The Ultimate Grape Ape Recipe Guide (Cocktail & Shot)

Ever wondered about that vibrant purple drink popping up in Minneapolis bars or maybe even heard whispers of a “Grape Ape”? Whether you’re chasing a nostalgic taste or curious about this fruity concoction, you’ve landed in the right spot. Nailing down the exact Grape Ape recipe can feel tricky, with variations floating around for cocktails, shots, and even non-alcoholic versions. It’s easy to get confused about the ingredients, the history, and how to make one that actually tastes great.

The Grape Ape is a popular fruity beverage, known both as a cocktail and a shot, featuring a distinct grape flavor and vibrant purple hue. Common recipes involve grape vodka (like UV Grape), sour mix, and lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up), often linked to the Loon Cafe in Minneapolis.

We’re diving deep into the world of the Grape Ape. You’ll uncover its debated Minnesota origins, get step-by-step instructions for the classic cocktail and the popular shot version, and even discover how to whip up a delicious non-alcoholic smoothie alternative. Get ready to become a Grape Ape expert and impress your friends (or just treat yourself) with the perfect purple pour.

Key Facts:
* Minneapolis Roots: The Grape Ape is widely believed to have originated or gained significant popularity at The Loon Cafe in Minneapolis, Minnesota, becoming a local legend.
* Recipe Versatility: There isn’t one single definitive recipe; variations exist for the Grape Ape as a cocktail, a shot, and even non-alcoholic smoothies or mocktails.
* Core Flavors: Most alcoholic versions rely on a combination of grape flavoring (often from grape vodka like UV Grape or grape soda like Buddy’s), a sour element (sour mix), and citrus soda (lemon-lime like Sprite or 7-Up).
* Distinctive Color: A key characteristic is its vibrant purple color, making it visually appealing and easily recognizable.
* Multiple Interpretations: Online recipes vary significantly, incorporating ingredients like regular vodka, grape juice, citrus vodka, raspberry liqueur (like Razzmatazz), or even bubble gum flavors in some interpretations.

What Exactly Is a Grape Ape Drink?

The Grape Ape is typically an alcoholic beverage, known as both a cocktail and a shot, famed for its vibrant purple color and sweet grape flavor. Often associated with Minneapolis, Minnesota, it commonly uses grape-flavored vodka (like UV Grape or a mix involving Buddy’s Grape soda), citrus or regular vodka, sour mix for tang, and a lemon-lime or grape soda for fizz. Think of it as a sweet, grape-forward, often fizzy drink that packs a pleasant punch.

While the core is grape, recipes diverge. Some lean heavily on specific grape vodkas, while others achieve the flavor with grape juice or even grape candy flavorings (especially in vape juice recipes, though that’s a different context). It’s served both tall over ice as a refreshing cocktail and small and quick as a shot. The unifying factors are usually that unmistakable purple hue and the dominant concord grape taste.

Its identity can be a bit fluid – is it strictly a cocktail? Is it just a shot? The answer seems to be both. Depending on the bar, the bartender, or the recipe you find, it might be presented differently. This flexibility adds to its charm but also the slight confusion surrounding its exact definition. Ultimately, it’s a fun, fruity, and visually striking drink with strong ties to a specific region.

Is the Grape Ape Really a Minnesota Thing? Uncovering Its Origins

Yes, the Grape Ape is strongly considered a Minnesota thing, specifically linked to the city of Minneapolis. It’s widely believed to have originated or at least been popularized at the iconic Loon Cafe in the warehouse district, becoming an unsung legend and a signature cocktail within the local bar scene there. While pinpointing the exact invention date is tough, its association with The Loon is deeply ingrained in Minneapolis lore.

Many locals and former residents recall the Grape Ape as a Loon Cafe staple. Discussions online, like those found on Reddit’s Minneapolis subreddit, often revolve around recreating the specific Loon recipe. Users reminisce about its unique taste, often attributing it to a combination including the regional favorite, Buddy’s Grape Soda, mixed with citrus vodka, sour mix, and 7-Up or Sprite. This specific mention of Buddy’s Grape soda further cements its regional identity, as Buddy’s is a Minnesota-based brand.

While you might find drinks called “Grape Ape” elsewhere, the specific combination of ingredients and its cult following seem uniquely tied to Minneapolis and The Loon Cafe. It hasn’t achieved the global recognition of cocktails like the Cosmopolitan, but for those in the know, especially in Minnesota, the Grape Ape holds a special place as a beloved local creation. It’s a piece of Minneapolis cocktail history.

How Do You Make the Classic Grape Ape Cocktail?

To make a classic Grape Ape cocktail, fill a highball glass with ice. Add 1.5 oz of grape vodka (like UV Grape or similar), 0.5 to 1 oz of sour mix, and optionally a splash of citrus vodka or regular vodka. Top the glass with 2-3 oz of lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up), stir gently, and garnish with a lemon slice, lime wedge, or grapes.

This version focuses on creating a refreshing, taller drink perfect for sipping. The balance between the sweet grape vodka, tangy sour mix, and crisp soda is key. Some recipes, like one interpretation from The Drink Kings, simplify it further using regular vodka, grape juice, and lemon-lime soda, offering an easier alternative if grape vodka isn’t available. However, using grape-flavored vodka generally provides a more authentic and intense grape flavor profile associated with the drink.

Remember, the “classic” can vary slightly depending on the source, but the core elements remain consistent: grape flavor, vodka, sourness, and fizz, served over ice in a taller glass.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Cocktail

Here’s a common list of ingredients to gather for your Grape Ape cocktail:

• Grape Vodka: 1.5 ounces (UV Grape is popular, but others work)
• Sour Mix: 0.5 to 1 ounce (adjust to your preferred level of tartness)
• Lemon-Lime Soda: 2 to 3 ounces (Sprite, 7-Up, or similar)
• Ice: Enough to fill the glass
• Optional: 0.5 oz Citrus Vodka (like Ketel One Citroen) or regular Vodka for extra kick or complexity
• Optional: Splash of Grenadine (for color adjustment, used in some variations)
• Garnish: Lemon slice, lime wedge, or fresh grapes

Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions

Making the Grape Ape cocktail is refreshingly simple. Follow these steps:

1. Chill Your Glass (Optional but Recommended): Fill your highball glass with ice and water and let it sit while you gather ingredients, then dump it out. This keeps your drink colder longer.
2. Fill Glass with Fresh Ice: Add fresh ice cubes to your chilled highball glass, filling it nearly to the top.
3. Pour the Vodka: Add 1.5 ounces of grape vodka directly over the ice. If using optional citrus or regular vodka, add it now too.
4. Add Sour Mix: Pour in 0.5 to 1 ounce of sour mix. Start with less if you prefer a sweeter drink; you can always add more.
5. Top with Soda: Fill the remainder of the glass with 2 to 3 ounces of lemon-lime soda. Pour gently to maintain carbonation.
6. Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon or stirrer to mix the ingredients gently. You want to combine them without losing too much fizz.
7. Garnish: Add your chosen garnish – a lemon slice perched on the rim, a lime wedge dropped in, or a couple of fresh grapes.
8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your vibrant purple Grape Ape cocktail!

Tips for the Perfect Grape Ape Cocktail

Want to elevate your Grape Ape from good to great? Keep these tips in mind:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Better vodka and fresh sour mix make a noticeable difference. If making your own sour mix (equal parts lemon/lime juice and simple syrup), even better!
• Chill Everything: Besides chilling the glass, ensure your vodka, sour mix, and soda are well-chilled before mixing. This minimizes ice melt and keeps the drink crisp.
• Don’t Over-Stir: Stir just enough to combine the ingredients. Over-stirring will flatten the soda and dilute the drink faster.
• Adjust Sweetness/Tartness: Taste and adjust. If it’s too tart, add a tiny bit more soda or a splash of simple syrup. Too sweet? A squeeze of fresh lime juice can help balance it.
• Experiment with Vodkas: While UV Grape is common, try other grape vodka brands or even experiment with combinations like using regular vodka and adding a splash of high-quality grape juice or liqueur.
• Frozen Grapes as Garnish: Instead of ice cubes that dilute, try using frozen grapes! They help keep the drink cold and add a fun, edible garnish.
• Presentation Matters: A clean highball glass and a neat garnish make the drinking experience more enjoyable. The vibrant purple color is half the fun!

What’s the Recipe for a Grape Ape Shot?

A common Grape Ape shot combines equal parts grape vodka (like UV Grape) and sour mix, shaken with ice and strained into a shot glass, often topped with a splash of lemon-lime soda (like Sprite). Another popular variation, aiming to replicate the Loon Cafe style mentioned on Reddit, uses equal parts citrus vodka and sour mix, topped with Buddy’s Grape Soda. Some recipes also incorporate liqueurs like DeKuyper Razzmatazz alongside vodka and sour mix.

The key difference from the cocktail is the concentration and serving size. Shots are meant to be consumed quickly, so the flavors are often bolder and less diluted by soda, although a small splash is common for a bit of fizz and to round out the taste. Shaking the ingredients with ice chills them rapidly before straining.

Whether you prefer the straightforward grape vodka version or the more complex citrus vodka and grape soda mix, the goal is a potent, flavorful, purple shot.

Grape Ape Shot Ingredients

Here are the typical ingredients needed for the shot version:

• Grape Vodka: 0.75 ounces (e.g., UV Grape)
  • OR Citrus Vodka: 0.75 ounces (if making the Loon-style variation)
• Sour Mix: 0.75 ounces
• Lemon-Lime Soda: Splash (e.g., Sprite, 7-Up)
  • OR Grape Soda: Splash (e.g., Buddy’s Grape, if making the Loon-style variation)
• Optional: 0.5 oz Raspberry Liqueur (like DeKuyper Razzmatazz, used in some variations instead of or alongside vodka)
• Ice: For shaking

Quick Steps for Making the Shot

Making the shot is fast and easy:

1. Fill Shaker with Ice: Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker.
2. Combine Liquids: Pour the grape vodka (or citrus vodka), and sour mix into the shaker.
3. Shake Well: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the shaker feels very cold.
4. Strain: Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
5. Top with Soda: Add a small splash of lemon-lime soda (or grape soda for the variation). Don’t add too much, just enough for a hint of fizz.
6. Serve Immediately: Cheers!

Popular Shot Variations (e.g., with Sprite)

While the core concept is simple, variations add interesting twists:

• The Sprite Topper: This is perhaps the most common variation, using Sprite or 7-Up for the final splash. It adds a familiar crispness and balances the sweet/sour elements.
• The Loon Cafe Homage: As discussed, this uses citrus vodka, sour mix, and specifically grape soda (ideally Buddy’s for authenticity). This shifts the flavor profile slightly, bringing citrus notes forward alongside the grape.
• The Razzmatazz Twist: Some recipes, like one referenced by Marcorelle’s Fine Wine, Beer, and Liquor, swap or supplement the grape vodka with DeKuyper Razzmatazz (a raspberry liqueur), adding a different berry dimension alongside vodka, sour mix, and Sprite.
• Layered Shot: For visual appeal, some try to carefully layer the ingredients (e.g., pouring vodka/sour mix first, then slowly adding the soda so it creates a slight gradient), though this is less common for a simple shot.
• Adjusting Ratios: While equal parts vodka and sour are standard, some prefer slightly more vodka for strength or more sour mix for tanginess. Feel free to adjust the 0.75 oz / 0.75 oz ratio slightly to your taste.

Can You Make a Non-Alcoholic Grape Ape?

Yes, you can absolutely make a delicious non-alcoholic Grape Ape, often presented as a smoothie or a mocktail. For a smoothie version, blend purple grapes (seedless work best), grape juice (or a blend like Ocean Spray’s Cran x Grape™), and something creamy like vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or even a banana, along with ice. For a mocktail, mix grape juice or grape soda with sour mix (or fresh lemon/lime juice and simple syrup) and top with club soda or lemon-lime soda for fizz.

The goal is to capture the signature sweet grape flavor and vibrant purple color without the alcohol. Smoothies offer a thicker, richer experience, while mocktails provide a lighter, fizzier alternative closer to the original cocktail’s texture. Both are great options for all ages or anyone preferring an alcohol-free beverage.

Here’s a video showing one take on a Grape Ape style drink (Note: This specific video might show an alcoholic version, but the visual inspiration applies):

Easy Grape Ape Smoothie Recipe

This smoothie captures the essence of the Grape Ape in a creamy, dreamy, non-alcoholic format.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Seedless Purple Grapes (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup Grape Juice (or Cran-Grape juice like Ocean Spray suggests)
• 1/2 cup Vanilla Yogurt or Vanilla Ice Cream (softened)
• 1/4 cup Club Soda or Milk (optional, for desired consistency)
• 1/2 cup Ice Cubes (adjust based on desired thickness)
• Optional: Squeeze of lime juice for tartness, sweetener (honey/agave) if needed.

Instructions:

1. Combine: Place the grapes, grape juice, yogurt/ice cream, and ice cubes in a blender.
2. Blend: Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of club soda or milk and blend again briefly.
3. Taste and Adjust: Check the sweetness and consistency. Add more juice, sweetener, or lime juice if desired.
4. Serve: Pour into a glass and serve immediately. Garnish with a few grapes or a mint sprig if you like.

Customizing Your Non-Alcoholic Version

Get creative with your alcohol-free Grape Ape! Here are some ideas:

• Mocktail Magic: Skip the blender and go for fizz. Mix 3 oz grape juice, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup in a glass with ice. Top with club soda or lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
• Add Other Fruits: Blend in berries like blueberries or raspberries for extra flavor complexity and antioxidants. A banana adds creaminess without dairy.
• Change the Base: Instead of grape juice, try white grape juice for a lighter color or experiment with pomegranate or berry blends.
• Boost the Creaminess: Use frozen yogurt or add a scoop of protein powder for a more substantial smoothie. Coconut milk or almond milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
• Sparkling Grape Juice: For an easy mocktail, simply use sparkling grape juice and add a splash of sour mix or lime juice for balance.
• Garnish Game: Use fun straws, fresh mint, or even edible glitter to make your non-alcoholic version feel just as special as the cocktail.

What Does a Grape Ape Taste Like and How Strong Is It?

The Grape Ape cocktail tastes predominantly sweet and fruity, strongly featuring concord grape flavor balanced by citrusy or tangy notes from the sour mix and a refreshing fizz from the soda. Imagine a grown-up version of grape soda, but with more depth and complexity. The grape flavor is usually forward and candy-like, but the sour mix prevents it from becoming overly cloying. The shot version offers a more concentrated burst of this same flavor profile.

Regarding strength, the classic Grape Ape cocktail typically has an approximate alcohol content (ABV) ranging from 10% to 15%, depending on the exact proportions and the proof of the vodka used. This puts it in the moderate range for cocktails, similar to drinks like a Vodka Soda or a Gin and Tonic made with standard pours. The shot version is naturally more potent due to the smaller volume and higher concentration of alcohol relative to mixers, though the exact ABV depends heavily on the specific recipe used (e.g., using only vodka vs. incorporating lower-proof liqueurs).

Nutritionally, a standard Grape Ape cocktail contains roughly 200-250 calories and around 15-20 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the sugars in the sour mix, soda, and potentially the flavored vodka. The shot would be less caloric overall due to the smaller volume but more concentrated in alcohol.

FAQs About the Grape Ape Recipe

Got more questions about this purple powerhouse? Here are answers to some common queries:

What is Grape Ape made of?

A typical Grape Ape cocktail or shot includes grape-flavored vodka, sour mix, and lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up). Variations exist, sometimes using citrus vodka and grape soda (like Buddy’s), regular vodka and grape juice, or adding raspberry liqueur.

How do you make the Loon Cafe Grape Ape recipe variation?

While the exact recipe is proprietary, popular belief and online discussions (like on Reddit) suggest the Loon Cafe version uses citrus vodka, sour mix, and Buddy’s Grape Soda, topped perhaps with 7-Up or Sprite. Equal parts citrus vodka and sour mix, topped with the grape soda, is a common attempt at replication.

What kind of vodka is best for a Grape Ape?

Grape-flavored vodka, such as UV Grape, is most commonly used and provides the signature flavor profile. However, if aiming for the Loon Cafe style, a good quality citrus vodka is preferred. If neither is available, a neutral regular vodka can be used, often supplemented with grape juice for flavor.

Can I use grape soda instead of lemon-lime soda?

Yes, absolutely. Using grape soda (like Buddy’s, Fanta Grape, or Crush Grape) instead of lemon-lime soda is a key part of some popular variations, particularly those trying to emulate the Loon Cafe’s recipe. It intensifies the grape flavor significantly.

Is the Grape Ape shot strong?

Yes, the Grape Ape shot is generally considered quite strong relative to its small size. It typically contains a standard shot measure of vodka (or a mix of vodka and liqueur) with less dilution from non-alcoholic mixers compared to the cocktail version.

What does UV Grape vodka taste like?

UV Grape vodka generally tastes sweet and strongly of artificial concord grape flavor, reminiscent of grape candy or grape soda. It’s designed specifically for cocktails where a prominent grape taste is desired.

Are there other popular Minneapolis cocktails?

Yes, Minneapolis has a vibrant cocktail scene. While the Grape Ape is a local legend, other notable drinks include the Bootlegger (a minty, citrusy cocktail often made with gin or vodka, popular at country clubs) and various craft cocktails from the city’s many renowned bars and distilleries.

Can I make a large batch of Grape Ape cocktail (like a Bowla)?

Yes, you can easily scale up the Grape Ape cocktail recipe for a large batch or punch bowl (“Bowla”). Maintain the general ratio of ingredients (e.g., 1 part grape vodka, 0.5-1 part sour mix, 2 parts lemon-lime soda). Mix the vodka and sour mix first, then gently stir in chilled soda just before serving to preserve carbonation. Add ice to the bowl or serve over ice in individual glasses. Guy Fieri even featured a “Grape Ape Bowla” recipe, showing its party potential.

Is there a Grape Ape beer?

While the primary association is with the cocktail/shot, the name “Grape Ape” has occasionally been used by craft breweries for grape-flavored beers, often sours or ales. These are distinct products and not directly related to the original vodka-based drink recipe.

What’s the difference between the cocktail and the shot?

The main differences are serving size, proportion of mixers, and glassware. The cocktail is larger, served over ice in a highball glass, usually has more soda for dilution and fizz, and is meant for sipping. The shot is smaller (1.5-2 oz total), served in a shot glass, has less mixer relative to alcohol, is often shaken, and is meant for quick consumption.

Where can I buy Buddy’s Grape Soda?

Buddy’s Soda is a regional brand primarily distributed in Minnesota and surrounding Midwestern states. You can find it in many grocery stores and convenience stores within its distribution area. Availability outside the Midwest might be limited.

What garnish works best for a Grape Ape?

Common garnishes include a lemon slice, lime wedge, or fresh purple or green grapes. Maraschino cherries are also sometimes used. For the cocktail, a citrus slice on the rim is classic. For the shot, garnish is less common, but a single grape could be used.

Summary

The Grape Ape, whether sipped as a cool cocktail or taken as a quick shot, offers a distinctively sweet, grape-forward flavor profile with a vibrant purple appeal. Rooted in Minneapolis legend, particularly linked to the Loon Cafe, its recipe boasts versatility. You can stick to the common mix of grape vodka, sour mix, and lemon-lime soda, try the citrus vodka and grape soda variation for a taste of Minnesota authenticity, or even whip up a creamy non-alcoholic smoothie version.

From understanding its origins to mastering the different recipes and customization options, you’re now equipped to enjoy or serve this fun and fruity beverage. It’s a simple drink to make but offers plenty of room for personalization.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy a Grape Ape? Or do you have a unique variation to share? Let us know in the comments below! Feel free to share this guide with fellow grape-flavor fans.