Great Grapes

The Great Grapes is a straightforward, non-alcoholic pour that keeps things simple and refreshing. It’s a sweet, tart, and bubbly drink built on grape juice, lemon, and honey. Think of it as a sophisticated soda for those taking a break from the hard stuff, or for anyone wanting a vibrant, fruit-forward sipper. It’s a solid choice when you need something bright and booze-free on the menu.

Great Grapes

4.50 from 20 votes

Calories: 36kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 1 Cups(s) Grape Juice
▢ 1 Cups(s) Soda Water
▢ 1 tbsp Honey
▢ 1 tbsp Lemon Juice

Instructions

▢
Place all ingredients into a blender jar. Cover. and whiz on medium speed until well blended. Pour into a collins glass. and serve.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 36kcal (2%)Carbohydrates: 9g (3%)Sugar: 9g (10%)

Mocktail

Where it came from

This drink likely emerged from the modern mocktail scene, a simple yet effective way to combine common pantry staples into something more interesting than plain juice. It is not tied to any specific historical bar or bartender, but rather represents an accessible approach to non-alcoholic refreshment.

It slots into the broad category of “sparkling fruit refreshers,” sharing DNA with drinks like a Shirley Temple or a basic juice and soda spritzer. The specific blend of grape, lemon, and honey gives it a unique, slightly more complex profile than a standard fruit soda.

You’d see this served at a daytime event, a casual brunch, or as a thoughtful option for designated drivers at a backyard gathering. It’s a versatile pour for any occasion where alcohol isn’t the focus.

What it tastes like

Expect a sweet rush of grape upfront, quickly balanced by the bright acidity of fresh lemon. A subtle floral note from the honey underpins the mid-palate, leading into a clean, effervescent finish courtesy of the soda water. It’s a well-rounded and refreshing experience, neither too cloying nor overly tart.

This is a completely non-alcoholic drink, clocking in at 0.0% ABV. It’s as booze-free as a glass of water, making it suitable for any time or any guest.

The technique

Building this drink is a quick affair. Combine the grape juice, honey, and lemon juice in a blender. Give it a brief whirl to fully incorporate the honey and lemon, ensuring a smooth, consistent base. Pour this mixture into a Collins glass over ice, then top with soda water for that essential fizz. A light stir to integrate the soda finishes it off.

The key technique here is ensuring the honey is fully dissolved. If you just stir cold honey into cold juice, it can clump at the bottom, leaving you with an unevenly sweetened drink. A quick blend or even warming the honey slightly before adding it will prevent this, guaranteeing every sip is consistent.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Grape Juice

Use: High-quality, unsweetened Concord grape juice for a classic, deep flavor, or a white grape juice for a lighter profile.
Skip: Artificially flavored grape ‘drinks’ or ‘cocktail mixers’ that are mostly sugar and dyes.
Why: It’s the primary flavor driver, setting the entire tone of the drink. A good grape juice makes the drink sing.

Honey

Use: A pourable, liquid honey. Lighter floral honeys work well, but any good quality local honey is fine.
Skip: Crystallized honey that won’t dissolve properly, or trying to swap for plain granulated sugar if you want that distinctive honey flavor.
Why: Honey provides a unique, complex sweetness and a silky mouthfeel that granulated sugar cannot replicate, adding depth beyond simple syrup.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Sparkling Grape

A little bubbly: Add 1.5 oz of sparkling wine, prosecco, or Cava to the finished drink for an adult spin.

Herbal Grape

Garden fresh twist: Muddle a small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme in the blender with the initial ingredients for an aromatic layer.

Ginger Grape Fizz

Spicy kick: Replace the soda water with ginger ale or add 0.5 oz of ginger syrup along with the soda water for a warming spice note.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Grape Juice?

Substitute with cranberry juice for tartness or apple juice for a similar sweetness profile. The flavor will obviously shift.

No Soda Water?

Use lemon-lime soda for fizz and extra sweetness, or tonic water for a bitter edge. Club soda is also a direct swap.

No Honey?

Simple syrup or agave nectar will provide sweetness, but you’ll lose the distinctive honey flavor and mouthfeel.

No Blender?

Thoroughly stir all ingredients in a mixing glass until the honey is fully dissolved, then strain into your Collins glass and top with soda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Great Grapes?

The Great Grapes contains grape juice, soda water, honey, and lemon juice.

Is Great Grapes alcoholic?

No, the Great Grapes is a mocktail, meaning it contains no alcohol. It’s a refreshing booze-free option.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can blend the grape juice, honey, and lemon juice ahead of time and chill it. Add the soda water just before serving to maintain its fizz.

What’s the best type of grape juice for this?

Concord grape juice offers a classic, deep grape flavor. For a lighter, crisper drink, try white grape juice or a blend of red and white.

Can I add alcohol to Great Grapes?

Absolutely. A shot of vodka, gin, or even a light rum would integrate well, turning it into a refreshing cocktail.

Is Great Grapes good for kids?

Yes, as it’s non-alcoholic and fruit-based, it’s a popular and safe option for children and guests of all ages.

How sweet is this drink?

The sweetness level is moderate, balanced by the lemon juice. You can easily adjust the amount of honey to suit your preference.

What’s a good garnish for Great Grapes?

A lemon wheel, a few fresh grapes on a skewer, or a sprig of fresh mint or rosemary all make excellent garnishes.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read