Making grape juice is not something I ever aspired to do, but now that I have, I can’t believe how simple it is. The reward is a fresh and naturally sweet juice with a tart note, making it a delightful base for a cocktail.
I don’t like overly sweet drinks, so I play up the tart side of grapes by pairing the juice with club soda, lime and a couple dashes of bitters. If you like sweeter drinks leave the bitters out.
The Recipe:
Just blend 2 cups of grapes in your blender until pureed. No extra liquid is needed. I strained the grapes with 1 layer of cheesecloth in a mesh strainer which made 1 cup of juice. If you use a juicer, the grape juice will be much lighter in color.
Once strained you simply mix in the lime, club soda and bitters. Pour into pretty glasses and garnish with extra grapes. Freezing the grapes for the garnish is another fun option.
I used Christmas Crunch Red Grapes, a seasonal variety of seedless red grape that is slightly larger and sweeter than the standard Red Seedless.
The fruit has a pronounced crunch in texture and a distinctive flavor that has had time to develop with a late-season harvest. They are grown right here in California exclusively for Melissa’s Produce. You can order them online here or buy them at Gelsons or Bristol Farms in Southern California.
Fresh Grape Mocktail
Ingredients
- 2 cups seedless red grapes I used Christmas Crunch Red Grapes plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 10 dashes bitters optional
- 1 cup club soda
Instructions
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Place the grapes in a blender and mix until pureed.
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Pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer or 1 layer of cheesecloth set over a large measuring cup. Press on the solids to extract all the juice.
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Add the lime, bitters and club soda to the juice and stir. Divide among 4 martini glasses. Garnish with whole grapes.
Recipe Notes
Makes four 4-ounce drinks.
Total time: 20 minutes
Fun Grape Facts:
- In the United States, well over 90% of all commercially grown table grapes come from California.
- Botanically, grapes are not fruit but berries.
- Grapes explode when you put them in the microwave. (berry funny)
I hope you enjoy this festive holiday drink packed with fresh flavor as much as I did.
…and then, she paused for thought.
This drink looks pretty and delicious! A must try for me!
Thanks Cheri, I think you would really like it!
Looks wonderful! Great drink for fall. Unfortunately I could not bring my Vitamix with me! Booo, hooo. Yum.
I thought everyone traveled with their Vitamix. LOL. I will make you one when you get back home.
A must try for me!!!! Sounds lovely!! 🙂
Hope you enjoy it Pamela!
Fresh grape juice does sound like something I’d love to try. I’ll leave the bitters in mine. GREG
I’m with you Greg. I do hope you try it.
Fresh grape juice delicious and pretty. Can’t wait to try.
I was surprised how different fresh grape juice tasted from what you buy made. It actually tastes like… grapes. Shocking, I know. 🙂
What a refreshing cocktail (mocktail)! I love Christmas Crunch Grapes-never thought to make my own grape juice.
Christy I do hope you give it a try.
WOW! This sounds great! Cheers!
Thanks for stopping by Adri, cheers to you too! 🙂
First of all, I have to ask, how do you know about exploding grapes, Cathy? 😉 I love this idea and would love to sample one! It’s such a pretty drink too, and who knew grapes are really berries! I think I’ll be walking around today saying “Christmas Crunch”, just because I like the sound of it! Great post!
LOL Christina, I am happy to say I have no experience with exploding grapes, I took somebody elses word for it. I had no idea they were berries either! Glad you enjoyed the post.
I love when the most simple of recipes turns out the best. This looks awesome. The frozen grapes is a great idea too.
Thanks Kelly that is so true!
This Mocktail speaks to me, but I’ll have to add some vodka and make it a Cocktail!
I completely agree with you!