A vibrant, refreshing highball cocktail, vodka and grape juice brighten with a hint of lime, topped off with fizzy ginger ale. Also known as the “Transfusion,” this drink is celebrated as “golf’s greatest drink” for its crisp, sweet-tart flavor and effervescent finish.
Ingredients (per serving)
- 3 oz vodka (about 90 ml)
- 1½ oz Concord grape juice (45 ml)
- ¼ oz fresh lime juice (7 ml; ~½ lime)
- 4 oz ginger ale (120 ml)
- Ice – cubed or crushed
- Garnish (optional):
- Lime wedge or wheel
- Frozen Concord grapes
Note: Concord grape juice provides the signature sweet-musk flavor, not generic grape juice.
Steps to Make It
- Fill the glass with ice. Use a highball or rocks glass, filled about ¾ full.
- Combine base ingredients. Pour in vodka, grape juice, and lime juice. Stir gently to mix.
- Add fizz. Top with ginger ale to preserve carbonation.
- Garnish & serve. Add a lime wedge and/or a few frozen grapes. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Ginger swap: Use ginger beer for a spicier kick, or Fresca/Sprite for mild citrus fizz.
- Clear ice elevates the presentation of this classic highball.
- Batch-friendly: Multiply ingredients by 8 (e.g., 24 oz vodka, 12 oz grape juice, 2 oz lime juice, 32 oz ginger ale) and mix in a pitcher; add ginger ale just before serving.
- Mocktail version: Omit vodka; still refreshingly flavorful and festive.
(Updated: 7/11/25)
Author: Howard
Meet Howard, a dedicated blogger and mixologist from Patchogue, New York. With more than 11 years of expertise in the field, he has developed his abilities to craft distinctive and avant-garde cocktails with the best ingredients and methods. He has experience in the art of mixology thanks to his employment as a qualified bartender at some of the best bars and eateries. He likes to experiment with novel flavor combinations in their own time and post their results on the well-known blog Drinks.Wiki. In addition to their bartender abilities, they are also informed about the background and traditions of mixing drinks, frequently include this information in their blog entries. Follow him for advice from the pros, recipes, and behind-the-scenes looks at the mixology industry.
