Classic New Orleans Hand Grenade

This vibrant green New Orleans Hand Grenade cocktail brings the spirit of Bourbon Street right to your home bar. The perfect balance of sweet melon liqueur, tropical pineapple, and a trio of spirits creates a dangerously delicious drink that captures the essence of New Orleans celebrations.

I first made this cocktail for a Mardi Gras themed party last year, and it quickly became our signature drink for summer gatherings. Something about that electric green color just puts everyone in a festive mood.

Ingredients

• Midori Melon Liqueur: Adds the signature sweet melon flavor and vibrant green color that makes this drink instantly recognizable
• Pineapple juice: Balances the sweetness with natural tropical acidity; use 100% juice for the best flavor
• Vodka: Provides a clean alcohol base that lets the fruit flavors shine through
• Gin: Contributes subtle botanical notes that add complexity
• White rum: Brings a hint of sweetness and smoothness to round out the spirit blend

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the cocktail shaker:

Fill your cocktail shaker all the way to the top with ice cubes. Fresh ice works best as it will chill the drink quickly without diluting it too much. The ice should be filled almost to the rim to ensure proper chilling.

Add the liquids:

Pour in each ingredient directly over the ice in this order: 1.5 ounces Midori melon liqueur, 2 ounces pineapple juice, 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce gin, and 1 ounce white rum. Using a jigger or shot glass for precise measurements will ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

Shake vigorously:

Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake with enthusiasm for at least 20-30 full shakes. This not only chills the drink but also properly integrates all the flavors and creates the perfect dilution from the melting ice. Your hands will get cold; this is how you know it's working.

Prepare serving glass:

Take a Collins glass, which is a tall, narrow 10-12 ounce glass, and fill it completely with fresh ice. Using fresh ice rather than the ice from your shaker ensures your drink stays cold without being watered down.

Strain and serve:

Pour the shaken mixture through a strainer into your ice-filled glass. The straining prevents ice chips and ensures a smooth drinking experience. The vibrant green color should shine through beautifully in the glass.

Garnish:

Add a decorative touch with either pineapple leaves arranged fanlike, a skewered honeydew melon ball, or a pineapple spear on the rim of the glass. This adds visual appeal and hints at the flavors inside.

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Midori is definitely the star ingredient here. I once tried substituting with a generic melon liqueur and the color was noticeably less vibrant. The authentic Midori gives that electric green hue that makes people ask What are you drinking? which always starts a great conversation at parties.

Batch Preparation

When entertaining a crowd, you can easily scale this recipe to make a pitcher. Simply maintain the ratio of ingredients and prepare several hours ahead. Store the mixture in the refrigerator to chill rather than using ice in the pitcher which would dilute it. When ready to serve, pour over fresh ice in individual glasses. This method ensures consistency for all your guests and saves you from playing bartender all night.

Authentic Experience

The original Hand Grenade is actually a trademarked drink from New Orleans' famous Tropical Isle bars, created in the 1980s. While this homemade version captures the essence of the original, true Hand Grenade aficionados know that the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret. What makes this recreation special is the balance of melon sweetness with the triple-spirit kick that gives you that authentic Bourbon Street feeling without the plane ticket to Louisiana.

Flavor Variations

For those who prefer less sweetness, reduce the Midori to 1 ounce and increase the pineapple juice to 2.5 ounces. If you enjoy a more tropical version, add a splash of coconut cream for a creamier texture and flavor profile. For a spicy twist, add a thin slice of jalapeño during the shaking process to infuse a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet melon. Remove the pepper before serving to prevent the drink from becoming increasingly spicy as it sits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of melon liqueur works best?

Midori melon liqueur is the traditional choice for its bright flavor and vibrant green color, but any similar melon liqueur will work.

→ Can I make this drink in advance?

Yes, you can prepare a batch by the pitcher. Mix the ingredients, store in the fridge, and pour over ice when ready to serve.

→ Do I need a specific type of glass?

A Collins or Highball glass works best for serving this drink due to its size and shape, typically 10-12 ounces.

→ What garnishes pair well with this drink?

Pineapple leaves, a honeydew melon ball, or a pineapple spear are great garnish options to enhance its tropical look and taste.

→ Is there a non-alcoholic version?

You can create a mocktail by substituting the alcohol with melon-flavored soda or juice and adding sparkling water for fizz.