-
Hand Grenade Cocktail

Hand Grenade Cocktail Recipe

4.53 from 186 votes
Calories: 548kcal
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
The Hand Grenade cocktail is an intoxicating, tropical-inspired concoction synonymous with New Orleans' vibrant Bourbon Street. Sold exclusively by the Tropical Isle bar during Mardi Gras, it has been touted as "New Orleans' Most Powerful Drink" and is recognized by its unique grenade-shaped container.
Although the exact recipe is a well-guarded secret, a popular version includes melon liqueur, pineapple juice, and a mix of different types of spirits. The resulting cocktail is fruity, refreshing, and deceptively potent, much like its explosive namesake.

Ingredients

Instructions

Combine Ingredients:

  • In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1.5 oz vodka, 1.5 oz white rum, 1.5 oz gin, 1.5 oz melon liqueur, 1.5 oz grain alcohol, 1 oz sugar syrup, and 1 oz pineapple juice.

Shake Well:

  • Shake the mixture vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well-blended and chilled.

Strain and Serve:

  • Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.

Notes

The Hand Grenade Cocktail is perfect for those who love a strong, fruity drink with a tropical twist. Its vibrant flavors and potent kick make it a favorite among party-goers and those looking to experience a taste of New Orleans’ legendary nightlife. Enjoy responsibly and savor the explosive flavors of this iconic cocktail.
Love trying new and exciting cocktails? Join our Drink Buddy community today for exclusive recipes, tips, and more. Cheers!

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 548kcal (27%)Carbohydrates: 30g (10%)Protein: 0.1gFat: 0.04gSaturated Fat: 0.002gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.004gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 40mg (1%)Fiber: 0.1gSugar: 29g (32%)Vitamin C: 18.2mg (22%)Iron: 0.2mg (1%)
CourseBeverage, Cocktail, Drinks
CuisineBeverage, Cocktail, Drinks
KeywordBeverage Recipe, Cocktail Recipe, Drink Recipe

Mardi Gras’ Most Potent Secret – The Hand Grenade Cocktail Unveiled

When you think of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, colorful parades, vibrant costumes, and street parties might come to mind. However, no celebration in the Big Easy is complete without its signature drink—The Hand Grenade. Known as “New Orleans’ Most Powerful Drink,” this cocktail is a Mardi Gras mainstay, sold exclusively on Bourbon Street by Tropical Isle. Its unique, grenade-shaped container is an iconic sight during the festival. But what makes this drink so explosively good? Let’s find out.

A Closely-Guarded Secret

The exact recipe for the Hand Grenade is one of Bourbon Street’s most closely guarded secrets. Known only to a select few at Tropical Isle, the recipe is as mysterious as it is potent. Yet, a popular homemade version has been making the rounds, giving a glimpse into what might be inside this enigmatic beverage.

A Melodic Blend of Spirits

The Hand Grenade is a symphony of different types of alcohol. It incorporates vodka for a smooth base, white rum for a tropical twist, gin for a hint of botanicals, and grain alcohol for that extra kick. This potent mix ensures that the cocktail lives up to its reputation as one of the most powerful drinks you can find in New Orleans.

Tropical Flair

The tropical notes in the Hand Grenade come from melon liqueur and pineapple juice. The melon liqueur adds a refreshing sweetness that complements the stronger spirits, while the pineapple juice adds a zesty, tangy finish. This combination transports you straight to the tropics, making it a perfect choice for Mardi Gras festivities.

The Sweet Finish

A touch of sugar syrup ties all the ingredients together, balancing the potency of the alcohol with a sweet finish. It also enhances the tropical flavors, making the drink incredibly moreish.

The Hand Grenade is not just a cocktail; it’s an integral part of New Orleans’ culture, especially during Mardi Gras. Its unique blend of spirits and tropical flavors make it a must-try for anyone visiting the city during the festival. But remember, handle with care; this drink is as powerful as its namesake.

The “Hand Grenade” cocktail is a tropical-themed drink that is popular in New Orleans, Louisiana. The exact recipe for the Hand Grenade can vary, but it typically includes a combination of tropical fruit juices and flavored rums, such as coconut, pineapple, and passion fruit.

The drink is often served in a tall glass over ice and garnished with a slice of pineapple or a cherry. While the name of the cocktail may be humorous, it is important to note that the drink does not contain any actual explosives or any other dangerous substances. It is simply a playful name for a fruity and refreshing cocktail.

Here are a few other tropical-themed cocktails that are similar to the “Hand Grenade” drink:

  1. Blue Hawaiian: made with white rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and coconut cream, served over ice and garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

  2. Pina Colada: made with white rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream, served over ice and garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

  3. Mai Tai: made with white rum, dark rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, and grenadine syrup, served over ice and garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

  4. Zombie: made with white rum, dark rum, apricot brandy, lime juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine syrup, served over ice and garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

  5. Hurricane: made with white rum, dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, and grenadine syrup, served over ice and garnished with a slice of orange and a cherry.

These cocktails all feature tropical flavors and are often served over ice, making them similar to the “Hand Grenade” drink in taste and presentation. They can be enjoyed at parties or as a refreshing drink on a hot day.