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Transfusion
A refreshing golf-club staple mixing vodka, ginger ale, and grape juice.
Base spirit
Vodka
Style
Highball
Glassware
Highball glass
Technique
Build
The Transfusion is a cult classic in American country club culture, combining the bite of ginger ale with the sweet, distinct flavor of Concord grape juice. Vodka acts as the neutral engine, allowing the grape and ginger to blend into a drink that is both hydrating and spirited. Traditionally served in a pint or highball glass, it is designed for long afternoons and easy sipping. The lime garnish adds a crucial pop of acid to balance the sugar.
Did you know?
“Despite its ubiquity on golf courses across the US, the Transfusion has virtually no documented origin story, existing almost entirely as an oral tradition among golfers and club bartenders.”
Source:Golf Digest; PunchDrink
Bartender's Note
Use Concord grape juice for the authentic flavor profile; wine grapes don't provide the same nostalgia.
Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.
How to make the Transfusion
- 1Fill a highball or pint glass with ice
- 2Add vodka, lime juice, and grape juice
- 3Top with ginger ale
- 4Stir gently to mix
- 5Garnish with a lime wedge
