The Transfusion is a cool, golf course novelty, slowly finding a place in kitchens and cocktail liberal all over the world. Using a common ingredient and a citrus juice with a perfectly balanced taste of sweet and sour, this is as basic as it can get but equally delicious. Especially if you’re a golf enthusiast, but, in fact, everyone interested in a juicy cocktail should read on to find out how to prepare a perfect Transfusion.
What Does Transfusion Drink Mean?
“It is a Gluging; a basic drink that has been popularized for consumption at golf courses.” It is vodka with grape juice and ginger ales topped with lime juice. The end product is a very clear and clean tasting beverage perfect for any season but particularly nice on a hot summer day or post round of golf.
Elements Which Make up the Standard Issue Transfusion Drink
To make a Transfusion, you will need:
- Vodka: 1.5 oz (standard shot)
- Grape Juice: 3 oz
- Ginger Ale: 2 oz
- Fresh Lime Juice: Optional but recommended
- Ice: Plenty of it!
It is the basic ingredients of these products that make The Transfusion so easy to prepare, but so tasty.
How to Make a Transfusion Drink: Step-by-Step
Gather Your Ingredients
Looking at the list it’s always wise to ensure you have all the ingredients before you commence cooking. Thus, it would be helpful to have fresh grape juice and ginger ale to enhance the foregoing papers’ flavors. Any vodka will do but if you want to splash out use your own preferred brand of Vodka.
Prepare Your Glass
Had it in a highball or rocks glass, first, fill the glass with ice. This ice will help to maintain the drink cold and to mix it up well before drinking it.
Pour the Vodka
Pour 1.5 oz of vodka on top of the ice. This much should be used but you can alter to using more or less depending on your desired alcohol proof.
Add Grape Juice
Pour in 3 oz of grape juice. Obviously, grape juice serves as the major component of this cocktail combining the fruity and sweet note. They can use white grape juice to make it less strong, but the more common ingredient to use is purple grape juice.
Top with Ginger Ale
Pour a little more than 2 ounces of ginger ale for the fizz that goes into the cocktail. It is in this process where the Transfusion derives its added effervescence together with a subtle, pleasant tang.
Add a Digestive Fresh Lime (Optional)
Add extra spice into the drink by flicking lime juice on it from a wedge of lime. Lime juice is not mandatory but they do go nice with the grape juice as well as balances out the sweetness with the vodka.
Stir and Serve
Bartender should recommend that the drink be stirred very slowly in order to mix the components. The beer can be served with a slice of lime or grape if other arrangements are preferred.
Transfusion Variations: Elevate the Classic Recipe
The classic Transfusion recipe is excellent, but here are a few variations you can try to make it even more special:
Transfusion with Club Soda
If you’d like a less sweet version of this beverage, replace the ginger ale with club soda. You’ll get the bubbles, but no more sugar added to your beverage of choice.
Transfusion with Lemon Lime Soda
Like it a little on the sweet side? Substitute ginger ale with lemon lime soda, such as; Sprite or 7Up. You can add a hint of orange or grapefruit zest to your Transfusion which will boiled it down to a smoother, citrus-like taste.
Frozen Transfusion
Combine the ingredients into a Transfusion Slushy … ideal for sipping in the much warmer pool lounge. For a slush like consistency, throw in a handful of ice cubes and blend until you attain a smooth paste.
Grape Vodka Transfusion
To increase the intensity of grape flavor, is better to use grape-flavored vodka instead of classic vodka. This will make the drink easily have a better looking fruit flavor than the drink body color.
Tips for the Perfect Transfusion Drink
- Chill your ingredients: For preference make particular that the grape juice and ginger are put in the refrigerator for a long time before making the drink. This keeps it refreshingly cold without impacting the flavors of the food to much.
- Fresh Lime: When it comes to citrus especially lime, do not use the processed or the bottled types, they should only use fresh lime juice. The use of fresh lime juice gives better sharpness and cleanser taste compare to other similar cordials which blend well with the grape juice and vodka.
- Adjust to Taste: Some people desire a bit more ginger ale for extra bubbles, and some desire a more intense grape juice taste. If you are finding that one ratio works fine but the other ratio doesn’t do as well, do not be scared to adjust the ratio until you get the correct balance.
The Story Behind the Transfusion Drink
It is generally assumed that Transfusion drink appeared at the golf courses of the United States, though its roots are shrouded in certain mystery. Golfer would love it as a cooling and thirst quenching drink after the game or as aperitif. And then there was a time it became a common item on menu in many country clubs and golf resorts with every singles resort having its own special recipe of preparing it.
When to Serve a Transfusion
The Transfusion is a wiener that does not have a limited consummation time. It’s perfect for:
- Golf Course Refreshment: Still, it definitely comes in handy when we’re actually playing golf, or after when you need something light to eat.
- Summer Barbecues: Mainstream Trend: It is among those fruity beers that are ideal for any summer’s outdoor parties’ events.
- Brunch: Prepare a skinny version and take it to brunch to create an entirely new beverage besides mimosas and Bloody Marys.
- Casual Get-Togethers: It is quite easy to prepare the Transfusion in large quantities thus is suitable for preparing for example during cocktail parties.
Final Thoughts on the Transfusion Drink
Transfusion cocktail recipe is quite simple, and anyone following the following procedure will have delicious drink perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve this cocktail at the golf course, at home watching a movie or at a party, everyone will enjoy the sweet-tart cocktail.
If you are ever craving something light, fizzy, and fruity then grab these ingredients, and put together a Transfusion cocktail. It’s easy to make and can be served in many ways, so this could be the new favorite cocktail!
Transfusion Drink Recipe
Materials
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 ounce grape juice preferably Concord grape juice
- 2 oz ginger ale
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice. First, it is recommended to fill up few of ice cubes in highball or in a rocks glass.
- There should be two shots of vodka and grapes juice. For a addition 2 oz of vodka and 2 oz of grape juice on the same ice.
- Top with ginger ale. To make it slightly sparkling add 2 ounces of ginger ale to the glass.
- Garnish and serve. Pour gradually into the prepared glass, garnish with lime wheel and that’s a chilled Transfusion ready for the customers.
Check Out More Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a Transfusion drink
The recipe for a Transfusion in a glass filled with ice is 3 parts of the vodka, 6 parts of the grape juice and 4 parts of the ginger ale. Mix well and if you want, pour little fresh lime juice in it.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Transfusion
Yes! It is possible to make a non-alcoholic version of Transfusion: one has to skip vodka in the list of the components. You will find yourself with a mixture of grape juice, ginger ale, ginger ale and lime , respectively.
What’s the best vodka to use in a Transfusion
As for the vodka, you can use any brand, but for the most part people use good, not extremely expensive vodka, not of the top shelf, because it might overshadow the taste of the mixture. You can also fancy it with flavored vodka, grape or any other citrus flavor of your choice.
What type of grape juice is best for a Transfusion drink
In most recipes, the use of purple grape juice is preferred as it has intense sweet taste. However, if you want a light flavor you may use white grape juice instead.