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–+ servings

spicy sweet grinch cocktail

A sharp, bright holiday cocktail built like a mule — vodka, citrus, honey, jalapeño, and cold ginger beer. Sweet first, then the slow burn. Mint sugar rim for frost, pomegranate for color. Clean, fast, festive, with just enough heat to keep you honest.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine christmas, Holiday Drink
Servings 1 drink / serving

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker, fine mesh strainer, citrus juicer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 –4 fresh mint leaves finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • ½ ounce honey syrup 1:1 honey and hot water, stirred to dissolve
  • ½ ounce fresh lime juice about ½ lime
  • 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice ruby red or white
  • 1 –2 jalapeño slices adjust to taste
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt optional, softens grapefruit’s bite
  • Ginger beer cold, for topping (about 3–4 ounces)
  • Pomegranate arils for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Instructions
 

Minted Sugar Rim:

  • Pulse sugar and mint until green and fragrant. Spread on a small plate. Lightly moisten the outside rim of your glass with lime juice or honey, then dip into the minted sugar.

Build the Base:

  • In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, honey syrup, lime juice, grapefruit juice, jalapeño, and a pinch of salt. Fill with ice and shake hard for about 10 seconds.

Strain and Top:

  • Double-strain into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.

Finish:

  • Slowly top with cold ginger beer. Give it one gentle stir to combine without killing the fizz.

Garnish:

  • Add a few pomegranate arils and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Honey Syrup: Stir equal parts honey and hot water until smooth. Keeps 1 week refrigerated.
  • Control the Heat: Jalapeño heat grows fast. Taste and pull when it’s right. For consistent spice, infuse the vodka for 30–90 minutes, then strain.
  • Ginger Beer Tips:
    Q Mixers — sharp, dry, extra bite.
    Fever-Tree — balanced, clean spice.
    Bundaberg — round, sweeter finish.
  • Citrus Choice: Ruby red grapefruit is sweet; white is bitter and lean. Add a pinch of salt to smooth the edge.
  • Batch for 8 Servings:
    Mix 16 oz vodka, 6–8 oz lime juice, 12–16 oz grapefruit juice, 4–6 oz honey syrup, and sliced jalapeño to taste. Chill, strain out chilies, then pour into glasses with ice and top each with 3–4 oz cold ginger beer.
Keyword christmas cocktail, christmas cocktails, grinch cocktail
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