Have you ever heard of a Transfusion Drink? A Transfusion Cocktail is a popular mixed drink on the golf course, though it can be found in a can or is easy to make at home using a Transfusion cocktail recipe.
Today, let’s take a look at what a Transfusion is, our top choices for canned options, and a few of the tasty Transfusion Drink recipes.
Key Takeaways
- A Transfusion drink is made with vodka, concord grape juice, lime juice, and ginger ale.
- Variations include using different juices, using ginger beer instead of ginger ale, and adding additional herbal flavors.
- You can get a Transfusion drink in a can from the liquor store or online, though you can also make it yourself at home.
- A Transfusion Cocktail is most often served on the golf course, so next time you head out with your golf clubs, grab a sweet Transfusion to fuel you.
What is a Transfusion Drink?
A Transfusion is a cocktail containing concord grape juice, ginger ale, lime juice, and vodka, usually served up in a highball glass with a lime wedge and a skewer of grapes. It has become a staple of many golf courses and country clubs, even being referred to as golf’s greatest drink.
Transfusion Drinks in a Can
Getting a Transfusion Drink in a can is the easiest and most convenient way to enjoy this tasty cocktail. Here are our favorite Transfusions in a can!
Links Drinks Transfusions
Links Drinks was founded by the Evanko family, who come from a long line of golfers. Fred Evanko, the father of the family, enjoyed Transfusions at the golf course and one day had the brilliant idea to can his favorite cocktail. With his wife, they founded Links Drinks Transfusion.
Original
The Original Transfusion, or the Classic Transfusion, is made with vodka, ginger ale, and grape juice, just as the tradition calls for. Despite having a bright magenta color when poured into your glass, the can is purple because of the grape influence. So, look for the purple can if you want the Classic Transfusion!
Front Nine
The Front Nine is the first of two variations of the Transfusion. The Front Nine is made with vodka, ginger ale, and orange juice. As you might imagine, you’ll want to look for the orange can if you want a Front Nine Transfusion.
Back Nine
The Back Nine is the second variation of the Transfusion cocktail. It is made with the same base as the others, though it has cranberry juice instead of grape or orange. Right on cue, look for the red can for a Back Nine.
Trinity Flavors Classic Transfusion
Trinity Flavors has its own canned Transfusion Drink. It is gluten-free, 7% alcohol by volume, and is made with natural flavors. It only comes in the classic grape flavor in terms of the Transfusion Drink, though they also have an Espresso Martini and a Vodka Lemonade flavor.
Cutwater Vodka Transfusion
Cutwater is a dominant force in the canned vodka and tequila cocktail market, so it is no surprise that they have a delicious Vodka Transfusion flavor. The Cutwater Vodka Transfusion is made with ginger beer, grape juice, and the Cutwater award-winning vodka. It is distilled in California and is 7% alcohol by volume.
Fore Craft Cocktails Transfusion
Fore Craft Cocktails was founded a couple of years ago specifically to distribute golf-inspired canned cocktails to golf courses and clubs around the country. As you might imagine, one of their best sellers is their Transfusion since, of course, it is the original golf cocktail. They also have Fore Tea and Ranch Water.
The Transfusion is 7% alcohol by volume, and unlike some of the other canned transfusion cocktails, this one does include lime flavor.
Owens x Barstool Sports Transfusion Mix
Owens Craft Mixers has partnered with Barstool Sports to create the Transfusion Mix, a canned mixer to make a Transfusion cocktail. To make a Transfusion, simply combine the Owens x Barstool Sports Transfusion Mix with your choice of vodka.
However, this is also a great option for those who want the flavor of a Transfusion Drink without the alcohol. It can also be mixed with any spirit of your choice. You don’t have to add vodka. You could add gin or whatever spirit you love.
Transfusion Drink Recipes
Despite their being a good selection of Transfusion cocktails in a can, it’s a pretty easy cocktail to make yourself if you wish. Here are our favorite Transfusion recipes.
Transfusion Drink Recipe
from A Spicy Perspective
The Transfusion Drink recipe from A Spicy Perspective is made with equal parts vodka and grape juice, a bit of fresh lime juice, and is topped off with ginger ale.
All you have to do is assemble all of the cocktail ingredients except the ginger ale, preferably a highball glass with ice, and stir well. Then, you’ll add the ginger ale at the end to keep the bubbles intact. Garnish with concord grapes or a lime wedge.
This is our favorite Transfusion recipe because of the equal ratio of vodka to grape juice.
Classic Transfusion Cocktail
from Southern Living
Now, if you like a bit more of a vodka taste, the Classic Transfusion Cocktail recipe from Southern Living might be better for you. It starts with a double shot of vodka and half the amount of Concord grape juice. Then you’ll add the remaining ingredients– freshly squeezed lime juice and ginger ale.
Southern Living suggests you serve it with refreshing frozen grapes, which we love!
Yankee Transfusion Cocktail
from Hangry in Love
A Transfusion Drink is pretty simple, but if you are looking for cocktail recipes that take it up a notch, you have to try the Yankee Transfusion Cocktail. Rather than just being vodka, ginger ale, grape juice, and lime, they expand on the flavors.
You’ll need lime juice, mint leaves, brandy, absinthe, concord grape juice, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, ginger beer, ice, and violet blossoms for garnish if you want to go all the way. Muddle your mint with lime juice, then add the rest of the ingredients to a shaker and shake with ice.
Strain it over fresh ice in a rocks glass and garnish with the blossoms to serve. This one is less bubbly but stuffed full of flavor.
FAQs
Why is a Transfusion a golf drink?
The Transfusion has become a renowned golf drink after being served at the popular Augusta National Golf Club, where the Masters is held each year.
Why do they call the drink Transfusion?
Though the official origins of the drink are unknown, the name Transfusion is thought to come from its use as a hangover cure, though it could also be that the color ends up being bright red like blood.
The Best Transfusion Drink Recipe & In a Can
- Transfusion Drink Recipe
- Classic Transfusion Cocktail
- Yankee Transfusion Cocktail
