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This is the shot I shake up when the tree is lit and someone asks for something festive that actually tastes good. It is bright green, slightly sweet, and balanced with enough citrus that it does not feel like candy.
The trick is the cherry at the bottom. It is the Grinch heart moment, and it also gives whoever finishes the shot a little reward.
What goes in the shaker
Only five ingredients plus a cherry. Midori gives the Grinch green color and melon sweetness, while vodka adds warmth without competing. Pineapple juice rounds out the fruit, and fresh lemon juice keeps the finish clean.
- Midori. The Japanese melon liqueur that supplies the iconic bright green color and sweet honeydew flavor.
- Vodka. A neutral spirit that lets the melon and citrus shine while adding body.
- Pineapple juice. Adds a tropical note and a little thickness so the shot does not taste thin.
- Fresh lemon juice. Cuts the sugar and brightens the whole drink. Bottled juice does not work as well.
- Simple syrup. Just enough to balance the lemon without making the shot cloying.
- Maraschino cherry. The red heart at the bottom of the glass. It also sweetens the final sip.
Shake and pour
- Rim the glasses. Dip the outer edge of each shot glass in lemon juice, then into coarse sugar. Let them dry while you mix.
- Drop the cherry. Place one stemless maraschino cherry in the bottom of each prepared glass.
- Shake hard with ice. Add Midori, vodka, pineapple juice, lemon juice and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for ten seconds until the outside of the shaker frosts.
- Strain and serve. Double-strain into the shot glasses over the cherry. Serve immediately while the glass is still cold.
Keep the color bright
The green comes from Midori, and it will stay vivid as long as you do not dilute it with too much mixer. Pineapple juice adds body without washing things out, but stick to the measured amount. If you want a deeper emerald tone, add a few drops of blue curaçao. Shake hard with ice for about ten seconds to chill the drink fast without over-diluting.
The cherry goes in first
Drop the maraschino cherry into the shot glass before you pour. It settles at the bottom like a little red heart, and it flavors the last sip. If you are making these for a crowd, line up the glasses with cherries ahead of time so you can just shake and pour when guests arrive.
Scale it for a crowd
Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and shake in batches of four. Pour into a small pitcher if you want to skip individual shaking, though the texture is slightly better from the shaker. For a non-alcoholic green drink that kids can enjoy, try our Easy 3-Ingredient Grinch Punch Recipe for Christmas. If you want something to snack on while you shake, Easy Grinch Rice Krispie Treats for Christmas and Christmas Grinch Cookies keep the theme going.
Chill before you shake
Store the Midori and vodka in the fridge or freezer for an hour before mixing. Cold liquor means less ice melt in the shaker, so the shot stays strong and silky. You can also rim the glasses with coarse sugar for a frosted look. Dip the rim in lemon juice first, then into a plate of sugar. The CDC guidelines on alcohol consumption are worth a quick read if you are serving these at a larger gathering.
Summary
A vibrant green shot that captures the playful spirit of the Grinch, perfect for holiday celebrations and themed parties.
FAQs
- Can I make a non-alcoholic Grinch shot?
Yes. Swap the Midori and vodka for green Hawaiian Punch or a mix of lemon-lime soda and green food coloring. You will lose the melon flavor, but the color stays festive. For a full family recipe, see our Easy 3-Ingredient Grinch Punch.
- What can I substitute for Midori?
Any green melon liqueur works. If you cannot find one, combine melon schnapps with a drop of blue food coloring. The flavor will be sharper and less sweet, so taste and adjust the simple syrup.
- How do I keep the sugar rim from falling off?
Make sure the glass rim is dry before dipping it in lemon juice. Coat only the outer edge, not the inside, so sugar does not drop into the drink. Let it set for a minute before pouring.
- Can I mix a big batch ahead of time?
Combine everything except the cherries and ice in a sealed jar and refrigerate for up to two days. Shake or stir with ice right before serving. Add the cherries to the glasses just before you pour.
- Why did my shot turn murky instead of bright green?
Over-shaking or using cloudy pineapple juice can dull the color. Shake for exactly ten seconds and use clear, fresh pineapple juice. Too much lemon juice can also lighten the hue.
- Do I need top-shelf vodka?
No. The Midori and pineapple juice mask most of the vodka character, so a mid-shelf bottle is fine. Save the premium stuff for drinks where vodka is the main flavor.
- Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice gives a cleaner, brighter acidity. Bottled juice often has preservatives that add a faint off-note. If you must use bottled, reduce the simple syrup slightly because bottled juice is sometimes sweeter.
