Name: Grinch Punch for Kids
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: Lime Sherbet: 1 quart; Lemon-Lime Soda: 2 liters; Green Hawaiian Punch: 1 gallon; Pineapple Juice: 1 cup; Red Sanding Sugar: Optional; Maraschino Cherries: Optional; Ice

If your kids are anything like mine, the magic of Christmas isn’t just found in the twinkling lights or carefully wrapped presents, but also in the treats and surprises that make the season come alive. That’s where this Grinch Punch for Kids recipe comes in!

How to make Grinch Punch for Kids

Grinch Punch for Kids is a fun, festive, non-alcoholic drink usually made around Christmas, inspired by the green color of the Grinch from Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Ingredients:

Lime Sherbet: 1 quart – This adds a creamy texture and a bit of fun frothiness to the punch.
Lemon-Lime Soda: 2 liters (such as Sprite or 7-Up) – Provides the fizz and sweetness.
Green Hawaiian Punch: 1 gallon – Supplies the vibrant green color and a fruity base.
Pineapple Juice: 1 cup – Enhances the flavor with a tropical twist.
Red Sanding Sugar: Optional – For rimming glasses to add a festive touch.
Maraschino Cherries: Optional – To garnish and create a whimsical Grinchy look.
Ice: Enough to keep the punch chilled.

Instructions:

Prepare the Pitcher or Punch Bowl: Ensure you have a large enough pitcher or punch bowl to mix and serve your Grinch Punch.
Add the Lime Sherbet: Scoop the lime sherbet into the pitcher or punch bowl. You can let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
Pour in the Green Hawaiian Punch: Slowly pour in the gallon of green Hawaiian Punch over the lime sherbet.
Add the Lemon-Lime Soda: Gently stir in the lemon-lime soda. The fizz will create an enticing frothy layer on top of the punch.
Mix in the Pineapple Juice: Pour in the pineapple juice and stir gently to combine all the flavors.
Chill the Punch: If you’re not serving the punch immediately, add ice to keep it chilled. Alternatively, refrigerate the mixture until it’s time to serve.
Rim the Glasses with Red Sanding Sugar: To add a festive touch, dip the rim of each serving glass in water or a bit of corn syrup, then dip it into red sanding sugar.
Add Maraschino Cherries: Drop a few maraschino cherries into each glass or float them in the punch bowl.

Tips:

Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet punch, use diet lemon-lime soda or add some sparkling water to balance the flavors.
Keep it Fun and Fresh: Adding extra scoops of lime sherbet just before serving will keep the frothy texture fresh and fun for the kids.
Pre-Scooped Sherbet: For easy serving at parties, pre-scoop the lime sherbet into small balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Just add them to the punch bowl as needed.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the punch in clear glasses to showcase the vibrant green color and added decorations. A large ladle or punch bowl with a spout will make it easier for kids to help themselves without creating a mess.

What to serve with

Grinch Punch for Kids is such a fun and festive drink that it deserves to be paired with equally delightful snacks and treats!

Grinch Cookies: Bake sugar cookies or soft green-frosted cookies, with a red heart piped on the center to mimic the Grinch’s “heart growing three sizes” moment.
Grinch Popcorn: Toss popcorn in green candy melts and sprinkle with red M&Ms for a playful touch.
Grinch Cupcakes: Use green-tinted frosting to create a “Grinch face” or a swirl design on top of cupcakes. Place a small red candy or sprinkle on top as the Grinch’s heart.
Grinch Snack Mix: Combine green cereal (like green Rice Krispies or Trix), pretzels, and red and green chocolate candies in a bowl for a fun finger food.

Ingredients Substitutes

1. Lime Sherbet

Lime sherbet is essential to give Grinch Punch for Kids its creamy texture, citrusy flavor, and bright green color. If it’s unavailable or needs replacement, consider these options:

Rainbow Sherbet: If you can’t find lime sherbet, rainbow sherbet makes a colorful alternative. While the punch won’t be fully green, the other flavors like orange or raspberry will still complement the drink. Scooping only the lime portion can also work.
Green Sorbet: Green sorbet (such as matcha or cucumber sorbet) might add a slightly different flavor profile but will retain the lovely green hue. Opt for fruity flavors like melon or lime-based green sorbet for a closer match.
Vanilla Ice Cream (plus food coloring): If lime sherbet isn’t an option, use vanilla ice cream mixed with a few drops of green food coloring as a sweet substitute. Add a splash of lemon or lime juice to mimic the citrus flavor.
Frozen Yogurt: Green-flavored (or plain) frozen yogurt can also work well as a creamy and tart alternative. Choose plain yogurt and dye it green for an easy swap favoring slightly less sweetness.

2. Lemon-Lime Soda

Lemon-lime soda, often Sprite or 7-Up, gives the punch its bubbly texture and sugary sweetness. If you prefer to go lighter on sugar or need a soda-free option, try these substitutes:

Sparkling Water or Club Soda: Use unflavored sparkling water or club soda for fizz without extra sugar. Add a sweetener (like honey or sugar syrup) and a dash of lemon juice to mimic the original soda flavor.
Diet Lemon-Lime Soda: If you’re looking for a lower-sugar substitute, opt for the diet versions of Sprite or 7-Up.
Tonic Water (or Flavored Sparkling Water): Flavored sparkling water with lime, lemon, or tropical flavors makes a great soda substitute while still keeping the zingy fizz alive.
Ginger Ale: Ginger ale adds sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a touch of spice in their punch.

3. Green Hawaiian Punch

Green Hawaiian Punch is the star ingredient that gives the Grinch Punch its signature vibrant green color. If you can’t find Hawaiian Punch or want alternative options, here are some substitutions:

Other Green Fruit Juices: Juice blends that are naturally green, such as kiwi-strawberry juice, green apple juice, or melon juice, can replace Hawaiian Punch. Add a drop of green food coloring to enhance the color if needed.
Lemonade (plus green food coloring): Regular lemonade can act as a base for the punch. Add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve the signature Grinchy color.
Green Kool-Aid: Make Kool-Aid using green or lime-flavored powder. Mix according to packet instructions for a flavorful and colorful substitute.
Matcha Iced Green Tea: For a slightly less sweet option that’s still vibrantly green, use iced matcha green tea mixed with a splash of sweetener.

4. Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice adds a tropical flavor and tanginess to the Grinch Punch. If pineapple isn’t available or preferred, these substitutions work well:

Orange Juice: Orange juice offers similar citrusy sweetness and complements the other fruity flavors in the punch.
Apple Juice: Apple juice provides sweetness with a milder flavor, making it an easy replacement.
Peach or Apricot Nectar: For a twist, try using peach nectar or apricot juice to maintain a fruity profile while giving the punch a unique taste.
Grape Juice: White grape juice can be used for sweetness with a neutral flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Grinch Punch for Kids is more than just a drink; it’s an experience that adds to the enchantment of the holiday season.

More Punch Recipes:

Christmas Punch for Kids

Pin Print