The Grinch Mimosa: The Bright Green, Festive Cocktail Your Holiday Party Needs
The holidays are all about sparkle, joy, and maybe a little bit of mischievous fun. And if you’re looking for a cocktail that embodies all three, you’ve just found it. Meet the Grinch Mimosa.
This vibrant, electric-green sipper is far more than just a novelty. It’s a deliciously sweet, fizzy blend of melon liqueur and pineapple juice, topped with the celebratory pop of champagne. It’s a twist on the classic mimosa that’s perfect for Christmas brunch, holiday parties, or any festive occasion where you want to steal the spotlight (in the best way possible). The iconic red sanding sugar rim and bright cherry garnish complete the transformation, turning a simple flute of bubbly into a holiday masterpiece.
Why I Love This Recipe
As a food writer, I’ve mixed up my share of holiday cocktails, but the Grinch Mimosa has a special place in my heart.
First, it’s a showstopper. The moment someone walks into your kitchen and sees that neon green glow against the backdrop of a glittering red rim, they instantly smile. It’s pure holiday fun in a glass. Second, it’s incredibly easy. Unlike complex drinks that require a dozen ingredients and specialized tools, this is a simple three-pour cocktail. This makes it ideal for batching or for hosts who want to spend more time celebrating and less time shaking. Third, the flavor profile is a delightful surprise. While traditional mimosas can be a little heavy on the orange juice, this combination of Midori (a melon liqueur) and pineapple juice offers a much lighter, sweeter, and more tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the dryness of the prosecco. It’s a perfect toast to a happy holiday!
Ingredients List
This recipe is designed to be made per glass for maximum freshness, but you can easily scale it up for a batch.
| Ingredient | Amount (Per Glass) | Notes |
| Midori (Melon Liqueur) | 2 oz (60ml) | This is essential for the color and the signature sweet melon flavor. |
| Pineapple Juice | 1 oz (30ml) | Use chilled, 100% juice for the best flavor. |
| Champagne or Prosecco | 3 oz (90ml) | Use a chilled Brut or Extra Dry to balance the sweetness of the liqueurs and juice. |
| Red Sanding Sugar | 2 Tbsp (for rimming) | Look for a vibrant red for the best Grinch “Santa suit” effect. |
| Maraschino Cherry | 1 | For the final garnish (the Grinch’s little heart!). |
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Swaps and Notes
- Make it a Punch: To serve a crowd, combine Midori and pineapple juice in a large pitcher. Keep it chilled. Just before serving, pour your base into glasses and top with the chilled champagne. Do not add the bubbly to the pitcher, or it will go flat.
- The Bubbly: While Prosecco is often my top choice for its slightly sweeter profile and good value, a dry Champagne or other sparkling wine works just as well.
- Non-Alcoholic Version (Grinch Mockmosa): Omit the champagne and Midori. Use 3 oz of sparkling apple cider and 3 oz of pineapple juice, then add a single drop of green food coloring to the mix for the festive color.
- Alternative Rim: If you don’t have red sanding sugar, use a lime wedge to wet the rim and dip it in plain white sugar mixed with a pinch of red food coloring.
Steps for the Recipe
Follow these quick steps to craft your festive cocktail:
- Prep the Rim: Pour the red sanding sugar onto a small, flat plate. Take a slice of lemon or lime and run it around the rim of your champagne flute to moisten it. Gently dip the rim into the sanding sugar, rotating the glass until the entire rim is coated in a festive red glow.
- Add the Base: Pour the 1 oz of chilled pineapple juice into the rimmed glass, followed by the 2 oz of Midori.
- Top it Off: Slowly pour the 3 oz of chilled champagne or prosecco over the mixture. It should gently combine on its own.
- Garnish and Serve: Drop a single maraschino cherry into the bottom of the glass—this is the Grinch’s heart, growing three sizes in the glass! Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Keep Everything Cold: For the best, fizziest results, ensure your champagne, Midori, and pineapple juice are thoroughly chilled before mixing. A warm mimosa loses its sparkle quickly.
- The Right Glass: A classic champagne flute or a coupe glass is best for showcasing the drink’s vibrant color and preserving the bubbles.
- Start with the Base: Always pour the liqueurs and juice first, then top with the sparkling wine. This helps to gently mix the drink without stirring and prevents you from overflowing the glass.
- Make a Station: If hosting, set up a dedicated Grinch Mimosa bar with the chilled ingredients, the red sugar rim, and garnishes. Let guests make their own! For an equally fun party snack, consider making a batch of our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter to serve alongside.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This sweet, fizzy, and bright cocktail is perfect for pairing with classic holiday brunch items or light appetizers.
- Sweet Pairings: The slight acidity and effervescence cut through the richness of baked goods. Try it with light pastries, beignets, or even our incredibly easy These Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are My Morning Time Saver.
- Savory Appetizers: The melon and pineapple notes are a beautiful counterpoint to salty, creamy, or rich savory bites. Think small ham and cheese crostini, smoked salmon bites, or a simple Baked Brie with preserves.
- Brunch Mains: This is a spectacular partner for light egg dishes like a vegetable frittata, or a classic, slightly sweet French Toast or waffle bar.
- Holiday Dessert: If serving as a post-dinner drink, pair it with light, fruity desserts. Our How This Unicorn Poke Cake Became My Favorite Party Trick would be a spectacularly colorful companion.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on brands and exact measurements.
| Component | Approximate Amount (Per Serving) |
| Calories | 175−200 kcal |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Alcohol | 12−14g |
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This calculation is based on an average Brut Sparkling Wine (3oz, 85 calories) and standard Midori (2oz, 110 calories) and Pineapple Juice (1oz, 18 calories).
Storage and Leftover Tips
Because this is a sparkling cocktail, it should be made and served immediately. The carbonation from the champagne will dissipate quickly, leaving a flat drink.
- Prep Ahead: You can pre-rim your glasses with the red sanding sugar up to a day in advance. Store the glasses upright in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
- Chilling: Ensure all components are in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before your event. The colder the ingredients, the fizzier the cocktail!
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoy bright, celebratory drinks and fun, crowd-pleasing recipes, you’ll want to check out these favorites:
- For another bubbly, fruity drink, try This Blueberry Lemonade is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days.
- If you’re in the mood for a more traditional, zesty cocktail, our Classic Margarita Recipe (Easy and Delicious) is a must-try.
- Need a fun, fast party centerpiece? You can’t go wrong with our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
Final Thoughts
The Grinch Mimosa is a simple cocktail with massive personality. It’s festive, it’s delicious, and it’s the perfect way to add a bit of playful whimsy to your next holiday gathering. It truly is the spirit of Christmas, packaged in a glowing green flute!
Give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments below if your heart grew three sizes (or more!) after the first sip. Cheers to a happy holiday season!
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