Transfusion Cocktail

Sometimes it seems like the best part of a round of golf is what you get to drink afterward. Case in point: the Transfusion cocktail. The combination of vodka, Concord grape juice, fresh lime juice and ginger ale is refreshing and perfect for imbibing after you’ve hit the links. But it’s just as good for sipping on a relaxing, hot summer’s day in your own backyard.

If you’re not a golfer, you may have never heard of a Transfusion. Although the exact origin of this refreshing vodka-based cocktail is a little fuzzy, most agree the highball came about sometime during the 1950s. Some stories connect its creation to golf-loving president Dwight D. Eisenhower, but history says he was more of a Scotch man. Its name hearkens to its “powers of rejuvenation,” whether after a hot, sweaty round of golf or after overindulging the night before.

Over the years, this country-club favorite has seen its popularity rise and fall, but it’s having a major comeback. And why not? A Transfusion cocktail requires just four simple ingredients and lends itself to countless variations. You can really have fun with it—no putter required.

Transfusion Cocktail Ingredients

• Vodka: Vodka’s neutral flavor lets the juice flavors shine in this vibrant cocktail. Use any of the best vodka brands, but you don’t have to break the bank for a quality one.
• Concord grape juice: Concord grape juice gives this cocktail its signature purple color. Have some left over? Use it to make this kid-friendly grape punch.
• Lime juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
• Ginger ale: You can use regular or diet ginger ale to make this cocktail. Avoid overly sweet ones; any of these best ginger ale picks makes an excellent mixer.
• Garnishes: Use a few frozen grapes and a lime slice to garnish this drink.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the vodka, grape juice and fresh lime juice, then top them with ginger ale.

Step 2: Garnish the cocktail

Garnish the cocktail with frozen grapes and a lime wheel, then serve it immediately.

Editor’s Tip: To make frozen grapes, rinse fresh grapes and pat them dry. Remove them from the stems and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them until they’re solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.

Transfusion Cocktail Variations

• Use a different spirit: Replace the vodka with rum, tequila or gin. Or use a flavored spirit: Make it a PB&J by replacing the vodka with peanut butter whiskey, or make it a grape ice pop by using vanilla vodka (this is my favorite variation).
• Switch the bubbles: Amp up the ginger flavor by replacing the ginger ale with ginger beer. You could also swap in lemon-lime or grapefruit soda.
• Swap the fruit juice: This refreshing cocktail can be made with pomegranate or cranberry juice in place of the Concord grape juice.
• Make it a spritz: To make a Transfusion spritz, replace the ginger ale with sparkling wine.
• Make it a mocktail: Skip the vodka entirely and double up on the soda to make a nonalcoholic Transfusion that the whole family can enjoy.

How to Batch the Transfusion Cocktail

You can easily make this cocktail for a crowd by multiplying the ingredient proportions by the number of people you plan to serve. For example, to make 12 transfusion cocktail servings, you would need to combine 24 ounces of vodka, 24 ounces of Concord grape juice, and 6 ounces of fresh lime juice in a large pitcher or drink dispenser. Do not add the ginger ale in advance, as it will quickly lose its fizz. Store the batched cocktail in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it, then stir the mixture before pouring it into glasses filled with ice. Top each serving with ginger ale, and garnish it as desired.

Transfusion Cocktail Tips

What’s the best type of glass for a Transfusion cocktail?

The best type of cocktail glass for a Transfusion is a tall vessel, such as a highball glass, with plenty of room for ice. This versatile glass is also ideal for serving mojitos and Bloody Marys. Collins glasses are narrower than highball glasses, but they work just as well for Transfusions.