If you’ve ever dined at Chili’s, you know they have a way of turning casual dining into a flavorful experience. One drink that stands out on their cocktail menu is the Tito’s Punch — a fruity, refreshing, and slightly boozy punch that keeps you coming back for more. The good news? You don’t have to wait for your next Chili’s visit to enjoy it. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can make a perfect Chili’s Tito’s Punch recipe at home.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the recipe, provide tips for making it just like the restaurant version, share variations, and answer common questions so you can master this cocktail.
What Is Chili’s Tito’s Punch?
Chili’s Tito’s Punch is a signature cocktail made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Malibu Coconut Rum, grenadine, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice. It’s tropical, fruity, slightly tart, and beautifully layered with bright red and golden hues.
The drink is served over ice, usually in a large glass, and garnished with a cherry or pineapple wedge. It’s the perfect choice for people who love cocktails that balance sweetness with a refreshing citrus kick.
Why You’ll Love This Chili’s Tito’s Punch Recipe
- Restaurant-quality at home – No need to dine out to enjoy your favorite Chili’s cocktail.
- Simple ingredients – Everything can be found at your local grocery or liquor store.
- Perfect for parties – This recipe can easily be scaled up to make a punch bowl for gatherings.
- Refreshing and tropical – Ideal for summer BBQs, pool parties, or just a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the authentic Chili’s Tito’s Punch recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 ½ oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka – The star of the drink, known for its smoothness.
- ¾ oz Malibu Coconut Rum – Adds that tropical coconut flavor.
- 1 oz Grenadine – Sweet, tart, and gives the drink its signature red hue.
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice – Provides tropical sweetness.
- 2 oz Cranberry Juice – Balances the flavors with tangy freshness.
- Ice – Keeps it chilled and refreshing.
- Optional Garnish – Maraschino cherries, orange slice, or pineapple wedge.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
Fill a large cocktail glass or mason jar with ice cubes. Chili’s usually serves Tito’s Punch in a tall glass, so try to mimic that presentation.
Step 2: Mix the Spirits
In a cocktail shaker, add:
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Malibu Coconut Rum
- Grenadine
Shake lightly to blend.
Step 3: Add the Juices
Pour in the pineapple juice and cranberry juice. Shake again for about 5–10 seconds until chilled and well combined.
Step 4: Serve the Punch
Strain the mixture into your ice-filled glass. You’ll notice the beautiful reddish-orange color that makes this drink so eye-catching.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Top with a maraschino cherry or a slice of orange/pineapple. Insert a fun straw, and your homemade Chili’s Tito’s Punch is ready to sip!
Tips for Making the Best Chili’s Tito’s Punch
- Use fresh juice – If possible, squeeze fresh pineapple or use 100% pure cranberry juice for a fresher taste.
- Adjust sweetness – Add more grenadine for a sweeter punch or reduce it if you prefer a lighter flavor.
- Chill ingredients – Pre-chill your juices and spirits for a smoother, colder drink.
- Batch it for parties – Mix in a large pitcher for multiple servings. Just stir before pouring since juices can separate.
- Layering effect – For a pretty presentation, add grenadine last so it sinks to the bottom, creating a layered look.
Variations of Chili’s Tito’s Punch Recipe
Want to customize your drink? Here are a few fun variations:
- Frozen Tito’s Punch – Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy-style cocktail.
- Spicy Tito’s Punch – Add a splash of ginger beer or muddle some jalapeños for a fiery twist.
- Low-Calorie Tito’s Punch – Use diet cranberry juice and skip or reduce grenadine for fewer calories.
- Punch Bowl Style – Multiply the recipe by 6–8 and serve in a punch bowl with fruit slices floating on top.
What to Serve with Tito’s Punch
Since this cocktail is sweet and tropical, it pairs well with Chili’s-inspired foods:
- Classic Nachos
- Boneless Buffalo Wings
- Southwestern Eggrolls
- BBQ Ribs or Burgers
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos
The fruity punch balances savory, spicy, and smoky foods perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What alcohol is in Chili’s Tito’s Punch?
It contains Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Malibu Coconut Rum as the primary spirits.
2. Can I make Tito’s Punch without alcohol?
Yes! Simply leave out the vodka and rum, and replace them with extra pineapple juice and a splash of lemon-lime soda for fizz.
3. How strong is this drink?
It’s moderately strong — about the same as most cocktails. The sweetness from juices and grenadine balances the alcohol, making it easy to sip.
4. Can I make a big batch ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix the juices, vodka, and rum in advance. Add ice and grenadine just before serving to keep the punch fresh and colorful.
5. Does Tito’s Punch taste more sweet or tart?
It leans sweet due to pineapple and grenadine, but cranberry juice adds a tart finish for balance.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 220–250
- Carbohydrates: 25–30g
- Sugar: 22–26g
- Alcohol content: About 12–14% ABV (varies with proportions)
(Note: These numbers may vary depending on the exact brands and measurements used.)
Final Thoughts on Chili’s Tito’s Punch Recipe
Now you know exactly how to make the Chili’s Tito’s Punch recipe at home. It’s fruity, tropical, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients like Tito’s vodka, Malibu rum, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and grenadine, you can recreate the magic of Chili’s bar menu without leaving your house.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, enjoying a backyard BBQ, or just want a fun drink after a long day, this cocktail is the perfect choice. Give it a try, experiment with variations, and enjoy your very own homemade Tito’s Punch.