Ingredients
- .5 can Lemonade
- 1 oz Vodka
- 5 oz Grape Juice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail glass with ice.
- Pour the lemonade, vodka, and grape juice over the ice.
- Stir well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste of this royal beverage.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Princess Cocktail likely emerged from the modern pop culture cocktail scene, specifically as a themed drink designed to honor Princess Leia from Star Wars. Its simple construction and accessible ingredients make it a natural fit for home parties and fan gatherings, rather than a classic bar staple. It’s a contemporary creation, born from a desire for playful, recognizable drinks.
This drink sits squarely in the ‘vodka mixer’ or ‘long drink’ category, similar to a Cape Codder or a Vodka Cranberry, but with a sweeter, more complex fruit profile thanks to the grape juice. It’s less boozy than a highball and more fruit-driven than a simple spirit and soda, making it distinctively sweet and easy drinking.
You’d typically find this drink served at themed parties, casual backyard get-togethers, or during a movie marathon. It’s an easy win for hosts who want to offer something beyond beer and wine without getting deep into complex mixology. It’s not a drink you’d usually order at a craft cocktail bar.
What it tastes like
On the palate, the Princess Cocktail leads with a bright, tart sweetness from the lemonade, quickly followed by the rich, jammy notes of grape. The vodka acts as a neutral base, allowing the fruit flavors to dominate. The finish is clean and sweet, lingering with a pleasant grape candy sensation, making it highly palatable and refreshing.
With 1 ounce of 40% ABV vodka in a total volume of approximately 12 ounces (assuming 6 oz lemonade and 5 oz grape juice), this drink clocks in at roughly 3.3% ABV. This makes it significantly lighter than most standard cocktails, which often range from 15-20% ABV. It’s comparable in strength to a light beer or a wine cooler, designed for easy sipping without a heavy alcoholic punch.
The technique
Building this drink is about as simple as it gets. Start by filling your chosen glass with ice to ensure maximum chill and proper dilution. Pour the lemonade, vodka, and grape juice directly over the ice. Give it a good, thorough stir to combine all the ingredients and bring the temperature down. Serve it up as soon as it’s mixed.
The key technique here is the stir. For a drink built directly in the glass with multiple components, a proper stir isn’t just about mixing; it’s about chilling and achieving the right dilution. Skimp on the stir, and your drink will be warm, unevenly mixed, and too boozy upfront, making for a less pleasant experience as the ice melts unevenly.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- Any clean, unflavored vodka works well here. Brands like Tito’s, Smirnoff, or even a house pour are perfectly suitable. A standard 80-proof (40% ABV) spirit is what you’re after.
- Skip
- Avoid heavily flavored vodkas unless you’re intentionally trying to create a new variation. Vanilla, citrus, or berry vodkas will clash with the grape and lemonade, creating an unbalanced flavor.
- Why
- Vodka provides the alcoholic kick without contributing its own strong flavor, allowing the fruit juices to be the stars. Its neutrality is essential for the drink’s intended profile.
Grape Juice
- Use
- Opt for 100% Concord grape juice or a similar deep red grape juice. Welch’s is a common and reliable choice. The darker the juice, the more vibrant the color and flavor.
- Skip
- White grape juice will make the drink too pale and its flavor is often too mild to stand up to the lemonade. Grape drink or grape-flavored sodas will introduce unwanted artificial flavors and excessive sweetness.
- Why
- Grape juice is the primary flavor and color contributor. It provides the characteristic sweetness and fruitiness that defines the ‘Princess’ profile, making it a critical component for both taste and visual appeal.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Royal Rebel
- A touch of fizz and a different base.
- Swap vodka for white rum and top with a splash of club soda for a lighter, slightly more tropical take with some effervescence.
Jedi Juice
- A berry twist.
- Substitute the grape juice with cranberry juice and add a few muddled raspberries for a tart, berry-forward alternative.
Empress Elixir
- Darker and richer.
- Use a dark rum or even a spiced rum instead of vodka for a deeper, more complex flavor profile that still pairs well with the fruit.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
You can use a mix of fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, adjusting to taste. About 3 oz lemon juice and 3 oz simple syrup should get you close, but expect a slightly different tartness.
White rum or even gin (if you like botanicals) can work, though they will alter the flavor profile. Tequila is generally not a good fit here.
Cranberry juice or a mixed berry juice can provide a similar fruit-forward, slightly tart sweetness, but the iconic color will change.
Any tall glass or even a tumbler will do. The key is enough room for ice and the full drink volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Princess Cocktail?
A Princess Cocktail contains lemonade, vodka, and grape juice, typically served over ice.
Is the Princess Cocktail strong?
No, it’s a relatively low-alcohol drink, usually around 3.3% ABV, making it lighter than most standard cocktails or even some beers.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Absolutely. Simply omit the vodka and increase the lemonade or grape juice slightly to balance the flavors. It makes a great mocktail.
What kind of grape juice should I use?
For the best flavor and color, use 100% Concord grape juice or a similar dark red grape juice.
Is this drink only for Star Wars fans?
While it’s often associated with Star Wars themes, anyone who enjoys a sweet, fruity, and refreshing low-ABV drink will likely enjoy the Princess Cocktail.
How sweet is the Princess Cocktail?
It’s on the sweeter side, thanks to the combination of lemonade and grape juice. The tartness of the lemonade helps to balance the overall sweetness.
Can I use a different juice instead of grape?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruit juices like cranberry, pomegranate, or even a berry blend, but it will change the drink’s signature flavor and color.
Should I shake or stir a Princess Cocktail?
This drink is built directly in the glass and should be stirred to combine the ingredients and chill it down properly.
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