Cranberry Frog

The Cranberry Frog is a straightforward, non-alcoholic mix of orange and cranberry juices. It is a reliable choice for anyone looking for a sweet and tart refreshment without the booze. Bartenders throw these together quickly for designated drivers, younger guests, or those simply opting out of alcohol. It is a simple, satisfying serve that always delivers on its promise of fruity refreshment.

Cranberry Frog

4.46 from 24 votes

Calories: 54kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 2 oz Orange Juice
▢ 2 oz Cranberry Juice

Instructions

▢
Shake vigorously. Serve.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 54kcal (3%)Carbohydrates: 13g (4%)Sugar: 12g (13%)

Mocktail

Where it came from

This simple juice combination likely has no single origin story. It is a common bar staple, often appearing on “mocktail” or “zero proof” menus as a quick, crowd-pleasing option for those not drinking alcohol. It emerged organically as a default for fruity, non-boozy requests, becoming a go-to for its refreshing profile.

The Cranberry Frog sits in the broad category of two-ingredient juice mixes. Its closest relatives might be other simple juice pairings like a Pineapple Orange or a Cranberry Apple. What sets it apart is its specific balance of sweet orange and tart cranberry, offering a familiar, refreshing profile without any added complexity or spirits.

You would typically encounter a Cranberry Frog in casual dining establishments, at a busy bar where non-alcoholic options are needed, or at home parties where designated drivers are present. It is a default order for a simple, fruity, non-alcoholic drink, suitable for any time of day or event.

What it tastes like

The flavor profile of the Cranberry Frog is a direct interplay between its two ingredients. On the front, you get the bright, citrusy sweetness of orange, which quickly transitions to the characteristic tartness of cranberry in the mid-palate. The finish is clean and refreshing, leaving a pleasant fruity tang that invites another sip.

Given its ingredients, the Cranberry Frog is a 0% ABV drink. This means it contains no alcohol, making it a suitable choice for any occasion where alcohol consumption is not desired. It has zero alcohol compared to a standard beer or cocktail, offering pure refreshment without the buzz.

The technique

Building a Cranberry Frog is about as simple as it gets. Combine the orange and cranberry juices in a shaker with ice. Give it a vigorous shake for about 10 to 15 seconds to ensure it is thoroughly chilled and slightly diluted. Strain the mixture into your chosen glassware, usually a highball or Collins glass, over fresh ice.

The single most important technique tip for a drink like this is proper shaking. Even though there is no alcohol, shaking with ice quickly chills and slightly dilutes the juices, marrying the flavors and ensuring a consistently cold, refreshing serve. Skipping this step results in a less integrated, lukewarm drink that misses the mark.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Orange Juice

Use: Fresh squeezed orange juice offers the best flavor, but a good quality store brand like Tropicana or Florida’s Natural works well. Look for 100% juice, not from concentrate.
Skip: Avoid orange drink mixes or anything from concentrate with added sugars and artificial flavors. These will make the drink cloyingly sweet and artificial, masking the natural fruit notes.
Why: Orange juice provides the primary sweetness and a crucial layer of citrus brightness that balances the cranberry’s tartness. It is the backbone of the drink’s fruity profile and texture.

Cranberry Juice

Use: For a true tart flavor, use 100% cranberry juice. If you prefer a sweeter profile, a cranberry cocktail blend like Ocean Spray is acceptable, but check sugar content.
Skip: Do not use cranberry “juice drinks” that are mostly corn syrup, water, and artificial color. They lack the necessary tart punch and genuine fruit flavor that defines the drink.
Why: Cranberry juice delivers the signature tartness and deep red hue, defining the “Cranberry” part of the drink. It provides a refreshing, tangy bite that cuts through the orange’s sweetness.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Vodka Frog

Add a kick: Add 1.5 oz vodka to the shaker for an alcoholic version. This essentially turns it into a Cape Codder with an orange juice twist, adding a boozy backbone.

Sparkling Frog

Get some fizz: Top the finished drink with a splash of soda water or lemon-lime soda for effervescence. This adds a refreshing bubbly texture and lightens the drink.

Tropical Frog

Change the fruit: Swap the orange juice for pineapple juice for a more tropical, tangy flavor profile. This creates a different but equally refreshing fruity mocktail.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Orange Juice?

Try pineapple juice or even a splash of lemon or lime juice with a little simple syrup for brightness. The flavor profile will shift, but it will still be refreshing.

No Cranberry Juice?

Pomegranate juice offers a similar tart and fruity profile, though it will be less sharp. Cherry juice can also work for a sweeter, darker alternative.

No Shaker?

Stir the ingredients well with ice in your serving glass. It will still be cold and mixed, just less aerated than a shaken drink.

No Highball Glass?

Any tall glass or even a rocks glass will work. The presentation might change, but the taste and enjoyment of the drink remain the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Cranberry Frog?

A Cranberry Frog contains orange juice and cranberry juice, typically shaken with ice and served cold.

Is the Cranberry Frog alcoholic?

No, the Cranberry Frog is a non-alcoholic mocktail. It contains only fruit juices, making it suitable for all ages and occasions.

What does a Cranberry Frog taste like?

It tastes sweet and tart, with the bright citrus notes of orange balanced by the tangy, fruity flavor of cranberry. It is very refreshing.

Can I make a Cranberry Frog with alcohol?

Yes, you can add 1.5 to 2 oz of vodka to make an alcoholic version. Gin or light rum also work well, shifting it into a proper cocktail.

What kind of orange juice should I use?

For the best flavor, use 100% orange juice, preferably fresh squeezed or a good quality store brand. Avoid anything with added sugars or artificial flavors.

What kind of cranberry juice should I use?

Use 100% cranberry juice for tartness, or a cranberry cocktail blend if you prefer it sweeter. Stay away from highly diluted “cranberry juice drinks”.

Can I use fresh cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are too tart to juice at home for this drink. However, you could muddle a few for garnish or add a cranberry syrup for flavor and color.

How do you make a Cranberry Frog?

Combine 2 oz orange juice and 2 oz cranberry juice in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, then strain into a glass with fresh ice.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, since it is non-alcoholic and primarily fruit juice, it is a popular and refreshing option for children, especially at parties or family gatherings.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read