Meet your new favorite summer cocktail – the Transfusion Drink! Grape juice, ginger ale, lime juice, and vodka create the smoothest sip that’ll cool you off on the hottest days. While it has roots on the golf course, you can enjoy this refreshing cocktail anywhere!
Looking for a drink that’s fruity, fizzy, and not too heavy? The Transfusion cocktail is your answer. It’s simple, refreshingly crisp, and ready in five minutes!
Whether you’re winding down outside or hosting a casual get‑together, the Transfusion brings bright grape flavor and lively bubbles in every sip.
What Is A Transfusion Drink?
A transfusion drink is a light and fizzy cocktail made with vodka, subtly sweet concord grape juice, bubbly ginger ale, and fresh lime juice. It’s known for its vibrant color, crisp taste, and refreshing finish. Perfect for warm weather or casual sipping!
Legend has it that the name itself came from golfers in need of a “transfusion,” either from golfing in the heat or from being hungover. The grape juice has sugar and electrolytes while the ginger ale settles your stomach – all while the vodka sneaks in each sip undetected.
“This drink should be way more popular than it is. I live in Florida, where it’s perpetually summer, and I’m so sad that it took me this long to discover the transfusion cocktail! It’s sweet (but not too sweet) and SO refreshing. Also, I love that there aren’t any crazy ingredients or complicated steps. No frills!” — Haley, busy mom of two and passionate home cook and baker.
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Key Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Vodka: Honestly, in this transfusion drink recipe, you honestly can’t even really taste the vodka! Any plain middle-of-the-road vodka will definitely get the job done, but a better quality vodka will always be a little smoother.
- Grape Juice: Concord grape juice is preferred for the classic flavor and pretty pink color! Avoid grape juice blends or juice cocktails, which can taste watered down or too sweet.
- Ginger Ale: I’ve made this with both regular ginger ale and diet ginger ale. Personally, I couldn’t taste the difference, so use whichever you prefer. I personally really enjoy Verner’s Ginger Ale as it has lots of ginger flavor.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is the way to go!
Tips For Making This Transfusion Drink Recipe
Honestly, this Transfusion cocktail wins just for how stress-free it is. No fancy tools, no long prep – just build it over ice in the glass, stir, garnish, and serve. And the result? A fizzy, fruity sip that feels like you really took your time. Below are a few helpful tips – visit the printable recipe card for the full directions!
To keep your drink crisp and refreshing without watering it down, chill the vodka, grape juice, and ginger ale ahead of time. Using cold ingredients means your ice won’t melt as quickly, so your cocktail will stay full of flavor.
I like to use a highball or tall glass to give the bubbles from the ginger ale room to rise and stay fizzy longer. Be sure to stir gently once everything is in the glass.
Over-stirring can flatten the ginger ale, and the fizz is part of what makes this drink so refreshing. A quick mix with a bar spoon or even a straw is enough to bring everything together.
Make Ahead or Make A Pitcher
To make a big batch of this Transfusion drink recipe for a party, mix the vodka, Concord grape juice, and fresh lime juice in a pitcher or drink dispenser ahead of time, then chill it in the fridge. Leave out the ginger ale until right before serving to keep the bubbles fresh.
When it’s time to serve, just top each glass with chilled ginger ale and a few ice cubes. For easy garnishing, slice limes and prep edible flowers or frozen grapes in advance. You can even set up a little cocktail station so guests can build their own drink, perfect for entertaining!
Transfusion Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 3 oz grape juice, concord grape juice is recommended
- 1 oz ginger ale
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- ice cubes
Optional Garnishes
- edible flowers for garnish, such as pansies or violas
- lime wheel or wedge for garnish
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Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes to chill the glass.
- In the chilled glass, add vodka. Pour in grape juice over the vodka. Add ginger ale to the mix. Squeeze the juice of half a lime (approximately 1/2 oz) into the glass.
- Use a bar spoon or stirring stick to gently mix the ingredients. Be careful not to over-stir to maintain the effervescence from the ginger ale. Garnish and serve!
Make A Pitcher
- To make a pitcher for a party, mix the vodka, Concord grape juice, and fresh lime juice in a pitcher or drink dispenser ahead of time. Leave out the ginger ale until right before serving to keep the bubbles fresh. Chill it in the fridge, until ready to serve.
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Fun Variations To Try
- Turn it into a Spritz: Just replace the ginger ale with sparkling wine.
- Ginger: Swap the ginger ale with ginger beer for a more noticeable flavor.
- Swap the Ice: Instead of ice, try using frozen grapes to keep your drink cold!
- Cran-Grape: For fans of the classic vodka cran cocktail, cran-grape juice is a no brainer!
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
- A sweet peach bellini is made with just 3 ingredients! Or try this refreshing peach Moscow mule instead for another tasty ginger and vodka combination.
- Enjoy the best tropical flavors with a coconut mojito or coconut margarita! I also love a fruity pineapple coconut mojito.
- White peach sangria is one of my most popular cocktail recipes.
- Nothing beats a classic frozen margarita, except maybe a mango margarita!
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Very refreshing perfect for summer, loved the flavor.
Delicious!!!! And so pretty, I like mine a little more grape-y, so I added an extra splash of the grape juice. Tastes just like the version we get on vacation in Florida!