. Read on for everything you need to know:

How To Make Grinchy Punch

INGREDIENTS

• Kool-Aid Lemon Lime Mix: Lemon-lime Kool-Aid, the base for my punch, is so Grinchy green, you’d think Theodore Geisel had invented himself.
• Lemon-Lime Soda: Reinforces the citrusy character of the Kool-Aid while adding tartness and effervescence.
• Pineapple Juice: Sour like the Grinch himself, pineapple juice balances out the sweetness of the punch.
• Vodka: Gives the punch its…well, punch. I opted for a neutral spirit so the flavor of the booze sits in the background.
• Ginger Ale: The spicy kick of ginger gives the drink a refreshing quality, while the carbonation tickles the tongue and lightens things up.
• Lime Wedges: In a drink shot-through with citrus flavor, even rims play their part. I use lime wedges to moisten the rims of the glasses, so the sanding sugar sticks.
• Red Sanding Sugar: I use this coarse, Santa-suit-red sugar to rim the glasses—and complete the drink’s Grinchy look.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Making Grinchy punch really couldn’t be easier. All you need is lemon-lime Kool-Aid mix, lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, vodka, ginger ale, and a large pitcher. Start by combining the water and Kool-Aid in the pitcher and stirring to dissolve the Kool-Aid.

Add the ice, soda, pineapple juice, vodka, and ginger ale and stir to combine.

Punch done, it’s time to create the red-rimmed glasses. Spread some red sanding sugar on a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rims of your glasses, then dip in the sanding sugar to coat.

Let’s get this party started! Pour the punch into the rimmed glasses and serve.

Full list of ingredients and directions can be found in the recipe below.

Recipe Tips

• Can I switch out the ginger ale for something else? This drink won't be quite the same without the bite of ginger ale, but you can swap it out for something else you prefer. You could replace it with more lemon-lime soda or if you prefer a less sweet drink, try swapping in seltzer water. The flavor might not be quite the same, but it'll still be green, boozy, and delicious.
• Can I make Grinchy punch non-alcoholic? Sure! If the kids want to partake in the Christmas fun, simply leave out the alcohol. Feel free to add more lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, or even frozen limeade or lemonade concentrate to make up for the missing booze.

Storage

You can mix the Kool-Aid in the pitcher up to 3 days ahead; cover and chill. Stir in the remaining punch ingredients when ready to serve.