Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place your highball glass in the freezer for at least five minutes, or fill it with ice water and let it sit while you prep.
- Cut a fresh lime in half and juice one half to get 1/2 ounce (about 1 tablespoon) of fresh lime juice.
- Empty the ice water from your chilled glass and immediately fill it with fresh ice cubes to about three quarters full.
- Measure exactly 2 ounces of vodka using your jigger and pour it directly over the ice.
- Measure 3 ounces of Concord grape juice and pour it slowly over the ice and vodka.
- Pour your measured 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice into the glass.
- Open your cold ginger beer right before adding it to preserve maximum carbonation.
- Measure 3 ounces of ginger beer and pour it gently down the inside of the glass, not directly onto the ice.
- Insert your bar spoon to the bottom of the glass and give 3-4 gentle stirs, lifting slightly as you go to integrate the layers without destroying the carbonation.
- Cut a fresh lime wedge, make a small notch in the flesh, and place it on the rim of the glass. Optionally, thread 2-3 fresh grapes onto a cocktail pick and rest across the top.
- Serve immediately within 30 seconds of finishing for maximum carbonation and coldest temperature.
Notes
For batch preparation, mix the vodka, grape juice, and lime juice in a pitcher up to 24 hours ahead, then add ginger beer to individual glasses at serving time. Use real ginger beer instead of ginger ale for authentic spicy heat. The drink is best enjoyed within 15 minutes of mixing before carbonation fades.