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How to make the transfusion, the ultimate golf drink

Vodka, grape juice, ginger ale, and lime. What's not to love?

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Cocktail that looks like a Transfusion
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The history of golf is long and storied, and the appeal of it is as much about enjoying the landscape, the weather, and the company as the game itself. And that conviviality extends to the clubhouse after a game as well. If you’ve hung around gold fans for any length of time, one drink you’re sure to have come across is the transfusion, a fruity and refreshing cocktail beloved by golfers everywhere.

And while there are countless famous golf course cocktails like the Azalea and the always popular Old Fashioned, we don’t think a day at the golf club is complete without a refreshing, flavorful transfusion.

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Transfusion drink recipe

Transfusion cocktail
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Ingredients

  • 2 ounces of vodka
  • 2 ounces of ginger ale
  • 1 ounce of grape juice
  • 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice

Method

  1. Add ice to a shaker.
  2. Add vodka, ginger ale, grape juice, and fresh lime juice to the ice-filled shaker.
  3. Shake vigorously to combine.
  4. Strain the ingredients in an ice-filled Rocks or Old Fashioned glass.
  5. Add lime wheel and Concord grapes as garnish.

What is a transfusion?

Grapes
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Thankfully, this drink has nothing to do with blood of any kind. But, while its official history is a bit murky, many believe this drink received its name because of drinkers’ use of it as a hair-of-the-dog type hangover cure. When you see what the ingredients are, you’ll understand why.

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This simple, fruity, refreshing cocktail is made with only four ingredients. They are vodka, ginger ale, grape juice, and lime juice. Really, that’s it. If ginger ale isn’t your thing, you can opt for lemon-lime soda or simply sparkling water or seltzer.

Why do golfers drink transfusions?

As for the drink’s association with golf, that is something of an unclear history. It’s a matter of habit, as much as anything else, as the transfusion is found at so many golf club bars that it’s become intertwined with the sport itself. Its reputation for helping with hangovers probably helped too, as golfers are often out on the links at the crack of dawn, so a drink to help cool the headache of the night before is surely well received.

Other sources say it’s popular because the electrolytes in the grape juice help to boost golf performance, or because it’s a drink best enjoyed with a social crowd the same way golf is. For whatever reason, golfers love the transfusion, and offering a round of this tasty and easy to drink cocktail is a sure fire way to fit in at any golfing occasion.

Bottom line

Limes
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While the classic transfusion is vodka, ginger ale, grape juice, and fresh lime juice, the best thing about this drink is its versatility. You can swap out ingredients to shape it into a drink that fits your palate best. If ginger ale is a little too spicy for you, try soda water, seltzer, or any other type of sparkling water. You can also add cranberry juice or other fruit juices to add new dimensions to the cocktail.

Also, make sure you don’t go too cheap on the ingredients. Don’t reach down to the bottom shelf for the vodka, even though it’s masked mostly by the other flavors. You don’t want to harsh, foul-tasting base. Also, get a well-made ginger ale (or sparkling water), flavorful grape juice (Concord is a good choice), and fresh-squeezed lime juice. If you want to get the most out of this drink, freshness is key. It’s fresh, fruity, and perfect for a day on the links or an afternoon grilling in your own backyard.

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Christopher Osburn
Christopher Osburn
Writer
Christopher Osburn is a food and drinks writer located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. He's been writing professional
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