The Platinum Blonde is a bubbly, citrus-forward cocktail that’s as crisp and stylish as its name sounds. With just a few ingredients, it’s light, refreshing, and perfect for warm evenings, brunches, or whenever you’re in the mood for something a little fancy without the fuss. I’ve made this drink countless times—here’s a tip I picked up along the way: always chill your glass first. It keeps every sip bright and refreshing, right to the last drop.
Platinum Blonde
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Champagne flute or white wine glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) white grape juice
– Champagne, to top (about 2–3 oz / 60–90 ml)
– Lemon twist, for garnish
Method
- Start by chilling your glass in the freezer or filling it with ice water for a few minutes while you prep the drink.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour in the vodka and white grape juice.
- Shake for about 15 seconds—just until the outside of the shaker feels nice and cold.
- Dump out the ice water from your glass if you used that method, then strain the shaken mix into the glass.
- Top with cold Champagne (pour slowly to keep the fizz).
- Garnish with a fresh lemon twist—give it a little twist over the glass to release those oils for extra aroma.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can mix the vodka and grape juice ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge for a few hours—just give it a quick stir before serving. Hold off on adding the Champagne until the last second so you don’t lose the bubbles. This drink is best enjoyed fresh and fizzy.
Tips & Tricks
– Chill your ingredients. Cold vodka and juice help keep the bubbles crisp and lively.
– Use Brut Champagne or another dry sparkling wine to balance the sweetness of the grape juice.
– Don’t skip the garnish. That little lemon twist adds a lot of aroma and ties the drink together.
– Watch your pour. Pouring Champagne too quickly can flatten your drink—tilt the glass slightly and go slow.
Ingredient Swaps
– No white grape juice? Try pear juice or apple juice for a similar sweetness with a different twist.
– On a budget? Prosecco or cava work beautifully instead of Champagne.
– Want a bit more zing? Use citrus vodka or add a dash of fresh lemon juice to brighten things up.
Flavor & Feel
This cocktail is light, sparkling, and just the right amount of sweet. The white grape juice adds a soft fruitiness, the vodka keeps it clean and crisp, and the Champagne brings the bubbles. The lemon twist on top lifts the whole drink with a hint of citrus oil that hits your nose before your first sip.
I love serving this at brunch or when friends come over for a little celebration—it’s easy to make, looks gorgeous, and always impresses.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Platinum Blonde with:
– Light bites like goat cheese crostini or smoked salmon on crackers
– Seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail or oysters
– Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrettes or fruit-based toppings
Variations to Try
Rosé Blonde
– Swap white grape juice for pink grapefruit juice
– Use rosé sparkling wine instead of Champagne
Berry Blonde
– Add a spoonful of mixed berry purée before topping with Champagne
– Garnish with fresh berries
Citrus Blonde
– Use citrus-flavored vodka
– Garnish with an orange twist instead of lemon
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Mix white grape juice with sparkling water and a splash of fresh lemon juice
– Serve over ice in a wine glass with a lemon twist
FAQs
Can I make this in a big batch?
Yes! Multiply the vodka and grape juice by the number of servings and mix ahead of time. Store in the fridge and top each glass with Champagne just before serving.
What’s the best Champagne to use?
Go with a Brut (dry) Champagne or sparkling wine. It balances out the sweetness and keeps the drink crisp.
How can I make it look extra fancy?
Try garnishing with edible flowers or freezing small berries into your ice cubes for a pop of color.
Can I use another spirit instead of vodka?
Definitely—gin adds herbal notes, and white rum brings a touch of tropical flavor. Just know it’ll take the drink in a different direction.
How do I cut down on the sweetness?
Use less grape juice or switch to an unsweetened version. A splash of lemon juice can also help balance things out.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. It’s quick, classy, and always gets compliments. Whether you stick with the classic or try a twist, the Platinum Blonde is one of those easygoing cocktails that feels special every time.
