Hand Grenade Cocktail Recipe
Hand Grenade Nutrition Facts
Calories:350
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:30g
Alcohol:22%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Hand Grenade cocktail is a popular drink that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was created by the proprietors of the famous Tropical Isle bar during the 1984 World's Fair. The drink quickly gained popularity and is now a staple of the New Orleans party scene, especially during Mardi Gras.
- The name 'Hand Grenade' comes from the unique shape of the glass it is served in, which resembles a military hand grenade.
- This cocktail is known for its potent mix of ingredients, making it a favorite among partygoers looking for a strong and flavorful drink.
How Hand Grenade Tastes?
The Hand Grenade cocktail has a sweet and fruity taste, with a strong kick from the combination of liquors. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly sour, making it a perfect party drink.
Interesting facts about Hand Grenade
- The Hand Grenade is often considered one of the strongest cocktails available, due to its high alcohol content.
- It is typically served in a green, grenade-shaped glass, adding to its unique and recognizable appearance.
- The exact recipe for the Hand Grenade is a closely guarded secret, with many variations existing.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1 oz(30ml)
- Gin: 1 oz(30ml)
- Rum: 1 oz(30ml)
- Melon liqueur: 1 oz(30ml)
- Pineapple juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Ice: 1 cup
- Garnish: Cherry:1
- Orange slice: 1
A few good options for Hand Grenade are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
A few good options for Hand Grenade are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Vodka
The vodka acts as a smooth, neutral spirit that lets the other flavors shine. Too much can overpower the drink with alcohol taste, too little and you lose some of the cocktail's kick.
Alex Green
Gin
Gin brings herbal notes that add depth. Without it, you'd miss out on complexity. A juniper-heavy gin could add a nice punch, tho!
Mary Mitkina
Rum
Ahoy! Rum adds a touch of sweetness and a bit of a tropical vibe. If omitted, the drink would lose its rounded sweetness. Consider a spiced rum for an adventurous twist!
Emma Rose
Melon Liqueur
Melon liqueur offers sweet, fruity flavor – the heart of this cocktail. Skip it or skimp on it, and your hand grenade won't have its signature melon blast! Midori is a popular one, but there are others.
Alex Green
Pineapple Juice
This juice brings tanginess and sweetness, blending harmoniously with the liqueur. Not enough may lead to a more boozy drink, while too much could make it too sweet and overpower the other flavors.
Mary Mitkina
Ice
A full cup ensures everything stays cool and refreshing. Less ice, more likely to lose that crisp edge.
Emma Rose
Garnish: Cherry and Orange Slice
The cherry provides a burst of color and a hint of sweetness, while the orange slice adds a hit of citrus aroma. They're the bow on the present – nice, but not core to the taste.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Hand Grenade Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, gin, rum, melon liqueur, and pineapple juice to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled and combined.
- Strain the mixture into a grenade-shaped glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality liquors for a smoother taste.
- Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure proper mixing and chilling.
- Adjust the amount of pineapple juice to taste, depending on your preference for sweetness.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Spicy Chicken Wings: The sweetness of the melon liqueur and the pineapple juice can help soothe the spice.
- Fried Calamari: The crisp and refreshing texture pairs well with this fruity and strong cocktail.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, especially those that are milder like mozzarella or brie, can complement the citrus flavors.
Main Courses
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos: The light fruitiness will pair wonderfully with seafood and the zestiness of taco toppings.
- Teriyaki Chicken: The sweet and savory elements of the dish can be echoed in the cocktail.
Desserts
- Fruit Salad: The freshness of fruits can bring out the tropical essence of the cocktail.
- Lemon Tart: The tartness of the dessert will be balanced by the cocktail's sweetness.
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What you could change in Hand Grenade
- Melon Liqueur: You can substitute with another fruity liqueur, such as peach or apricot, for a different flavor profile.
- Pineapple Juice: Orange juice or a blend of tropical fruit juices can be used as an alternative.
Explore all drinks starting with H here
And of course - twists🍹
Green Grenade
- Swap out the melon liqueur for green apple liqueur.
- Add a splash of soda water. Expect a crisper, slightly tart drink that's got a bit of fizz.
Berry Blast
- Use raspberry liqueur in place of melon liqueur.
- Top with a splash of cranberry juice. This twist offers a berry delicious profile with a touch of tartness, making it a fruity explosion in your mouth!
Tropical Thunder
- Include coconut cream for a creamy twist.
- Use coconut rum instead of regular rum. The result is a creamy, dreamy tropical paradise, like a boozy, grown-up piña colada with a grenade's punch!
In case you forgot basics how to make Hand Grenade
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Hand Grenade
Can I add more types of liquor into this cocktail?
Hand Grenade already contains a high-level mix of vodkas. Adding more might overpower the taste. However, you can experiment if you like.
Does it matter what brand of alcohol I use?
Different brands will have slight variations in taste. However, you can choose the brand of your preference.
I can't find a grenade-shaped glass. Can I serve it in a different shaped glass?
Absolutely, the grenade-shaped glass is part of the classic presentation, not the taste. You can serve it in any glass you prefer.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this drink?
Yes, you can mimic the flavors by using non-alcoholic alternatives or fruit juices in place of the liquors.
What food pairs well with the Hand Grenade cocktail?
Given its fruity and sweet notes, the Hand Grenade pairs well with spicy or fried foods, like Cajun-style dishes.
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