Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
A vibrant green Hand Grenade Cocktail in a tall glass with a red cherry garnish.

Hand Grenade Cocktail

5 from 1 vote
New Orleans’ Most Explosive Drink
The Hand Grenade cocktail is a tropical powerhouse that embodies the electric energy of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. This infamous drink, exclusively served by Tropical Isle during Mardi Gras, is known as “New Orleans’ Most Powerful Drink.” Its bright green hue, fruity sweetness, and intense potency make it a must-try for cocktail lovers. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, this version comes pretty close. Fair warning: It’s as dangerous as it is delicious.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 

  • 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
  • 1 oz Pineapple Juice
  • Ice

Instructions
 

Combine Ingredients:
  1. 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:
  1. Shake the mixture vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well-blended and chilled.
Strain and Serve:
  1. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.

Nutrition

Calories: 598kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 1gFat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 19mgPotassium: 58mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 39gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg

Notes

The History: A Tropical Isle Secret Born during the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans, the Hand Grenade cocktail was created by the owners of Tropical Isle bars. They needed a signature drink that was as memorable as their French Quarter location. The original recipe remains a proprietary secret, but what isn't a secret is the drink's reputation as "New Orleans' Most Powerful Drink," a moniker it proudly wears to this day. The iconic grenade-shaped yard glass it's served in has become a souvenir for countless revelers.
Pro Tips for a Proper Detonation
  • Adjust for Potency: The full recipe with grain alcohol is extremely strong. For a more manageable, yet still potent, drink, simply leave out the grain alcohol. The flavor will remain delicious, but your night will last a bit longer.
  • Pineapple Juice is Key: If the drink feels a little too punchy, a splash of extra pineapple juice can balance the flavor and add some sweetness.
  • The Right Glassware: While a tall Collins or highball glass works, a true Hand Grenade experience is in a novelty yard glass. It’s all part of the fun!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • What does a Hand Grenade cocktail taste like? It’s surprisingly fruity and sweet, with a dominant melon flavor from the liqueur. The mix of liquors is masked by the sugar and juice, which is what makes it so dangerously delicious.
  • How strong is a Hand Grenade? The Hand Grenade is one of the strongest popular cocktails you can order. The original from Tropical Isle is known for its high alcohol content. Our full recipe is a very close approximation, so it should be consumed responsibly.
  • Is it the same as a Hurricane? No. While both are famous New Orleans cocktails served in yard glasses, the Hurricane is a sweet, rum-based drink with passion fruit syrup. The Hand Grenade is a different, more potent blend of multiple spirits and melon liqueur.
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Beverage, Cocktails, Drinks
Cuisine: Beverage, Cocktail, Drinks
Calories: 598

Loved This Recipe?

You'll love my Recipe Books!
Cheers Mate! Cocktail Recipes book cover by Scotty Boxa, featuring a shaker and glass
Grab it here

Cheers Mate!
Your ultimate cocktail playbook. Over 100 drinks that’ll make you the life of the party (or at least your own kitchen).

weets & Treats Dessert Recipes book cover by Scotty Boxa, featuring cupcakes and ice cream
Snag it now

Sweets & Treats
Boozy desserts + classic indulgence = pure chaos in the best way. No-bake cheats, rich bakes, and grown-up sweets you won’t want to share.

You Might also like these Recipes

Iconic Monkey Brain Shot in a glass, showing curdled Irish cream resembling a brain
Monkey Brain Shot

Discover the iconic Monkey Brain Shot! This surprisingly delicious recipe creates a visually stunning, creepy yet sweet layered shooter perfect for Halloween or any party. Learn how to make it!

A perfectly layered Duck Fart Shot with a dark brown base, a creamy white middle, and a clear top layer.
Duck Fart Shot Recipe

Get the recipe for the legendary Duck Fart Shot, a smooth and sweet layered shooter with Kahlúa, Baileys, and Crown Royal. This guide shows you how to make this Alaskan classic.

A vibrant pink Johnny Vegas Shot in a glass with a lime wedge garnish.
Johnny Vegas Shot

Get the recipe for the Johnny Vegas Shot, a potent and fruity shooter that’s a perfect party starter. This guide shows you how to make this delicious mix of tequila, watermelon schnapps, and an energy drink.

A clear Silver Bullet Shot in a glass, with a lemon twist garnish on the rim.
Silver Bullet Shot

Master the art of the Silver Bullet Shot. This guide provides the official recipe for this sharp and sophisticated drink, a potent blend of gin and Scotch whiskey with a zesty citrus finish.

A vodka-infused watermelon with a bottle of vodka inserted into the top and a few slices on the side.
Vodka Infused Watermelon

Get the recipe for Vodka-Infused Watermelon, a classic summer party trick that’s fun to make and delicious to eat. This guide shows you how to make this boozy, refreshing treat.

A beautiful Wet Pussy Cocktail in a coupe glass, with a single fresh raspberry garnish.
Pink Pussy Shot Recipe

Ready for a deliciously smooth party starter? This Pink Pussy Shot recipe is pure fun in a glass! We’ve got the easy steps for this sweet, creamy vodka and peach shooter.

A tray of Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots in plastic cups with salt rims and lime garnishes.
Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots

Get the recipe for Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots, the ultimate party starter. This guide shows you how to make these fun, festive, and delicious bite-sized cocktails that are perfect for any celebration.

A layered Jam Donut Shot in a glass, with a red base and a creamy white top layer, and a sugar-coated rim.
Jam Donut Shot

Get the recipe for the Jam Donut Shot, a layered and delicious shooter that tastes exactly like a raspberry jam donut. This guide shows you how to make this popular dessert shot.

An Irish Trash Can cocktail in a tall glass, with a vibrant green color and a can of Red Bull inverted and sticking out of the top.
The Irish Trash Can Cocktail

Get the recipe for the Irish Trash Can, a potent and vibrant green party drink that’s a wild mix of six spirits and a can of energy drink. This guide shows you how to make this classic party starter.