Polar Bear Cocktail

The polar bear cocktail is one that comes in many forms. For that reason, it is difficult to build a familiarity with this drink. What one bartender considers to be a polar bear may be completely different from another.

In this article, we hope to provide some clarity. We’ll begin with a brief description of what a polar bear cocktail usually includes. Then we will explore a few variations of this drink.

What is a Polar Bear Cocktail?

While there is a wide range of polar bear cocktail variations, there is one common theme. Most of these cocktails are generally sweet.

That sweetness can come from crème de cacao or from a soda or juice ingredient. Polar bear cocktails typically incorporate a mint flavor as well. For this reason, some people liken versions of this drink to a peppermint patty cocktail.

Sometimes, this drink is served as a cocktail that you are meant to sip and enjoy slowly. In other instances, this drink takes the form of a single shot.

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Since there is such a large multitude of ways to make this drink, it is almost impossible to delve into an accurate history of its creation. For that reason, we are going to skip straight to a few of the most popular ways to make this cocktail.

How to Make the Polar Bear Cocktail Version 1

We’ll begin with what may be the most basic version of the polar bear cocktail. To make this drink, you will need these few ingredients:

• 1 ounce of crème de cacao
• 1 ounce of peppermint schnapps
• Mint leaf

Once you have that simple set of ingredients, you will be ready to begin mixing. Here is how you should carry out that process:

• Add crème de cacao and peppermint schnapps to a shaker with ice
• Shake until chilled
• Pour into a glass or shot glass
• Add a mint leaf garnish

How to Make the Polar Bear Cocktail Version 2

This second version of a polar bear is entirely different from the first. Fortunately, it is also very easy to make. Again, it has a short list of ingredients, including:

• 2 ounces of vodka
• 1 ounce of blue curacao
• Lemon-lime soda
• Ice

Now, let’s see how to make this second version of the polar bear cocktail. Here is a list of the steps that you should follow:

• Pour vodka and blue curacao into a cocktail glass
• Add soda to taste
• Add ice to taste

How to Make the Polar Bear Cocktail Version 3

Now it is time to learn about our third and final version of this drink. This one is slightly more complex and will require you to have:

• 2 ounces of dark rum
• 1 ounce of red vermouth
• 1 ounce of lime juice
• ½ ounce of orange juice
• 3 ½ ounces of lemon-lime soda
• Orange wedge

That ingredient list is slightly more extensive than the last two. However, the directions for using those ingredients are not. Here is what you will need to do:

• Fill a Collins glass with broken ice
• Add all ingredients
• Stir
• Garnish with an orange wedge