A Sour Apple Christmas Cocktail With A Grinchy Little Heart!
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
There is something so silly and joyful about a bright green drink at Christmas time. Especially when there are little red maraschino cherries stacked at the bottom that look just like the Grinch’s heart growing a few sizes.
We have been choosing more budget friendly date nights at home while we are trying to save money, and honestly they have become some of my favourite evenings.
A simple movie, a tray of cookies in the oven, and a fun little cocktail in real glasses does more for my mood than eating out ever could.
This Grinch Fizz was born on one of those cosy nights. I was in the kitchen baking cookies with my husband, and we always make a special deal out of our date night food and drink. Well tonight we really wanted something sour and fruity, that still felt festive.
My husband is a fan of anything sharp and tangy, especially apple and cherry flavours. So I reached for a bottle of green apple vodka, some Sour Apple Schnapps, and a can of Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry from the pantry.
A handful of maraschino cherries went into the bottom of a tall sundae glass and I could instantly see the Grinch theme coming together!
The cocktail itself is fizzy, bright, and very much on the sour side in the best way. The hint of green comes from the apple spirits, the winter spiced soda adds just enough sweetness and cranberry holiday flavour, and the cherries at the bottom give you that cute “Grinch’s heart” moment.
A lime green or festive fun straw finishes it off and makes the whole glass look like something straight from Whoville!
And of course, because we are watching the budget closely, we use affordable spirits for this. Military Special or store brands from the Class Six work perfectly when you are mixing with flavoured soda. No one needs top shelf bottles for a fun Christmas movie night drink at home.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
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This Grinch Fizz is playful, simple, and very easy to scale up for a small gathering. You can line up a few sundae glasses, tuck cherries into each one and then pour the green mixture over the top just before serving.
It looks like you went all out, but it is really just a few basic ingredients poured in the right order.
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So come into the kitchen with me and mix up this Grinch Fizz Cocktail that will bring a little extra fun to your Christmas cookie baking, holiday movie nights and festive get togethers!
And you can check us out making this cocktail over on our TikTok HERE!
Equipment
- Tall sundae glass or milkshake glass
- Shot glass or small measuring cup
- Long handled spoon or drink stirrer
- Fun straws
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Ingredients
Makes 1 cocktail
- 1 oz green apple Smirnoff vodka
- 1 ½ oz Sour Apple Schnapps
- 2 – 4 oz Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry
- 2 – 4 maraschino cherries
- Ice, to fill the glass about halfway
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Step By Step Instructions
Step 1. Prep the glass
Fill your tall sundae style glass about halfway with ice.
Step 2. Add the spirits
Pour in the green apple vodka.
Add the Sour Apple Schnapps straight over the ice and vodka. You will see the drink turn that bright Grinch green in the glass.
Step 3. Top with soda
Pour in 2 to 4 ounces of Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry, adjusting to your taste or the size of your glass.
Give everything a gentle stir so the flavours mingle.
Step 4. Finish the Grinch look
Pop in a green straw if you have one.
Carefully drop 2 to 4 maraschino cherries down the side of the glass so they settle and “climb” around the straw.
Serve right away while it is cold and fizzy and enjoy how the cherries slowly sweeten the last few sips at the bottom.
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes
- The Sour Apple Schnapps is what gives this drink its strong sour apple punch. If you prefer a milder flavour, reduce it slightly and add a splash more soda.
- Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry adds a lovely festive note, but regular lemon lime soda with a splash of cranberry juice also works if that is what you have on hand.
- Stacking the cherries at the bottom of a tall sundae glass gives the best “Grinch’s heart growing” effect, but any tall glass will be fine.
- A green straw or reusable stirrer makes the drink feel extra playful and on theme.
Troubleshooting
Too sour?
Top with extra soda or add a teaspoon of cherry juice from the jar to round out the flavour.
Too sweet?
Add a small splash of extra lime juice or a tiny bit more vodka to balance it out.
Not green enough?
Your Schnapps or vodka might be paler. Add a little extra green apple Schnapps or a drop of safe food colouring if you really want a brighter shade.
Cherries floating instead of sitting at the bottom?
Use a few more cherries or gently press them under the ice with your spoon before serving.
Storage
This cocktail is best built and enjoyed right away. The fizz and colour are at their prettiest when freshly poured.
If you want to get ahead, you can:
- Mix the vodka and Sour Apple Schnapps in a small jar and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When it is time to serve, add ice, cherries and soda directly to the glasses and pour the chilled green apple mix over the top.
Serving Ideas
- Sip with a Christmas cookie tray or your family cookie making day.
- Serve for a Grinch movie night or any holiday film marathon.
- Mix a small batch for a festive girls night in.
- Use smaller glasses and top with extra soda for a lighter, lower alcohol option.
Why You Will Love This Recipe?!
- Bright, sour apple flavour with a fun cranberry twist
- Uses simple, budget friendly spirits and soda
- Looks like something from a Christmas cafe but is quick to build at home
- Perfect themed drink for Grinch lovers and holiday movie nights
- Easy to scale for two people or a small group
FAQ
Can I make a non alcoholic Grinch Fizz?
Yes. Skip the vodka and Sour Apple Schnapps and use a mix of lemon lime soda, Sour Apple flavour syrup, and a splash of cranberry juice. Keep the cherries at the bottom for the same Grinch’s heart look.
Can I use regular Sprite instead of the Winter Spiced Cranberry version?
You can. Add a splash of cranberry juice or a teaspoon of cherry juice from the maraschino jar for a hint of that non-sour, sweeter flavor, that balances everything out.
Does it have to be green apple vodka?
Green apple gives the best flavour, but plain vodka with a little extra Sour Apple Schnapps will still taste lovely.
Can I make a pitcher for a party?
Yes. Mix the vodka and Sour Apple Schnapps in a jug and chill. Add soda and ice to individual glasses with cherries at the bottom so the fizz stays fresh.
Make This Recipe With Me!
Sometimes it’s just easier to watch a video than read a recipe card isn’t it?! So here’s a quick tutorial on how to make this simple and delicious recipe at home and on a budget – thank you for joining me in the kitchen today!
Grinch Fizz Cocktail Recipe!
December 9, 2025Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill your tall sundae style glass about halfway with ice.
- Pour in the green apple vodka.Add the Sour Apple Schnapps straight over the ice and vodka. You will see the drink turn that bright Grinch green in the glass.
- Pour in 2 to 4 ounces of Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry, adjusting to your taste or the size of your glass.Give everything a gentle stir so the flavours mingle.
- Pop in a green straw if you have one.Carefully drop 2 to 4 maraschino cherries down the side of the glass so they settle and “climb” around the straw.
- Serve right away while it is cold and fizzy and enjoy how the cherries slowly sweeten the last few sips at the bottom!
Video
Notes
- The Sour Apple Schnapps is what gives this drink its strong sour apple punch. If you prefer a milder flavour, reduce it slightly and add a splash more soda.
- Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry adds a lovely festive note, but regular lemon lime soda with a splash of cranberry juice also works if that is what you have on hand.
- Stacking the cherries at the bottom of a tall sundae glass gives the best “Grinch’s heart growing” effect, but any tall glass will be fine.
- A green straw or reusable stirrer makes the drink feel extra playful and on theme.
Storage
This cocktail is best built and enjoyed right away. The fizz and colour are at their prettiest when freshly poured.Related Recipes
- See all our Christmas Recipes HERE!
- Find more Cocktail and Drinks Recipes HERE!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Takeaway
We love a creamy holiday drink as much as anyone, but sometimes you want something that feels a bit brighter. Most festive cocktails tend to be spiced or heavy, but this Grinch Fizz Cocktail is playful, sour, fizzy and full of Christmas cheer!
It gives you that Christmas feeling without the richness. It turns a few budget friendly ingredients into something that feels special, looks adorable in photos, and makes home date nights and cookie baking sessions feel just a little more magical.
Keep green apple vodka and a jar of cherries on hand this season and you will always be just a few minutes away from a glass of Grinchy fun!
What to Try Next?!
Share & Rate This Recipe!
If this Grinch Fizz Cocktail brings a bit of Whoville joy into your living room, tap the stars on the recipe card and leave a quick comment.
Share the recipe with a friend who loves Christmas movies, sour apple drinks, or anything Grinch themed so they can mix up a glass too!
Last update on 2026-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
