Mangled Frog Shot: 12 Christmas Shot Recipes

Layers of Midori and Baileys Irish Cream with a dash of grenadine create the “Mangled Frog” appearance this shot is named for.

This post is part of the 12 Shots of Christmas series. The Mangled Frog is a striking layered shot made from three simple ingredients: Midori, Baileys Irish Cream and a few drops of grenadine. Its green-and-cream layers with tiny red accents make it a fun shot to serve at parties and holiday gatherings.

The name “Mangled Frog” might sound off-putting at first, but it refers only to the shot’s mottled, smooshed appearance when the liqueurs mingle. Despite the unflattering name, the flavor is surprisingly pleasant: creamy Irish cream pairs nicely with the bright melon of Midori, and a hint of grenadine adds a touch of color and sweetness without overpowering the drink.

I made this shot several times while developing the recipe in order to refine the layering and presentation. Layered shots can be finicky; small differences in pour speed, the angle of the spoon and resting time will change how the layers separate and how much they blend. Even so, the finished shot is attractive and delicious — creamy, with a subtle melon profile and balanced sweetness.

Helpful tips

• To layer the shot use a cocktail spoon or a thin iced tea spoon. For tall, narrow shot glasses an iced tea spoon often fits better than a wider cocktail spoon.
• Always position the spoon bowl side up and against the inside wall of the glass; this helps slow the pour and preserve the layering.
• A pourer on the bottle gives more control when pouring, which helps with layering. If you use one, you may need to judge quantities by eye rather than measuring precisely.
• Layer from heaviest liquid to lightest: the most dense liqueur should go on the bottom and the lightest on top.
• If you don’t have an eye dropper for the grenadine, use a teaspoon and let small drips fall slowly into the center of the shot.

How to make the Mangled Frog shot

This recipe makes one shot. Multiply ingredients to make several at once.

Gather a shot glass, a cocktail or iced tea spoon and an eye dropper or small spoon for the grenadine.

Step one

Gather the ingredients: Midori melon liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream (or another Irish cream liqueur), and grenadine.

Step two

Pour 3/4 ounce (0.75 oz) Midori into the shot glass.

Step three

Place the spoon bowl side up against the inside wall of the glass. Slowly and gently pour 1/2 ounce (0.50 oz) Baileys over the back of the spoon so it flows down and layers on top of the Midori.

The two liqueurs often form a split, with each clinging to one side of the glass. It creates a pleasing visual effect and makes the shot feel special.

Step four

Pour a small amount of grenadine into a tiny glass or container. Using an eye dropper or a teaspoon, take up some grenadine to add small drops to the shot.

Step five

Drop 6–8 drops of grenadine into the center of the shot. The red will sink and create tiny flecks and veins of color. The grenadine is subtle visually but enhances the profile and completes the Mangled Frog appearance.

Let the shot sit for a minute if you want the liqueurs to mellow together—the longer it rests, the more the layers will slightly blend into one another.

All that’s left is to raise the glass and shoot the shot. Enjoy responsibly.

Other popular green cocktails

• Japanese Slipper Cocktail
• Irish Flag Shot
• Jack Frost Cocktail
• Great Jumping Grasshopper Cocktail

And as always, may all your drinks be delish!

Mangled Frog Shot

Only three ingredients create this pretty and delicious layered shot. It’s easy to make and great for parties.

Ingredients (per shot)

• 0.75 ounce Midori
• 0.50 ounce Baileys Irish Cream (or other Irish cream liqueur)
• 6–8 drops grenadine

Instructions

1. Pour Midori into a shot glass.
2. Place a spoon bowl-up against the inside wall of the glass and slowly pour Baileys over the spoon so it layers on top of the Midori.
3. Using an eye dropper or a teaspoon, add 6–8 drops of grenadine into the center of the shot.
4. Shoot the shot.
5. Smile and enjoy responsibly.

Equipment

• Shot glass
• Cocktail spoon or iced tea spoon
• Eye dropper or small spoon for grenadine

Notes

• For best layered results, pour slowly and steady. The spoon technique helps preserve the layers.
• Layer from heaviest to lightest liquid. Density affects how the layers separate.
• If you don’t have a dropper, a teaspoon with slow drips of grenadine will work fine.

Nutrition estimates (per shot): about 119 kcal, 15 g carbohydrates and 13 g sugar. Values may vary based on exact ingredients used.