Paul Kushner
The Dirty Santa cocktail is a fun and festive drink that brings a playful holiday touch to your glass. It combines smooth vodka with tangy lime juice and sweet grenadine for a balance of bright and fruity flavors. Topped with Sprite, it’s light, bubbly, and refreshing perfect for any holiday party. The snowy rim made from coconut cream and flakes adds a cheerful, wintery look that makes this drink stand out. Finished with a maraschino cherry for color and a hint of sweetness, the Dirty Santa is a simple yet eye-catching cocktail that captures the fun and flavor of the season.
Tasting Notes
The Dirty Santa cocktail is a playful mix of tart, sweet, and creamy flavors with a festive tropical touch. The vodka creates a smooth, neutral base, allowing the bright tang of lime juice and the sweet richness of grenadine to shine through. Topped with Sprite, the drink gains a crisp, bubbly finish that makes it light and refreshing. The coconut-rimmed glass adds a touch of creaminess and texture, giving each sip a subtle holiday twist reminiscent of winter snow. The cherry garnish adds a pop of color and sweetness, completing this cheerful, holiday-ready cocktail.
Equipment and Glassware
To prepare the Dirty Santa cocktail, you’ll need a few simple tools. A cocktail shaker is essential for blending the ingredients and chilling them evenly. Use a jigger to measure each component accurately for perfect flavor balance. A strainer ensures a smooth pour when transferring to your serving glass. For presentation, a rocks or highball glass works best it allows the bright red hue to shine and provides space for the sparkling Sprite. You’ll also need two small plates or saucers for rimming: one for the coconut cream and another for the shredded coconut flakes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 1 oz grenadine
- sprite to top
- coconut cream for rimming
- coconut flakes for rimming
- cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Coat the rim of your glass with coconut cream, then dip it into coconut flakes to create a snowy rim.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, lime juice, and grenadine. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Add Sprite to fill the glass and gently stir to combine.
- Add a maraschino cherry for a festive finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Chill your glass before rimming to help the coconut cream set.
- Use clear ice cubes to enhance the cocktail’s color and prevent dilution.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice provides a brighter, cleaner flavor.
- Shake only the vodka, lime juice, and grenadine add Sprite afterward to maintain fizz.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle a touch of coconut cream into the drink before topping.
- If serving a crowd, prepare the base mixture ahead and add soda just before serving.
- Lightly toast the coconut flakes for a fragrant twist.
- Garnish with multiple cherries for a more festive presentation.
When to Serve
The Dirty Santa cocktail is perfect for holiday gatherings, Christmas parties, and winter celebrations where you want something light, colorful, and fun. Its bright red hue and coconut “snow” rim make it a show-stopping choice for festive occasions. Serve it as a welcome drink at holiday dinners, winter brunches, or themed events like Santa parties. It also pairs beautifully with sweet treats or appetizers, offering a refreshing balance between tangy and sweet. Whether enjoyed by the fireplace or under twinkling lights, this cocktail delivers a cheerful splash of holiday spirit.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Vodka: Tito’s, Smirnoff, or Absolut for a clean, smooth flavor.
- Grenadine: Use Rose’s or Liber & Co. for bright color and sweetness.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for balanced acidity.
- Sprite: Sprite, 7UP, or Fever-Tree Sparkling Lemon Soda for lively fizz.
- Coconut Cream: Coco Lopez or Real Gourmet Cream of Coconut for a rich texture.
- Coconut Flakes: Baker’s or Bob’s Red Mill for a natural, snowy appearance.
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 1 oz grenadine
- sprite to top
- coconut cream for rimming
- coconut flakes for rimming
- cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Coat the rim of your glass with coconut cream, then dip it into coconut flakes to create a snowy rim.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, lime juice, and grenadine. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Add Sprite to fill the glass and gently stir to combine.
- Add a maraschino cherry for a festive finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Chill the glass beforehand for an extra refreshing experience.
- For added flair, drizzle a little grenadine on top for a layered effect.
- Use fresh lime juice for a brighter, more balanced citrus flavor.
This was way too sweet – Nyquil tastes better.