Knockup Highball – White Wine, Vodka & Orange Juice Cocktail

A casual, citrus-driven highball that leans on crisp white wine and vodka for structure while orange juice brings brightness and approachability. The Knockup is simple to build, easy to batch, and fits anywhere from brunch tables to laid-back evenings.

Background

The Knockup comes from modern home bartending, where wine-based cocktails and simple juice builds overlap. Inspired by spritzers and the classic Screwdriver, it reflects a trend toward lower-effort, fruit-forward drinks that still carry enough structure to feel like a proper cocktail.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• White Wine – the crisp, fruit-forward base that gives the drink body
• Vodka – a neutral backbone that boosts strength without changing flavor
• Orange Juice – adds citrus brightness and natural sweetness

Substitution tip: No white wine? Try rosé for a softer fruit profile. No orange juice? Pineapple juice gives a rounder, tropical version.

Equipment

• Shaker
• Collins glass
• Ice
• Strainer

Why This One Works

Wine Meets Citrus, Cleanly

This drink works because it avoids overcomplication. The wine carries the profile, vodka adds quiet strength, and orange juice fills in the gaps with brightness. Built properly, it stays light, not heavy or overly sweet.

Substitutions & Variations

• Make it spritz-style: Top with a splash of soda water for a lighter finish
• Switch the base: Use rosé or even a light sparkling wine
• Go tropical: Replace orange juice with pineapple or mango juice
• Add acidity: A small squeeze of lemon sharpens the structure

Helpful Tips

• Don’t shake the wine – always add it after for better aroma and texture
• Use a dry white wine – overly sweet wine makes the drink flat
• Chill everything first – reduces dilution and keeps it crisp
• Batch it easily – combine vodka and juice ahead, add wine per glass