Carl

The Carl is not your average cocktail. This unusual concoction blends the comforting warmth of chicken noodle soup with a hefty shot of vodka. It’s a savory, boozy experience that challenges expectations and certainly stands out on any menu. Order a Carl if you’re looking for something truly different, perhaps after a long day, or if you simply appreciate a drink that doesn’t play by the usual rules.

Carl

4.55 from 24 votes

Calories: 1064kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 2 Can(s) Chicken Noodle Soup
▢ 16 oz Vodka

Instructions

▢
Make sure that the soup is nice and hot. When it is hot enough. let it cool to 96 degrees. At this point. you put a pint of Vodka in the soup and stir for 1 minute. When it is done. you will know it.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 1064kcal (53%)Carbohydrates: 4g (1%)Sugar: 4g (4%)

Cocktail

Where it came from

The Carl doesn’t have a storied past in grand hotels or speakeasies. It’s more likely a modern, experimental creation, perhaps born from a dare or a particularly cold evening and a well stocked pantry. Given its unconventional ingredients, it probably emerged from home kitchens or adventurous bar experiments rather than a formal cocktail development process. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, you just mix what you have.

This drink defies typical cocktail families. While there are hot cocktails like a Hot Toddy or Irish Coffee, the Carl’s savory, broth based profile sets it apart entirely. It’s less a cocktail and more a fortified soup, making it a unique outlier in the world of mixed drinks. You might compare its oddity to a Prairie Oyster, but with a significantly different flavor profile.

You’re not going to find the Carl on a Michelin starred cocktail list. This is the kind of drink you might encounter at a very specific themed party, a quirky pop up bar, or perhaps a dive that prides itself on serving anything. It’s a conversation starter, best served in an environment where novelty is appreciated more than traditional elegance.

What it tastes like

The Carl delivers a distinctly savory and salty punch upfront, dominated by the familiar chicken broth and noodle flavors. As it warms the palate, the vodka asserts itself, providing a significant alcoholic kick that blends with the soup’s richness. The finish is surprisingly smooth, given the alcohol content, leaving a lingering warmth and a savory umami note. It's a full bodied, comforting yet potent experience.

With 16 ounces of 80 proof vodka in approximately 21.5 ounces of soup, the Carl clocks in around 17% ABV. To put that in perspective, a standard beer is about 5% ABV, and many common cocktails hover between 15-25% ABV for a single serving. This makes the Carl a very strong drink, comparable to a robust fortified wine or a double serving of many classic cocktails. Sip accordingly.

The technique

Building a Carl starts with thoroughly heating your chicken noodle soup until it’s steaming. Once piping hot, you need to cool it down to precisely 96 degrees. A kitchen thermometer is your friend here. Once the soup hits that specific temperature, pour in the entire pint of vodka. Stir the mixture vigorously for a full minute to ensure the alcohol is completely integrated into the savory base. Serve it warm in a mug.

The single most important technique for the Carl is precise temperature control. Serving it too hot risks scalding the palate and making the alcohol seem harsher, while too cold will diminish the comforting, soup like quality. Hitting that 96 degree mark ensures a pleasant, body temperature warmth that allows both the savory notes and the vodka’s character to shine without overwhelming.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Use: Opt for a classic, full flavored chicken noodle soup. Canned varieties like Campbell’s or Progresso work well; just ensure it’s not a low sodium or “healthy” version unless you plan to adjust seasoning. The robust broth is key.
Skip: Avoid instant noodle packets or overly diluted broths. These lack the body and flavor intensity required to stand up to the vodka, resulting in a weak, disappointing drink.
Why: The soup is the entire flavor foundation and body of the Carl. Without its savory depth and comforting texture, you’re just drinking warm, bland vodka.

Vodka

Use: A neutral, unflavored vodka is best here. Brands like Smirnoff, Tito’s, or even a good house pour will serve you well. The goal is to provide alcohol without introducing competing flavors.
Skip: Heavily flavored vodkas, especially citrus or sweet varieties, will clash with the savory soup profile. Save those for different drinks.
Why: As the sole alcoholic component, vodka provides the necessary kick and warmth. Its relatively neutral profile allows the soup’s flavors to remain dominant while still delivering a potent drink.

Three Variations

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

Spicy Carl

Add some heat to your bowl.: Introduce a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes while heating the soup to give the Carl a welcome spicy kick.

Creamy Carl

A richer, more decadent version.: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or a splash of milk after adding the vodka for a slightly thicker, more luxurious texture.

Garnish Carl

Dress it up with thoughtful toppings.: Top your Carl with fresh chopped chives, a sprinkle of black pepper, or even a few croutons for added texture and visual appeal.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Chicken Noodle Soup?

Try another savory, brothy soup like Tomato Soup for a different but still comforting base.

No Vodka?

A clean, unaged brandy or even a light rum could work, but expect a noticeable change in the flavor profile.

No Mug?

Any heatproof cup or bowl will do. The goal is simply to contain the warm beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is in a Carl?

A Carl contains two cans of chicken noodle soup and 16 ounces of vodka.

Is the Carl served hot or cold?

The Carl is served warm, specifically cooled to 96 degrees Fahrenheit after heating.

Why 96 degrees?

This temperature is intended to be body temperature, making the drink comfortably warm without being scalding hot.

Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, you can experiment with other savory, brothy soups, but the flavor profile will change significantly.

How strong is a Carl?

With 16 ounces of vodka, a Carl is a very potent drink, roughly 17% alcohol by volume.

What kind of vodka should I use?

A neutral, unflavored vodka is recommended to let the soup’s flavors shine.

Is the Carl a real cocktail?

While unconventional, if you mix it and drink it, it’s a cocktail. It’s certainly not a traditional one.

What’s the best way to enjoy a Carl?

Approach it with an open mind, perhaps on a very cold day, or when you’re in the mood for something truly unique.

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