Transfusion Cocktail; Best Golf Drink - Intentional Hospitality

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Home » Recipes » Masters Golf Recipes » Refreshing Transfusion Drink Recipe: A Golf Favorite by Gina Dickson — updated Aug 19, 2025 Refreshing Transfusion Drink Recipe: A Golf Favorite Time: 5 minutes Servings: 1 serving 5 from 2 ratings Transfusion drink recipe is a crisp and fizzy cocktail that’s easy to prepare and perfect for golf parties or relaxed entertaining. Made with Concord grape juice, vodka, fresh lime, and ginger ale, it delivers a sweet-tart flavor that’s both refreshing and nostalgic. Enjoy it ice-cold for a crowd-pleasing beverage that’s ready in just 5 minutes. Jump to Recipe This post may contain affiliate links. A tall glass filled with a vibrant red iced beverage, known as a transfusion drink, is garnished with a lime wheel and a straw. Beside the glass, there is a golf ball, a green and white towel, and a small glass filled with golf tees. transfusion cocktail, masters golf towel, masters golf ball, tees and masers ball marker

Few things hit the spot quite like a cold, fizzy Transfusion drink on a warm day, especially if you’ve just finished a round of golf. This classic cocktail blends Concord grape juice, vodka, lime juice, and crisp ginger ale into a refreshing sipper that’s sweet, tart, and lightly effervescent.

Whether you’re toasting to the tournament or just need a relaxing drink at home, this Transfusion drink recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

transfusion golf drink in a glass with a masters golf ball and masters tickets
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If you’re serving transfusions to a crowd, you can easily double or triple this recipe in a pitcher and pour the ginger ale just before guests arrive. And if someone prefers a non-alcoholic version, a quick swap turns this into a mocktail everyone can enjoy.

Where did the Transfusion drink originate?

A transfusion is a niche golf cocktail rumored to have originated from a past Augusta National Golf Club member. Former president Dwight D. Eisenhower supposedly enjoyed ordering a transfusion from the clubhouse bar after a round of golf.It’s not exactly known why this golf tradition drink is so popular, but I think it’s because the flavor combination is the perfect way to cool down after spending hours on the golf course.

Ingredient Tips

Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

transfusion golf drink ingredients ginger ale, grape juice, lime and vodka
  • Vodka: Use a smooth vodka like Tito’s or Ketel One. You can also substitute with a non-alcoholic spirit for a mocktail.
  • Concord grape juice: Look for 100% Concord grape juice for a bold, rich flavor. Welch’s is a great option.
  • Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice makes a big difference here. One lime will give you what you need.
  • Ginger ale: Choose a crisp, good-quality ginger ale like Canada Dry. For a lighter option, use diet or zero-calorie ginger ale.
  • Garnishes: Lime wedges or frozen grapes are perfect decorative touches. Frozen grapes also help chill the drink without diluting it.
Can I use regular grape juice instead of Concord grape juice?

It’s not recommended, Concord grape juice has a bolder, more distinct flavor that makes this drink special.

What’s the best vodka for a Transfusion cocktail?

A smooth, high-quality vodka like Tito’s, Ketel One, or Grey Goose works best.

How To Make A Transfusion Cocktail

Prep Lime Juice and Grape Juice

Fill a glass (preferably a highball glass) with ice and then juice a lime to get about 1 tablespoon of juice.

lime cut in half with one side being juiced and other cut for garnish
glass of ice, grape juice, lime juice and vodka measured for a transfusion.

Mixing Transfusion Drink

Pour lime juice and grape juice over the ice and add vodka.

Slowly pour in the ginger ale. Stirring the cocktail too much will destroy the bubbles and make the drink a bit flat. You can give it a quick gentle stir after all the ingredients are in the glass. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

glass of ice with grape juice and lime in it.
transfusion golf drink with lime on a golf tee
transfusion cocktail with a deck of Augusta National cards

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

  • Mocktail Version: Replace vodka with a non-alcoholic spirit like Arkay or just skip it altogether for a kid-friendly grape soda.
  • Low-Cal Option: Use diet ginger ale and a lighter version of Concord grape juice.
  • Flavor Boosts: Add a sprig of mint or a splash of lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
  • Frozen Twist: Freeze Concord grape juice in ice cube trays and use those instead of regular ice for a stronger, undiluted drink.
  • Batching for Parties: Multiply the ingredients in a pitcher, but wait to add the ginger ale until just before serving.
Transfusion cocktail in a glass with a Masters towel,ball marker, and masters golf ball by it.

Make It a Golf Party Drink

This transfusion drink recipe is such a refreshing way to add a special touch to your next golf party, backyard BBQ, or even a quiet afternoon on the porch. For even more golf-inspired recipes, be sure to check out  Famous Masters Golf Tournament Recipes to serve with this drink. Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!

Image depicting Masters-themed food and drinks: Pimento Cheese Sandwich, Egg Salad Sandwich, Southern Cheese Straws, Green Jacket Salad, Peach Ice Cream Sandwich, Augusta Pound Cake, Azalea Cocktail with a hint of canned cowboy candy recipe flair, Secret Stand 12 Drink, and more.
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SEND IT transfusion drink in glas with masters golf ball and towel next to it. 5 from 2 ratings by Gina Dickson

Refreshing Transfusion Drink Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Servings: 1 serving Transfusion drink recipe is a crisp and fizzy cocktail that’s easy to prepare and perfect for golf parties or relaxed entertaining. Made with Concord grape juice, vodka, fresh lime, and ginger ale, it delivers a sweet-tart flavor that’s both refreshing and nostalgic. Enjoy it ice-cold for a crowd-pleasing beverage that’s ready in just 5 minutes.

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Ingredients 1x2x3x

  • ▢ 3 ounces vodka
  • ▢ 2 ounces Concord grape juice, about 1 shot
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh squeezed
  • ▢ 2 ounces ginger ale, more if desired
  • ▢ lime wedge, frozen grapes for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Fill a glass (preferably a highball glass) with ice.
  • Juice lime to get about one 1 tablespoon of juice.
  • Measure lime juice and grape juice, then pour into the glass ice.
  • Pour in your favorite vodka.
  • Slowly pour in the ginger ale. Stirring the cocktail too much will destroy the bubbles and make the drink a bit flat. You can give it a quick gentle stir after all the ingredients are in the glass.Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

Gina’s Notes and Tips

Tips For Making A Transfusion Cocktail 
  • Chill your cocktail glass in the freezer before using it.
  • Wait to pour your ginger ale just before serving for lots of bubbles.
  • Be sure you buy Concord grape juice for its unique flavor.
  • Use fresh lime juice.
  • Add plenty of ice for a perfectly chilled cocktail.
  • Add a slice of fresh ginger to the glass for more effervescence.
  Calories: 245kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 7mg, Potassium: 63mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 11IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 8mg, Iron: 1mg Cuisine: AmericanCourse: DrinksAuthor: Gina Dickson Intentionalhospitality.com content and photographs are copyright-protected. Sharing this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

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5 comments on “Refreshing Transfusion Drink Recipe: A Golf Favorite”

Leave a comment »
  1. Lori — 07/20/2023 @ 4:40 pm Reply

    5 stars I love this cocktail! It’s a classic and my husband and son are so happy to have a recipe that they can make to watch the big tournaments! Great recipe

    • Gina Dickson — 07/20/2023 @ 8:12 pm Reply

      Cheers!

  2. Lucinda — 04/11/2025 @ 8:15 pm Reply

    5 stars Thank you so much. The crew here in Colorado is going to live this tomorrow afternoon while we watch The Masters from here.

    • Gina Dickson — 04/12/2025 @ 4:29 pm Reply

      Thanks for sharing with me! Can you believe MclLroy, all those birdies – it’s been an exciting Saturday

      • Lucinda — 04/12/2025 @ 7:10 pm Reply

        Such a beautiful day and he’s had a crazy great day! Everyone here loves all the food. We made the Chili, the chicken salad, egg salad, pimento cheese and the pound cake. Thank you for what you do. Next year we’re going to order all the fun stuff you create.

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posted by Gina Dickson on January 31, 2024 (last updated Aug 19, 2025)

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