Cocktail recipe: Learn how to make the Grinch That Stole Margarita

Time Out Market Boston general manager Michael Minichello walks us through the steps.

Learn how to make the Grinch That Stole Margarita. Photo courtesy of Brittany DiCapua

December 19, 2023

In a few days, it will be Christmas. Between wrapping presents, decorating a tree, and planning what dishes to serve for a beautiful spread, you need time to take a breather and maybe sip on a festive cocktail. Time Out Market Boston in the Fenway has mixed a beverage that will bring you some holiday cheer: the Grinch That Stole Margarita. General manager Michael Minichello grew up in the hospitality industry — his parents owned a local bar in Quincy for over 20 years, he said. He shared with us why the drink he created is perfect for the winter season.

“Everyone loves the Grinch,” Minichello said. “It’s kind of just a little fun.” He added, “You get the crispness of the tequila, with just a hint of sweetness from the melon.”

The Grinch That Stole Margarita is Time Out Market’s December Cocktail for a Cause. This means that for every drink sold this month, $1 will be donated to the Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll, a charitable program supporting education launched by the Wasabi Fenway Bowl, a college football bowl game.

We spoke with Minichello about how the cocktail is made, what inspired it, and what you can do for fun at Time Out Market. Below, find a recipe for the drink, as well as our Q&A with Minichello.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.

What inspired the Grinch That Stole Margarita?

Everyone loves a margarita. We needed a holiday twist to it. Typically, the standard margarita has tequila, a little triple sec, agave, and some lime juice. We removed the agave, and to get the green color, we added a melon liqueur. It has a nice green tint to it. You coat it with a Tajín rim. That gives it a little bit of spice. It’s actually not as sweet as a traditional [margarita], because the melon liqueur is not as sugar heavy as agave is. It kind of balances [the drink] out and gives it great, crisp green color.

Can you tell us how the cocktail is made?

You would grab your shaker, add your alcohol, fill it with ice, and give it a vigorous shake. Then, rim your glass, and fill [it] with ice. Strain the drink into the glass, and you’re ready to go.

What do you enjoy about creating drinks?

It’s the endless amount of creativity you can have, especially these days, when there’s just so many different ingredients and elements. You can infuse flavors into things. … It’s the same as being a chef. When you’re creating drinks, it’s endless, the ingredients and flavor profiles you can [invent]. It’s just having those capabilities and having fun with it. Everything about the bar is festive. It’s really having that engagement with guests and having a joyous time.

What is a great way to celebrate the holidays before Christmas arrives?

The best thing to do when you come to Time Out Market with your friends is everybody gets something different, and you share. Food and drink brings people together. That’s the best way to celebrate. We’re running a bunch of holiday specials. Taqueria El Barrio is doing a pozole special. Ms. Clucks is doing a dumpling special. Blue Ribbon BBQ is doing something hearty for the cold days, a beef stew. There’s a lot of different holiday specials, and they come from the chefs, from their family holiday memories.

Grinch That Stole Margarita:

Ingredients

1.5 oz. El Tequileño tequila
.5 oz. triple sec
.5 oz. Midori green melon liqueur
.25 oz. lime juice
Tajín rim/lime wheel

Instructions

Combine the tequila, triple sec, green melon liqueur, and lime juice in a shaker tin with cubes. Shake and strain over new cubes in a Tajín rimmed rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.