Grinch Jolly Rancher Cocktail Recipe

I’m a sucker for easy, colorful drinks that liven up any party—especially during the holidays. The Grinch Jolly Rancher Cocktail is honestly one of my favorites; it’s sweet, fun, and ridiculously simple to throw together.

This drink blends the tangy punch of green apple Jolly Ranchers with vodka and lemon-lime soda, turning out a bright green cocktail that’s got total Grinch vibes.

Sometimes I’ll make it for a family get-together, or just for myself while I’m watching Christmas movies. The color alone gets people talking, and I swear, every time, someone asks for the recipe.

Grinch Jolly Rancher Cocktail Recipe

When I whip up a Grinch Jolly Rancher Cocktail, I want it fruity, bright green, and just—festive. There’s something about the mix of spirits, sour candy, and that chewy, sweet rim that really pulls it all together.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or shot glass
• Strainer
• Highball glass or rocks glass
• Spoon or stirring stick
• Small plate for rimming glass
• Knife for slicing garnishes

A cocktail shaker’s pretty much a must for getting everything cold and mixed. I reach for a jigger to keep the vodka and schnapps in check. The strainer’s there so you don’t end up with ice chunks or candy bits in your drink.

For serving, I like a good sturdy glass—highball or rocks, doesn’t really matter. The small plate makes rimming the glass with crushed candy way less messy. And if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll grab a sharp knife for a cherry or lime garnish.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Vodka (plain or Jolly Rancher-infused)
• 1 oz Peach Schnapps
• 2 oz Cranberry Juice (100% juice or cocktail blend)
• Ice cubes
• Green Jolly Rancher candies (crushed for rimming glass)
• Optional: Lemon-lime soda or club soda (for a fizz)
• Optional: Maraschino cherry or lime wedge for garnish

I usually go with good vodka, and if I’m in the mood, I’ll infuse it with green Jolly Ranchers for extra flavor. Peach schnapps brings that smooth, sweet note. Cranberry juice gives it some tartness.

Crushed Jolly Ranchers on the rim? That’s the Grinch look, for sure. Sometimes I’ll add soda for a little fizz, and a cherry or lime on top just looks festive.

Instructions

• Crush green Jolly Rancher candies on a small plate
• Rub a lime wedge or some simple syrup around the rim of a glass
• Dip and coat the rim in crushed candy
• Add ice cubes to the glass
• Pour vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice
• Shake well for about 10-15 seconds
• Strain the mix into the prepared glass
• Top with lemon-lime soda or club soda if using
• Garnish with a maraschino cherry or lime wedge

I try not to overthink the shaking—just enough so it’s cold and mixed. Rimming the glass with candy can get a bit sticky, but honestly, it’s worth it for the look.

Sometimes I’ll taste and tweak the cranberry juice or soda, depending on how sweet or tart I’m feeling that day.

Notes

If you want to make Jolly Rancher-infused vodka, just toss 10-12 green Jolly Ranchers into a jar of plain vodka and let it sit overnight. The result is a strong apple flavor and a crazy bright green color.

I usually crush extra candies in case I end up making more than one round. For parties, I’ll set up a little assembly line so rimming glasses and mixing drinks goes faster.

If you want it less sweet, club soda’s a good swap for lemon-lime soda.

For a non-alcoholic version, just ditch the vodka and schnapps—use lemon-lime soda or a splash of apple juice instead. Kids get a kick out of having their own “Grinch” drink.

And hey, just a reminder: enjoy, but take it easy. That sweet-tart flavor can sneak up on you!

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of the Grinch Jolly Rancher Cocktail, the first thing that hits me is that bold, almost neon green. It’s pretty much impossible not to think of the holidays—or, you know, those wild winter parties that pop up every December.

The sweetness jumps out right away, thanks to the Jolly Rancher flavor. There’s a tang that follows, just enough to keep things interesting.

I definitely pick up apple and a bit of citrus. The apple’s got a sharpness to it, but it doesn’t cross over into being too sour.

Citrus gives the whole thing a fresh, light vibe. It’s honestly more refreshing than I expected.

Texture

• Smooth, with a little candy-like stickiness
• No harsh alcohol burn—thankfully
• Cool and crisp, especially poured over ice

The finish is sweet, but those fruity notes keep it from getting heavy or cloying. If I swirl the glass or let the ice melt a bit, it just gets smoother.

Honestly, every sip feels like a little burst of holiday cheer. I can’t help but want another.

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