Arctic Mouthwash

The Arctic Mouthwash is a straightforward, icy slushy built for crushing thirst on a hot day. It’s a simple two-ingredient blend of exotic fruit liqueur and citrus soda, pulverized with ice into a smooth, drinkable frozen treat. This is the kind of sweet, cooling drink you order when you want something refreshing and easy to sip without much fuss, making it a reliable pick for casual gatherings or a poolside lounge.

Arctic Mouthwash

4.41 from 20 votes

Calories: 510kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

Instructions

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Blend all ingredients in a blender on high until ice is finely crushed. It should be of a slushy consistency. Pour immediately and serve.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 510kcal (26%)Carbohydrates: 63g (21%)Sugar: 60g (67%)

Punch

Where it came from

The Arctic Mouthwash likely came from a bar needing a fast, crowd-pleasing frozen drink that could be made quickly with minimal fuss. Given its simple construction and reliance on readily available ingredients, it probably emerged from the modern cocktail scene as a fun, refreshing option, particularly popular in warmer climates or during summer months where a cold, sweet drink is always in demand.

This drink sits squarely in the frozen cocktail family, a close relative to slushy margaritas or blended daiquiris. What separates the Arctic Mouthwash is its straightforward two-ingredient base beyond the ice, leaning entirely on the specific liqueur and soda for its flavor profile, making it less complex but highly approachable compared to its more traditional blended cousins.

You would typically find or serve an Arctic Mouthwash at a beach bar, a poolside resort, or a backyard barbecue. It’s perfectly suited for casual, sun-drenched settings where the primary goal is a cold, sweet, and easy-drinking refreshment. It’s not a spirit-forward sipper for a quiet lounge, but a party starter for a good time.

What it tastes like

From the first sip, the Arctic Mouthwash delivers a blast of sweet, fruity flavor from the exotic liqueur, often bright and tropical. The citrus soda adds a fizzy counterpoint and a touch of tartness, balancing the sweetness without making it too cloying. The finish is clean and very cold, leaving a refreshing, slightly lingering fruity sweetness on the palate.

At roughly 8.5% ABV before the ice significantly dilutes it, the Arctic Mouthwash sits somewhere between a strong beer and a lighter cocktail. It’s designed for easy drinking, not for knocking you off your feet. The blending process with ice adds significant dilution, making it taste even milder and more refreshing than its initial alcohol content suggests.

The technique

Building an Arctic Mouthwash is as simple as it gets. Combine all your ingredients in a blender, then hit it on high speed. The goal is a finely crushed ice consistency that’s smooth and uniform, without any large chunks. Pour it immediately into your chosen glassware to maintain that perfect slushy texture. Timing is key here; serve it as soon as it’s blended.

The single most important technique here is getting the ice perfectly crushed. Use enough ice to create a thick slush, but not so much that it chokes the blender or makes the drink too watery. Over-blending can make it thin and soupy, while under-blending leaves you with an unappealing, chunky consistency that doesn’t make for a smooth sip.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Exotic-Fruit Liqueur

Use: Look for liqueurs like Midori (melon), Passoã (passion fruit), X-Rated Fusion Liqueur (blood orange and passion fruit), or Bols Peach. Aim for something in the 15-24% ABV range to provide both flavor and a mild kick.
Skip: Plain fruit syrups or fruit juice alone. While they add flavor, they lack the alcoholic depth and specific sweetness profile that a liqueur brings, resulting in a much weaker, less complex drink.
Why: This is the primary flavor driver and the source of alcohol. Its specific fruit profile defines the ‘exotic’ character of the drink, making it distinct from other slushies.

Citrus Soda

Use: Sprite, 7-Up, or a similar lemon-lime soda works perfectly. For a slightly less sweet and more complex citrus note, you could try San Pellegrino Limonata, though you might need a touch more simple syrup to balance it.
Skip: Plain club soda or tonic water. Club soda will make the drink too dry and lack the necessary sweetness, while tonic water’s quinine bitterness will clash with the fruit liqueur.
Why: The citrus soda provides essential fizz, a balancing tartness, and additional sweetness. It lightens the liqueur and makes the drink more refreshing and easy to consume in large quantities.

Three Variations

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

Tropical Mouthwash

Add a splash of rum for a boozier kick.: Substitute a portion of the exotic fruit liqueur with a half ounce of white rum, or add a half ounce of rum on top of the original recipe for an extra spirited version.

Berry Mouthwash

Swap exotic for berry liqueur and soda.: Use a berry liqueur like Chambord or Crème de Cassis, and pair it with a berry-flavored soda or even a splash of cranberry juice with lemon-lime soda for a tart, fruity twist.

Spiced Mouthwash

A hint of warmth for a cooler take.: Introduce a small dash of an aromatic bitter, like Angostura, or a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the blend for an unexpected layer of warmth and complexity.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Exotic-Fruit Liqueur?

Try a fruit-flavored vodka (like citrus or berry) combined with a half ounce of simple syrup to replace the sweetness and body of the liqueur. Quality will vary.

No Citrus Soda?

Use plain club soda or seltzer water with a fresh squeeze of lemon or lime juice, plus a half ounce of simple syrup to restore sweetness. It will be less sweet and fizzy.

No Ice Cubes?

Pre-chill all ingredients thoroughly and serve over crushed ice if you can’t blend. It won’t be a slushy, but it will still be a cold, mixed drink.

No Blender?

You can shake all liquid ingredients vigorously with ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain over fresh crushed ice. This won’t create a slushy texture, but will yield a cold, diluted drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is in a Arctic Mouthwash?

An Arctic Mouthwash contains exotic-fruit liqueur, citrus soda, and ice cubes, all blended together until smooth and slushy.

Is the Arctic Mouthwash a strong drink?

No, not particularly. With 5 oz of liqueur and 5 oz of soda, its alcohol content is relatively low before dilution, making it an easy-drinking, refreshing cocktail.

Is the Arctic Mouthwash very sweet?

Yes, it is designed to be a sweet drink, balancing the fruit liqueur with citrus soda. If you prefer less sweetness, you can use a drier citrus soda or add a splash of fresh lime juice.

What kind of glass should I use for an Arctic Mouthwash?

A highball glass, a hurricane glass, or any tall, sturdy glass works well. A chilled glass will help keep the slushy cold longer.

Can I make the Arctic Mouthwash ahead of time?

It’s best made fresh and served immediately to maintain the ideal slushy consistency. If made ahead, it will separate and melt, losing its texture.

How can I make a batch of Arctic Mouthwash for a party?

Scale up the ingredients proportionally for a larger blender or multiple batches. Serve immediately, as the slushy texture degrades quickly.

What’s a good garnish for an Arctic Mouthwash?

A simple citrus wheel (lemon or lime), a maraschino cherry, or a fresh fruit skewer matching the liqueur’s flavor would all work well.

What if my slushy is too thick or too thin?

If too thick, add a small splash more citrus soda and blend again. If too thin, add a few more ice cubes and blend until you reach the desired consistency.

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