Ingredients
- 0.33 Part(s) Vodka
- 0.33 Part(s) Citrus Soda
- 0.33 Part(s) Orange Juice
- 1 Dash(s) Candy
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice and candy fish. add Vodka. grape soda and orange juice. Do not stir. but serve well chilled.
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This particular combination, especially with the candy fish, doesn’t trace back to a classic cocktail era or a specific inventor. It’s more likely a modern, casual creation, perhaps born in a college town bar or from home experimentation, designed for its visual appeal and easy drinkability. It’s a simple pour, suggesting a setting where speed and fun trump complex technique.
The Arctic Fish is essentially a variation on a vodka highball, sitting comfortably alongside drinks like a Screwdriver or a Vodka Soda. What sets it apart is the inclusion of citrus soda for a brighter, more complex fizz than plain soda, and of course, the signature candy fish. It’s a step away from a basic two-ingredient build, adding a touch more flavor and a strong visual hook.
You’d typically find or serve an Arctic Fish at a casual bar, a themed party, or during a relaxed get-together where the focus is on easy-drinking fun rather than serious mixology. It’s a good fit for places that don’t take themselves too seriously, appealing to those who enjoy sweet, low-ABV cocktails that don’t require much thought.
What it tastes like
From the first sip, the Arctic Fish delivers a burst of sweet citrus from the orange juice and soda, with the vodka providing a clean, subtle warmth in the background. The candy fish, as it sits and slowly infuses, lends a faint, gummy sweetness that rounds out the fruit. The finish is light and refreshing, with lingering notes of orange and a hint of candy.
Given equal parts vodka (assuming 40% ABV), citrus soda, and orange juice, this drink sits around 13-14% ABV. This means it’s roughly equivalent in strength to a standard glass of wine, making it significantly stronger than most beers but less potent than a spirit-forward cocktail like a Martini or Old Fashioned. It’s a sessionable drink that can catch up to you if you’re not paying attention.
The technique
Building this drink is straightforward: fill a glass with ice, add your candy fish for the visual and a touch of sweetness, then pour in the vodka, followed by the citrus soda and orange juice. The key here is the layering and presentation. Resist the urge to stir, letting the ingredients settle naturally. The goal is a well-chilled, vibrant drink ready to be enjoyed immediately.
The most important technique for the Arctic Fish is to avoid stirring it. The recipe specifically states ‘Do not stir,’ which is crucial for two reasons. First, it helps preserve the carbonation from the citrus soda, keeping the drink lively and effervescent. Second, it allows for a subtle layering of flavors and visual appeal as the ingredients slowly combine. Stirring would flatten the drink and homogenize the distinct elements too quickly.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- A good quality, neutral vodka is best here. Brands like Tito’s, Absolut, or Smirnoff work well, providing a clean alcoholic base without introducing off-flavors. You don’t need top-shelf, but avoid anything that tastes harsh.
- Skip
- Skip flavored vodkas unless you are intentionally creating a variation, as they will clash with the citrus and candy. Also avoid overly cheap vodkas that can have a chemical aftertaste.
- Why
- Vodka provides the alcoholic backbone without competing with the fruit and candy flavors. It’s meant to be a clean canvas, allowing the other ingredients to shine and making the drink approachable and easy to mix.
Candy Fish
- Use
- Standard gummy candy fish, like Swedish Fish, are perfect. Their texture holds up in the drink, and they slowly release a subtle, fruity sweetness as they sit.
- Skip
- Avoid hard candies, chocolate, or anything with a coating that might melt or dissolve poorly, creating a messy or unappetizing drink. Also, avoid extremely sour candies that could throw off the flavor balance.
- Why
- The candy fish is load-bearing for both the name and the visual appeal of the Arctic Fish. It’s the unique garnish that defines the drink, offering a playful aesthetic and a faint, evolving sweetness as it interacts with the liquid.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Tropical Fish
- A sunnier, more exotic take.
- Swap the orange juice for pineapple juice and use a lemon-lime soda for a more tropical flavor profile. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a gummy shark.
Deep Sea Fish
- Adding a visual and flavor depth.
- Introduce a small splash of blue curaçao for a striking blue hue and an extra layer of orange citrus. This makes the drink even more visually impactful.
Sour Patch Fish
- For those who like a little pucker.
- Use sour gummy fish instead of regular ones and add a small squeeze of fresh lime juice to the mix. This cuts through some of the sweetness with a tart kick.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
White rum is a decent swap, offering a similar clean base, though it will introduce a subtle sweetness and tropical note.
Lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up works perfectly. Alternatively, use plain club soda with an extra squeeze of fresh orange or lemon juice.
Pineapple juice or grapefruit juice can stand in, shifting the flavor profile but maintaining a fruity, acidic balance.
Any tall drinking glass or even a pint glass will do the job. The goal is simply to hold the liquid and ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Arctic Fish?
An Arctic Fish contains vodka, citrus soda, orange juice, and is garnished with candy fish.
Is the Arctic Fish a strong drink?
It’s moderately strong, similar to a glass of wine, typically around 13-14% ABV. It’s easy to drink, so pace yourself.
Is the Arctic Fish very sweet?
Yes, it’s a sweet drink, with the orange juice, citrus soda, and candy fish all contributing to its sugary profile.
What kind of candy fish should I use?
Swedish Fish or similar gummy candy fish are ideal. They hold their shape and slowly release flavor.
Can I stir the Arctic Fish?
The recipe specifically recommends against stirring to maintain carbonation and the subtle layering of flavors. Just let it sit and chill.
What glass should I use for an Arctic Fish?
A standard highball glass is best, but any tall drinking glass will work well.
Can I make an Arctic Fish as a pitcher drink?
Yes, you can scale the recipe for a pitcher, but add ice and candy to individual glasses just before serving to maintain chill and presentation.
Is the Arctic Fish a good party drink?
Absolutely. It’s easy to make, visually fun, and appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a great choice for parties.
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This was a big hit at our gathering!
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Overall a good drink.
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