Lena Savoie
The Hand Grenade is a cocktail native to New Orleans, created by Pam Fortner and Earl Bernhardt, owners of the Tropical Isle bar, during the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition. It is a melon-flavoured cocktail made with vodka, rum, gin, and melon liqueur, and is served in a green, translucent, plastic yard glass container shaped like an oversized hand grenade. The Hand Grenade is known for being a very strong cocktail and has been described as New Orleans' Most Powerful Drink.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Content | Vodka, rum, gin, grain alcohol, and melon liqueur |
| Taste | Sweet, mild, strong |
| Colour | Bright green |
| Container | Green, translucent, plastic yard glass container shaped like a hand grenade |
| Texture | Slushie-like when frozen |
| Garnish | Pineapple leaves |
| Variations | Mocktail with non-alcoholic vodka, gin, and rum |
| Availability | Sold exclusively at five licensed nightclub bars in the French Quarter of New Orleans |
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What You'll Learn
- The Hand Grenade cocktail contains vodka, rum, gin, and melon liqueur
- It is served in a plastic yard glass container shaped like a hand grenade
- It was created by Pam Fortner and Earl Bernhardt for the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition
- It is sold exclusively through five licensed nightclub bars in the French Quarter
- It is known as New Orleans Most Powerful Drink and has a strong effect
The Hand Grenade cocktail contains vodka, rum, gin, and melon liqueur
The Hand Grenade is a cocktail native to New Orleans, specifically the French Quarter. It was invented in the 1980s by Pam Fortner and Earl Bernhardt, owners of the Tropical Isle bar, and has since become a popular drink in the city. The Hand Grenade cocktail contains vodka, rum, gin, and melon liqueur, and is known for its strong and sweet flavour. It is typically served frozen or on the rocks, and its bright green colour and unique serving vessel—a green, translucent, plastic yard glass container shaped like an oversized hand grenade—have made it a distinctive and well-known drink in New Orleans.
The combination of vodka, rum, gin, and melon liqueur in the Hand Grenade creates a unique and potent flavour profile. The vodka provides a neutral spirit base, while the rum and gin add complexity and depth of flavour. The melon liqueur, as its name suggests, contributes a sweet and fruity taste, rounding out the cocktail and giving it its characteristic melon flavour. This liqueur is also responsible for the drink's bright green colour.
While the specific proportions and preparation methods may vary, the combination of these four alcohols forms the foundation of the Hand Grenade cocktail. The drink is known for being strong, and its unique flavour has garnered mixed reviews, with some enthusiasts criticising it as a "terrible drink" while others embrace it as "well worth the hangover".
In addition to the alcohol, the Hand Grenade also typically includes other ingredients to enhance its flavour and make it more palatable. Some recipes suggest adding pineapple juice to the mix, which can be frozen to create a slushie-like consistency. Citrus flavours, such as grapefruit juice, limeade, or lemonade, can also be added for a tangy twist. A splash of coconut cream can give the drink a creamy texture, and sweet-and-sour mixes can be included for additional flavour complexity.
The Hand Grenade is not only known for its flavour but also for its distinctive presentation. The drink is typically served in a yard glass, a type of tall glass that holds a large volume of liquid. This presentation not only adds to the impact of the drink but also contributes to its reputation as a strong and potent cocktail. The green, hand grenade-shaped container has become synonymous with the cocktail and has undoubtedly contributed to its popularity and recognition among both locals and tourists in New Orleans.
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It is served in a plastic yard glass container shaped like a hand grenade
The Hand Grenade is a cocktail that was invented in the 1980s and is served exclusively in five licensed nightclub bars in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It is served in a plastic yard glass container shaped like a hand grenade. The drink is known for its bright green colour and is made with vodka, rum, gin, and melon liqueur. It is sold either frozen or on the rocks.
The Hand Grenade was created by Pam Fortner and Earl Bernhardt, owners of the Tropical Isle bar, during the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition. It has been served in its iconic, green, translucent, plastic yard glass container since January 1992. The drink is marketed with the strapline "New Orleans Most Powerful Drink" and has become a popular and well-known beverage in the city.
The unique serving vessel is a memorable aspect of the Hand Grenade drinking experience. The plastic yard glass is shaped like an oversized hand grenade, with a bulbous, textured base. This distinctive container adds to the appeal and intrigue of the cocktail, making it a sought-after beverage for both locals and tourists alike.
While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, the drink's vibrant colour and flavour suggest the presence of melon liqueur. The Hand Grenade is known for being extremely sweet, and its high alcohol content has earned it a reputation as a "powerful drink". The combination of strong liquor and sugar makes it a unique and memorable cocktail, contributing to its popularity and cult following.
The Hand Grenade is an integral part of the New Orleans drinking culture, and its distinct serving vessel plays a significant role in its fame. The plastic yard glass, shaped like a hand grenade, has become synonymous with the cocktail, adding to its allure and providing a fun and quirky drinking experience.
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It was created by Pam Fortner and Earl Bernhardt for the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition
The Hand Grenade cocktail was created by Pam Fortner and Earl Bernhardt, the owners of the Tropical Isle bar in New Orleans. The bar was founded during the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition, and the Hand Grenade was created as their signature cocktail. The drink is melon-flavoured and made with vodka, rum, gin, and melon liqueur. It is served frozen or on the rocks in a green, translucent, plastic yard glass container shaped like an oversized hand grenade. The cocktail is well-known for being very sweet and potent.
The Tropical Isle bar debuted with great success at the 1984 World Exposition, despite the fair being considered a flop due to record-low attendance. The fair's theme was "The World of Rivers — Fresh Waters as a Source of Life". Bernhardt rolled the money from his concession booth at the fair into a small dive bar 50 feet from Bourbon Street. However, he found it challenging to sustain the dive bar, as people were more attracted to the nearby Hurricane drink.
The Hand Grenade soon became an iconic drink in New Orleans, with the Tropical Isle's catchphrase declaring it "New Orleans Most Powerful Drink!". The drink is legally only allowed to be sold at the six Tropical Isle locations due to trademarks held by the bar. The Hand Grenade has gained a reputation for being a strong and cloyingly sweet drink, and it has become a popular choice for tourists and locals alike.
Today, the Tropical Isle website sells a prepared Hand Grenade mix for home use, allowing cocktail enthusiasts to enjoy the unique and powerful drink outside of New Orleans. The drink has become an integral part of the city's drinking culture, with its bright green colour and distinctive taste leaving a lasting impression on those who try it.
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It is sold exclusively through five licensed nightclub bars in the French Quarter
The New Orleans Hand Grenade is a distinctive, bright green cocktail that has become synonymous with the city's vibrant nightlife and party culture. This unique drink is not your average cocktail, and its distribution is just as exclusive as its appearance.
The Hand Grenade is sold exclusively through five licensed nightclub bars in the French Quarter, adding to its allure and mystique. Pat O'Brien's, a well-known establishment in the French Quarter, is the birthplace and primary distributor of this iconic beverage. Tourists and locals alike make it their mission to seek out these five elusive locations to get a taste of the legendary cocktail.
The exclusive nature of its distribution adds to the excitement and intrigue surrounding the Hand Grenade. It is not your typical drink that can be ordered at any bar or purchased at a convenience store. Instead, it has become a sought-after novelty, a symbol of a good time to be indulged in at specific, select locations.
Each of the five licensed bars offers a unique experience, with their distinct atmospheres and ambiances, but they all share the thread of being the exclusive purveyors of the Hand Grenade. Patrons flock to these venues, eager to sample the notorious cocktail and become part of the exclusive club that has experienced the unique taste of New Orleans' Hand Grenade.
The French Quarter, with its rich history and vibrant culture, provides the perfect backdrop to the exclusive distribution of the Hand Grenade. The cocktail has become an integral part of the Quarter's allure, enticing visitors to explore its lively streets and discover the hidden gems that serve this iconic drink.
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It is known as New Orleans Most Powerful Drink and has a strong effect
The Hand Grenade is a cocktail known as New Orleans' most powerful drink. It has a strong effect and a unique history in the city's French Quarter. Created in the 1980s by Pam Fortner and Earl Bernhardt, owners of the Tropical Isle bar, the Hand Grenade quickly became their signature cocktail. The drink is a vibrant green colour, served in a distinctive hand grenade-shaped container, and its powerful effects have become legendary.
The Hand Grenade is a mix of vodka, rum, gin, and melon liqueur, resulting in a sweet and potent beverage. It is typically served frozen or on the rocks, and its strength is well documented. Even those who are not heavy drinkers have reported getting a buzz from sharing just one Hand Grenade. The drink is so strong that some recommend caution, as consuming two could lead to intoxication and illness.
The Hand Grenade is an iconic part of New Orleans' nightlife and a must-try for many visitors. Its high alcohol content and unique flavour have made it a sought-after drink, with pre-made mixes available online for those who want to recreate the experience at home. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, the drink's popularity has inspired many to create their own versions, with some success.
The Hand Grenade's reputation as a powerful drink is well-deserved, and it is often mentioned in the same breath as other New Orleans classics like the Sazerac and the Ramos Gin Fizz. Its strength, unique flavour, and fun presentation have ensured its enduring popularity in the city and beyond. The Hand Grenade is a true New Orleans original, and its impact on the city's drinking culture is undeniable.
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Frequently asked questions
The New Orleans Hand Grenade cocktail is made with vodka, rum, gin, and melon liqueur. It is a sweet and potent drink.
The Hand Grenade cocktail was created by Pam Fortner and Earl Bernhardt, owners of the Tropical Isle bar, during the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition. It was created as the bar's signature cocktail.
The Hand Grenade cocktail has been described as tasting like "cheap crap a teenager would mix up" due to the presence of grain alcohol. However, others have said that it "tastes pretty good". The drink is known for being very strong, despite having a fairly mild taste.
The Hand Grenade cocktail is typically served in a green, translucent, plastic yard glass container with a bulbous, textured base shaped like an oversized hand grenade. It is sold either frozen or on the rocks.
Yes, a non-alcoholic version of the Hand Grenade cocktail can be made using non-alcoholic vodka, gin, and rum, along with an alcohol-free melon liqueur. Pineapple juice, Sprite, or mild fruit juice can also be added to the drink.
