Ingredients
- 1 bottle Smirnoff Ice
- 1 bottle Bacardi Breezer Orange or orange soda
- 1 bottle WKD Original Vodka Blue or blue raspberry juice
- Ice optional
Instructions
Divide and Pour:
- Take two pint glasses. Pour half of the Smirnoff Ice into one pint glass and the remaining half into the other.
Add Bacardi Breezer:
- Divide the Bacardi Breezer Orange (or orange soda) equally between the two glasses.
Add WKD Blue:
- Pour the WKD Original Vodka Blue (or blue raspberry juice) into each glass. Mix well, and the drink will turn a vibrant green.
Add Ice and Serve:
- Add ice to each glass if desired, and serve the Fat Frog cocktail immediately.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Fat Frog is a relatively modern invention, emerging in the late 20th or early 21st century. It's a staple in student bars and nightclubs, particularly in regions where sweet, high-proof party drinks are popular. Its exact birthplace is hazy, but it's a global phenomenon.
This drink belongs to the "party shot" or "highball mixer" family, akin to drinks like the Adios Motherfucker or the Long Island Iced Tea in its intent. What separates it is often its vibrant green color and the inclusion of energy drink components.
You'd order a Fat Frog at a busy club, a student bar, or a casual house party. It's not something you'd typically find on a classic cocktail menu or at a high-end lounge. It's a fun, unpretentious choice when the goal is a good time.
What it tastes like
The Fat Frog typically delivers a sweet, citrusy punch upfront from the orange juice and blue curaçao, often with an underlying artificial fruit flavor. The vodka provides the alcoholic kick, usually without much individual flavor. If an energy drink is included, expect that distinct tangy, sweet, and slightly medicinal note.
Given its common ingredients like vodka and multiple liqueurs, a standard Fat Frog is a moderately strong drink. Depending on the exact recipe, it can easily range from 15% to 25% ABV, making it roughly equivalent to two or three standard beers in alcohol content. Proceed with caution.
The technique
To build a Fat Frog, you'll usually combine vodka, blue curaçao, and orange juice in a glass with ice. For a layered effect, pour the vodka and curaçao first, then gently float the orange juice on top. If using an energy drink, it's typically added last. Serve it in a highball glass or as a shot.
The single most important technique tip is to consider your crowd. If it's a party drink, simply stir it together. If you're going for visual appeal, layer it carefully by pouring liquids over the back of a spoon to keep distinct colors.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- Any decent mid-shelf vodka works fine here. Smirnoff, Absolut, or Gordon's are good choices. The subtle notes won't shine through the other flavors.
- Skip
- Don't bother with expensive, top-shelf vodkas. Their nuances will be completely lost in this mix. Save the Grey Goose for a Martini.
- Why
- Vodka provides the clean, neutral alcohol base without adding competing flavors, allowing the curaçao and orange to dominate the taste profile.
Blue Curaçao
- Use
- Standard blue curaçao from brands like Bols, DeKuyper, or Senior. Its primary role is color and a sweet, orange-like flavor.
- Skip
- Don't substitute with triple sec or other orange liqueurs if you want the signature green color. The blue is essential for the visual.
- Why
- This liqueur is the key to the Fat Frog's distinctive bright green hue when mixed with orange juice, and it contributes a sweet, citrusy note.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Fat Frog Shot
- Quick Kick
- A concentrated version, served in a shot glass. Often just vodka and blue curaçao, topped with a splash of orange juice for color.
Fat Frog Highball
- Longer Sip
- For a more refreshing, less intense experience, build the standard recipe in a highball glass and top with soda water or lemon-lime soda.
Red Bull Frog
- Wired Frog
- Swap some or all of the orange juice for an energy drink like Red Bull. This adds a distinct flavor and a caffeine kick to the mix.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Gin or white rum can work in a pinch, but the flavor profile will shift. Tequila is a no go.
A mix of triple sec and a few drops of blue food coloring will get you the color and sweetness, but the flavor might be slightly different.
Pineapple juice or a lemon-lime soda could substitute, but the classic taste will change significantly.
Any tall glass will do the job. A pint glass works, or even a sturdy rocks glass if you're making it shorter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Fat Frog?
A typical Fat Frog contains vodka, blue curaçao, and orange juice. Some variations also include an energy drink like Red Bull.
Is a Fat Frog strong?
Yes, a Fat Frog is generally considered a strong drink. With vodka and liqueurs, its ABV can be quite high, often comparable to two or three standard beers.
Why is it called Fat Frog?
The name likely comes from its vibrant green color, which resembles a frog, and the "fat" refers to its potent alcohol content or substantial kick. It's a cheeky nod to its effects.
How do you make a Fat Frog green?
The distinctive green color comes from mixing blue curaçao with orange juice. The blue and yellow combine to create the bright green hue.
What does a Fat Frog taste like?
It tastes sweet and citrusy, primarily from the orange juice and blue curaçao. The vodka is usually a neutral alcohol base, and if an energy drink is added, it will have that characteristic sweet and tangy flavor.
Is it a shot or a drink?
The Fat Frog can be served as either a shot or a full-sized mixed drink in a highball glass. The method of service depends on the desired intensity and occasion.
Where is the Fat Frog popular?
It's particularly popular in student bars, nightclubs, and casual party settings across various regions. It's less common in craft cocktail bars or upscale establishments.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Fat Frog?
Yes, you can. Substitute the vodka with water or a non-alcoholic spirit, and the blue curaçao with blue food coloring and orange syrup. Use orange juice as usual.
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