This fruity cocktail is a burst of grape goodness with a hint of citrusy fizz—sweet, tangy, and just plain fun. The Grape Crush is one of those drinks that instantly lifts your mood. It’s colorful, playful, and surprisingly easy to mix up. I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it: chilling your glass ahead of time really makes the flavors pop. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want something refreshing to sip on the patio, this one never disappoints.
Grape Crush
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Highball or Collins
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) grape schnapps
– 1 oz (30 ml) sour mix (homemade or store-bought)
– A splash of lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up)
– Ice cubes
– Optional garnish: fresh grapes, lemon twist, or mint sprig
Equipment
– Cocktail shaker
– Jigger or measuring spoons
– Highball glass or Collins glass
– Strainer
Method
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, grape schnapps, and sour mix.
- Give it a good shake—about 10–15 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top it off with a splash of lemon-lime soda. Don’t stir too much—you want to keep those bubbles lively.
- Garnish with a few grapes on a skewer, a lemon twist, or even a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips & Tricks
– Homemade sour mix: Mix 1 part fresh lemon juice, 1 part fresh lime juice, and 1 part simple syrup. It’s fresher and has a brighter flavor than bottled versions.
– Keep it cool: Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring to keep your drink colder longer.
– Not too sweet? Add a little extra soda or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance it out.
– Grape schnapps is what gives this drink its candy-like flavor. If you can’t find it, try using grape juice concentrate (just a touch!) or muddle some grapes with a bit of sugar and strain before adding the other ingredients.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can mix the vodka, grape schnapps, and sour mix ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just shake with ice and top with soda.
Leftovers? Store the mixed (non-carbonated) portion in a sealed container in the fridge. Add soda only when serving to keep it fizzy.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is a crowd-pleaser at parties thanks to its bright purple color and fruity punch. Serve in a punch bowl for a group—just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want and add soda just before serving.
Food Pairings
– Spicy appetizers: Think jalapeño poppers, buffalo wings, or spicy shrimp. The sweetness of the drink cools down the heat.
– Grilled meats: The fruitiness adds a fun contrast to smoky ribs or charred steak.
– Chocolate desserts: Rich brownies or dark chocolate truffles pair beautifully with the grape flavor.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails—this one’s a winner when paired with chocolate lava cake. Trust me.
Variations to Try
Blueberry Grape Crush
– Add 0.5 oz (15 ml) blueberry syrup to the shaker.
– Shake with the other ingredients for a sweet berry twist.
Green Grape Crush
– Swap in green grape juice and a splash of apple schnapps.
– Garnish with mint for a crisp, fresh flavor.
Sparkling Grape Crush
– Replace the lemon-lime soda with chilled sparkling white wine.
– Stir gently to keep the bubbles intact.
Frozen Grape Crush
– Blend all the ingredients with a cup of ice until slushy.
– Great for hot days or poolside sipping.
Mocktail Version
– Use grape juice instead of vodka and schnapps.
– Add a splash of lemon-lime soda and sour mix.
– Garnish the same way—it’s just as pretty and fun.
Questions You Might Have
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes! Grape juice and lemon-lime soda with a splash of sour mix make a great mocktail version.
Do I need real grapes?
Nope—grape schnapps or juice gives you all the flavor. But fresh grapes make a great garnish.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Mix a large batch of the non-carbonated ingredients ahead of time. Add soda just before serving.
What makes it purple?
The grape schnapps gives it that deep purple color. If using juice, darker varieties like Concord will help mimic that look.
How do I make it look festive?
Try a sugar rim, colorful paper straws, or even a few gummy bears dropped in for fun!
Final Thoughts
The Grape Crush is a playful, easy-to-make cocktail that never fails to impress. It’s sweet, colorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re enjoying one solo or mixing up a batch for friends, it’s one of those drinks that turns any moment into a little celebration. Cheers!
