Transfusion Drink
The Best Transfusion Drink Recipe – This famous recipe is made with vodka, concord grape juice, and ginger ale. Transfusion cocktails are deliciously fruity and crisp, and perfect for summer!
What is a Transfusion Cocktail?
According to my husband, this is a famous golfers country club favorite from before tee time to the 19th hole. Transfusion drinks are alcoholic beverages that are light and refreshing, with a pop of grape flavor. As far as golf course cocktails go, this one is definitely the winner!
But you don’t need to swing a club in order to enjoy! Classic transfusion cocktails are a breeze to make any time you want something bubbly and sweet, and deliciously (and deceptively) sippable. Simply layer ice, vodka, grape juice, and lime – stir – and finish with a generous splash of ginger ale.
Ingredients You Need
- Vodka – your preferred brand
- Concord Grape Juice – I recommend 100% concord grapes, not a cocktail blend
- Lime Juice – freshly squeezed, plus lime slices to garnish
- Ginger ale – or ginger beer
- Ice – crushed or cubed
How to Make a Transfusion Cocktail
To start, slice a lime in half width-wise. Then slice one half into thin rings and juice the remaining half of the lime.
Next, fill a highball glass with crushed or cubed ice.
Measure and pour in the vodka.
Then add grape juice.
Pour in freshly squeezed lime juice.
Stir with a swizzle stick…
And lastly, top the glass off with ginger ale and a slice of lime to garnish.
Get the Complete (Printable) Clubhouse Transfusion Drink Cocktail Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Create a pitcher for a crowd! Multiply this recipe by around 8 and combine the cocktail in a pitcher to serve to a crowd.
- This transfusion drink recipe is traditionally made with grape juice. If you aren’t a huge fan of grape juice, you can replace it with cranberry juice instead!
- Transfusions are absolutely perfect to serve in the summertime, at BBQ gatherings or poolside!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a Transfusion Drink?
There are a few different theories as to where the name Transfusion comes from. One likely reason is because of the drink’s vibrant blood-red color, or the belief it offers electrolytes along with a boozy punch.
What is the best vodka to make a Transfusion Cocktail?
Choose your preferred smooth vodka. If you really love grapes, feel free to use grape-flavored vodka.
Besides ginger ale, what else can you mix with other Transfusion ingredients?
Give your drink even more bite by using ginger beer instead of ginger ale. Or for a more mild flavor, swap the ginger for simple club soda, Fresca, or Sprite. Anything with a bit of carbonation!
How many servings does this Transfusion recipe make?
The ingredients listed are enough to make one cocktail. Use our “servings slider” to adjust the recipe for more drinks.
Can I use a cocktail shaker?
You do not need to shake this beverage. However, if you love the act of cocktail shaking, go for it! Just remember to add the ginger ale after shaking.
Why is the transfusion a golf drink?
The popularity of transfusions among golf players is said to have started because it is a drink that is served at August National Golf Club, a prestigious club that hosts the Masters Golf Tournament.
Looking for More Classic Cocktail Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
- Salty Dog Cocktail
- Rosemary Old Fashioned
- Sazerac Cocktail Recipe
- Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey Drink
- Aperol Spritz
Transfusion Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces grape juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1-2 ounces ginger ale or ginger beer
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass or tumbler halfway with ice. Pour the vodka, grape juice, and lime juice over the ice. Stir well. Then top off the glass with ginger ale.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or fresh grape.
Can you share where that serving slide is? I am only seeing where it says this is for 1 serving, but I can’t change the number to change the recipe measurements. Thank you.
Is there a batch recipe?
Hi Jamie!
You can use the “servings slider” in the recipe form to adjust this for as many servings as you like.
thank you, I was looking for something different for cocktail hour this evening and these will do, hadn’t even had a transfusion before, of any kind, so much appreciated!
These were so yummy and refreshing! Can’t wait to enjoy them all summer long…I think they’d be perfect by the pool!
I will definitely be making this with sparkling water, since we don’t drink, but we love grape drinks! It will be so refreshing!
This flavor-packed transfusion drink is easy to make and is a great summer drink!