With its bright green glow and refreshing citrus-mint flavor, the Green Frog cocktail is one of those drinks that always turns heads—and keeps you coming back for more. It’s fizzy, light, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat without being over the top. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails that’s especially perfect for warm evenings on the patio.
Green Frog
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Highball glass (or a Collins glass as a backup)
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) white rum
– 1 oz (30 ml) mint liqueur (like crème de menthe)
– 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (adjust to taste)
– Club soda, to top
– Ice
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
– Lime wedge, for garnish
Method
- Chill your glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prep the ingredients. This helps keep the drink colder longer.
- Fill your highball glass with ice. Go about three-quarters full so there’s room to stir and top with soda.
- Pour in the rum and mint liqueur. These bring that signature kick and bold green color.
- Add the lime juice and simple syrup. Fresh lime makes all the difference here—trust me. It brightens the whole drink.
- Top with club soda. Just a splash or two until the glass is full. Stir gently with a bar spoon or straw to mix without losing the bubbles.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a few mint leaves. Give the mint a light slap between your palms to release the oils—it really wakes up the aroma.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights with friends. It’s easy to make, looks fun, and tastes even better.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh lime juice—bottled just doesn’t have the same zing.
- Go easy on the syrup if you prefer a tangier drink. You can always add more.
- Don’t muddle the mint too hard if you add it directly to the drink. Overdoing it can make it bitter.
- Chill all your ingredients ahead of time for the most refreshing result.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the rum, mint liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup in a small pitcher ahead of time—just keep it chilled. When ready to serve, pour over ice and top with club soda. Add garnish last to keep it fresh.
Storage
The base mix (without soda) will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before using. Once the soda is added, it’s best to drink right away so it stays fizzy.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Swaps:
– No white rum? Try vodka or light tequila.
– Out of mint liqueur? Crème de menthe works well, or try a splash of peppermint schnapps for a twist.
– Want a healthier version? Use agave syrup instead of simple syrup, or skip the sweetener altogether if your mint liqueur is on the sweet side.
Flavor Variations:
Tropical Green Frog
– Swap the lime juice for pineapple juice and the white rum for coconut rum. It’s a little sweeter and tastes like vacation.
Spicy Green Frog
– Add 1–2 muddled jalapeño slices and use tequila instead of rum. Sweet, minty heat in a glass.
Berry Green Frog
– Use berry syrup in place of simple syrup and switch out the rum for vodka. Garnish with fresh berries if you’ve got them.
Virgin Green Frog
– Skip the alcohol entirely. Use more lime juice and club soda. It’s still super refreshing and perfect for kids or non-drinkers.
Serving Suggestions
This drink shines alongside:
- Grilled shrimp skewers – The citrus and mint cut through the smoky, savory flavor.
- Spicy tacos – The cool fizz balances out the heat beautifully.
- Fresh green salads – Something with a tangy vinaigrette works especially well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Green Frog green?
The mint liqueur—especially crème de menthe—gives it that bold, bright green hue. You can add a drop of green food coloring if your liqueur is clear.
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Absolutely. Just use extra lime juice and club soda in place of the rum and liqueur.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
You can, but fresh really makes this drink sing. If you do use bottled, go for one without added sugar.
Is this drink sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced. If you prefer less sweetness, start with half the simple syrup and taste before adding more.
Can I batch this for a party?
Yes! Multiply the rum, liqueur, lime juice, and syrup by however many servings you want. Chill it in a pitcher and top each glass with soda when serving.
The Green Frog is playful, refreshing, and easy to make your own. Whether you’re hosting a tropical-themed party or just want a fun drink to wind down with, it’s a cocktail that never disappoints.
