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A vibrant green Hand Grenade Cocktail in a tall glass with a red cherry garnish.
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes

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.

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

Method
 

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.

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