Grinch Candy Cane Cooler Cocktail Recipe

If you’re a sucker for the holiday spirit and have a soft spot for How the Grinch Stole Christmas, you’ve got to try this Grinch Candy Cane Cooler Cocktail.

It’s a bright green drink with a sweet, minty kick and a look that just screams Christmas party—or, honestly, even a lazy night on the couch.

I actually whipped up this recipe after watching the Grinch (again) and wanting something playful to sip while the movie played. There’s just something about that green color and peppermint that feels right, you know?

The Grinch Candy Cane Cooler Cocktail comes together fast, and most of the ingredients are probably already lurking in your kitchen.

I love how it ends up looking a bit like the Grinch’s fuzzy green fur, but the taste is all holiday cheer thanks to the candy cane. If you’re hunting for a new festive drink, this one’s bound to make your friends grin.

Grinch Candy Cane Cooler Cocktail Recipe

When I’m craving something colorful and fun for the holidays, this is my go-to. It’s a vodka cocktail that’s sweet, minty, and ridiculously easy to put together.

The bright green color and crushed candy cane rim make it look like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

Equipment

• Shaker or a mason jar with a lid
• Cocktail glass (highball or tumbler)
• Muddler, or just the back of a spoon
• Small plate for rimming
• Strainer
• Bar spoon
• Measuring jigger or shot glass

Honestly, you don’t need fancy tools. My muddler is just a wooden spoon half the time, and any strainer works if you’re in a pinch.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz peppermint syrup
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 4 fresh mint leaves
• Club soda, to top
• 1 crushed candy cane (for rimming)
• Ice cubes
• Festive garnish: extra mint, mini candy cane, lime wheel

Peppermint syrup and crushed candy canes are what really give this drink its Christmas-y vibe. I always use fresh lime juice because the bottled stuff just doesn’t cut it.

Simple syrup keeps things smooth, and the mint leaves? They make the whole thing smell amazing. Club soda lightens it up so it’s not too heavy.

Instructions

• Rim your glass by moistening the edge with lime juice, then dipping it into crushed candy cane on a plate.
• Toss the mint leaves and simple syrup into the shaker. Gently muddle to get those minty oils going.
• Add ice. Pour in vodka, peppermint syrup, and lime juice.
• Shake it hard for about 15 seconds.
• Strain into your candy cane-rimmed glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with club soda and give it a gentle stir.
• Garnish with a mint sprig, lime wheel, or a mini candy cane—whatever makes you smile.

I never skip the garnish. It just feels more festive that way, and honestly, it looks adorable.

Notes

For a kid-friendly or non-alcoholic version, just leave out the vodka and add extra club soda.

Flavored vodka can be fun if you want to play around. I sometimes go wild with the candy cane rim and pile it on thick—why not?

Fresh lime juice really does make a difference. The mint is key for that first whiff before you even take a sip.

Leftover simple syrup? Toss it in the fridge; you’ll find a use for it before too long.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of the Grinch Candy Cane Cooler, the cool mint flavor really jumps out at me. The peppermint has that unmistakable candy cane vibe—honestly, it just screams holiday.

There’s this sweetness that plays nicely with a bit of tartness, probably from some citrus or maybe a splash of juice. The bright green color? It’s almost obnoxiously cheerful but, hey, it totally works for Christmas parties.

It’s honestly a solid Christmas cocktail if you’re after something sweet without being a sugar bomb. The cold, sparkling finish is just refreshing—makes me think of winter, but it doesn’t weigh you down.

If you’re into festive drinks at holiday get-togethers, this one’s got its own thing going on and seems to please a crowd. I really like how the flavors mingle; it just feels right for the season.

---