Thoughtfully Cocktails, Mix and Match Mini Sampler Cocktail Mixer Set
Buy Now →The Grinch Shot is a playful, vibrant green holiday shooter that’s equal parts tart, sweet, and whimsical. Blending green apple vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice, it’s a fruity burst of flavor topped with whipped cream and a cherry “heart.” With a sparkly green sugar rim and layers of holiday cheer, this easy-to-make shot is perfect for Christmas parties, themed events, or cozy movie nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Green Apple Vodka
- 1 oz Peach Schnapps
- 1 oz Cranberry Juice
- 1 oz Whipped Cream (for topping)
- Green Sugar (for rimming)
- Maraschino Cherries (for garnish)
- Ice (for shaking)
Yields 2–3 shots, depending on the size of your shot glasses.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Glasses
- Pour a bit of cranberry juice onto a plate.
- Dip the rims of your shot glasses into the juice, then into green sugar to coat.
2. Mix the Base
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:
- 1 oz green apple vodka
- 1 oz peach schnapps
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.
3. Strain & Serve
- Strain the mix into your prepared shot glasses, filling each ¾ full.
4. Top & Garnish
- Add a dollop of whipped cream to each shot.
- Top with a maraschino cherry and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a stronger flavor, increase the green apple vodka to 1.5 oz and reduce peach schnapps to 0.5 oz.
- Keep your whipped cream cold for clean topping and better texture.
- Add edible glitter for extra sparkle if desired.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Grinch Shots
1. Chill Everything First
To keep your shots crisp and refreshing, chill your vodka, schnapps, and cranberry juice ahead of time. Cold ingredients = better flavor and less melting of the whipped cream topper!
2. Prep the Glasses First
Sugar rims can be messy if you’re in a rush. Get ahead of the game by rimming your shot glasses with green sugar in advance and setting them aside while you make the drink.
3. Use a Cocktail Shaker with Plenty of Ice
Shaking with lots of ice not only chills the drink quickly but also dilutes just enough to balance the flavors—especially important with the tartness of green apple vodka.
4. Don’t Overfill the Glass
Leave a little room in each glass for the whipped cream to sit without spilling over. Filling the shots about ¾ full is just right.
5. Top with Whipped Cream Right Before Serving
Whipped cream melts quickly, especially on chilled liquid. Wait until the last moment to add it for the best presentation.
6. Stabilize the Cherry Garnish
Place the cherry directly on the whipped cream, or use a mini cocktail pick if you want it to stay perfectly centered (and easy to grab!).
7. Make It a Moment
Bring a little Grinchy drama by serving your shots on a tray lined with red and green sprinkles, mini ornaments, or even a quote from the movie!
8. Batch with Ease
Hosting a party? Pre-mix a larger batch of the liquid ingredients (vodka, schnapps, cranberry juice), refrigerate, and shake with ice just before pouring into pre-rimmed glasses.
Conservation and Storage
- Best enjoyed immediately after topping with whipped cream.
- You can pre-mix the base (vodka, schnapps, and cranberry juice) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before shaking and serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions
- Green Apple Vodka: Use sour apple schnapps + plain vodka.
- Peach Schnapps: Try apricot or mango liqueur for a fruity twist.
- Cranberry Juice: Pomegranate juice is a lovely alternative.
Variations
- Serve as a full cocktail over ice in a rocks glass.
- Make a Frozen Grinch Shot by blending all ingredients with crushed ice.
- Add soda water for a fizzy take.
Storage Instructions
- Mix the liquid ingredients in advance and keep them chilled.
- Do not pre-top with whipped cream—it melts and deflates quickly.
- Rim glasses up to a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the liquids and keep them in the fridge. Rim glasses and add whipped cream and cherries just before serving.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Absolutely. Substitute green apple soda, peach nectar, and cranberry juice, then top with whipped cream and cherry.
Can I serve this as a batch cocktail?
Yes! Multiply ingredients by the number of guests, mix in a pitcher, and serve chilled over ice or as mini shots.
Conclusion
The Grinch Shot is a bright, merry, and slightly mischievous way to bring the holiday spirit into your glass. With its tart, fruity flavor and charming garnish, this festive drink is guaranteed to get everyone in a holly-jolly mood. Whether you’re clinking glasses at a holiday bash or sipping by the tree, this shot delivers holiday cheer with every sweet sip.
Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 shots
- Category: Holiday Drinks / Shots
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Keywords: Grinch shot, holiday shot, Christmas cocktail, green shot, whipped cream shooter
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring spoon
- Shot glasses
- Plates for sugar and juice
- Spoon or whipped cream canister
- Cocktail picks (optional, for cherry garnish)
Nutrition (Per Shot – Approximate)
- Serving Size: 1 shot (approx. 1.5–2 oz)
- Calories: ~100
- Sugar: ~8g
- Sodium: ~5mg
- Fat: ~2g
- Saturated Fat: ~1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: ~5mg
Grinch Shots Recipe
Description
The Grinch Shot is a playful, vibrant green holiday shooter that’s equal parts tart, sweet, and whimsical. Blending green apple vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice, it’s a fruity burst of flavor topped with whipped cream and a cherry “heart.” With a sparkly green sugar rim and layers of holiday cheer, this easy-to-make shot is perfect for Christmas parties, themed events, or cozy movie nights in.
Ingredients
-
1 oz Green Apple Vodka
-
1 oz Peach Schnapps
-
1 oz Cranberry Juice
-
1 oz Whipped Cream (for topping)
-
Green Sugar (for rimming)
-
Maraschino Cherries (for garnish)
-
Ice (for shaking)
Yields 2–3 shots, depending on the size of your shot glasses.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Glasses
-
Pour a bit of cranberry juice onto a plate.
-
Dip the rims of your shot glasses into the juice, then into green sugar to coat.
2. Mix the Base
-
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:
-
1 oz green apple vodka
-
1 oz peach schnapps
-
1 oz cranberry juice
-
-
Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.
3. Strain & Serve
-
Strain the mix into your prepared shot glasses, filling each ¾ full.
4. Top & Garnish
-
Add a dollop of whipped cream to each shot.
-
Top with a maraschino cherry and serve immediately.
Notes
-
For a stronger flavor, increase the green apple vodka to 1.5 oz and reduce peach schnapps to 0.5 oz.
-
Keep your whipped cream cold for clean topping and better texture.
-
Add edible glitter for extra sparkle if desired.