Grape Russian Tea

The Grape Russian Tea cocktail has nothing to do with tea. The only thing it has to do with Russia is that it has vodka. It does have something to do with grape, though – grape schnapps, to be exact.

Which is one of those little-used drink ingredients that will make you think “Where have you been all my life?” and get you started chasing down other recipes that use it for weeks until suddenly, one day, you’re really sick of it. Repeat that process about every five years. It’s fun!

What It Tastes Like?

The first thing I pick up in this one is the candied grape flavor from the schnapps. Then the lemon juice adds some brightness to keeps the drink from being too sweet, and the vodka only adds some kick, not flavor.

The Coke is noticeable, but it kind of stays in the background the same way it does in a Cherry Coke. In many ways, you could think of this as a Grape Coke with vodka.

The carbonation makes this a refreshing cocktail that’s great any time you need a pick-me-up.

When to Serve

This is a casual drink most everyone will love. That makes it great for informal parties, game nights and holiday gatherings. It’s also ideal for outdoor summer evenings because the ice and cola keep it refreshing.

It has a little bit of a retro/80’s vibe, so it’s great for any party where that kind of theme fits. Like a watch party for 80s movies. Or a laid back happy hour, potluck, or backyard barbecues where you want drinks that are easy to make and easy to love.

Batch Serving

This one is batchable! Just pre-mix the spirits and lemon in a pitcher. You or your guests can pour that mixture into their glasses, followed by the Coke and a quick stir.

Don’t mix in the Coke ahead of time, since it would lose the carbonation.

Equipment & Glassware

This is a fairy easy drink to make, even though it’s a two-step process. You’ll need:

• Cocktail shaker with strainer to shake the drink
• A bar spoon to stir the Coke.
• Citrus juicer to juice the lemon
• If you serve it without ice, use a chilled Martini glass. If you want to add ice, use a highball glass.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Vodka: Use a clean, neutral vodka like Tito’s or Absolut. It’s not worth using a premium vodka, since you won’t taste it in this drink.

Grape Schnapps: It is possible for grape schnapps to taste like cough medicine, and you don’t want that. DeKuyper Grape Pucker is tart and candy-like. Hiram Walker offers a softer, rounded grape schnapps. In my experience, it can be hard to find locally. If you can’t find it, you can get grape vodka. It’s less sweet, so you may want to add a little simple syrup.

Cola: I recommend Classic Coca-Cola for this one. It’s what the recipe was designed for, and it has caramel and vanilla notes that work perfectly with the grape. If you want sharper acidity and less sweetness, use a simpler cola like Q Cola or a craft cola.

Diet versions reduce calories but change the mouthfeel and won’t be appreciated by guests who aren’t used to artificial sweeteners.

Garnish & Add-ins: While no garnish is required (and keeping it simple is what’s so fun about this drink), you can add a lemon twist.

Similar Cocktails

• Kalimocho – red wine + Coke
• Long Black Russian – a black Russian with Coke
• Cuba Libre Drink Recipe – rum, Coke and lime
• Mixy’s Rum and Coke Drink Recipe – rum, Coke and amaretto
• Classic Jack and Coke Recipe