A New Favorite on the Fairways: The Water Hazard Cocktail

While some players are drawn to golf by the thrill of the game, others are equally tempted by the entire experience it offers: stylish attire, exclusivity of clubs, and of course, the delightful drinks.

Alcoholic beverages have long been an integral part of the golfing tradition, whether they're being sipped to celebrate a great shot or to ease the sting of a less-than-perfect game.

Among the various cocktails that have gained favor among golfers, 2025 has introduced a fresh contender. The unique selling point? Electrolytes.

Introducing the Refreshing Water Hazard

Combining leisure drinks with golf makes for a perfect pair, yet some libations blend better with the sport than others.

Sydney King, who serves thirsty golfers from her beverage cart at Ford's Colony Country Club in Virginia, shared with Business Insider that the ideal golf course drink is one that's refreshing and not too overwhelming.

"You don't want something heavy," adds King.

The traditional Transfusion—crafted from vodka, ginger ale, grape juice, and lime juice—has been the standard for those on the greens. But according to Michael Flynn, who's in charge of food and drinks at Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, a new beverage has emerged since spring: the Water Hazard.

The Water Hazard, akin to the Transfusion, starts with a vodka base, but it swaps out juice for blue Gatorade, finishing with a splash of lemonade and Sprite.

Recently, this concoction gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, translating into numerous orders on the golf course.

The surge in requests for Water Hazards became so significant at Paiute that Flynn had to officially include it on the menu.

Adding a Sporty Twist to Classic Cocktails

Flynn attributes the Water Hazard's popularity largely to its incorporation of Gatorade.

"The appeal lies in the hydration effect, with people attracted to the idea of a Gatorade-infused cocktail," Flynn explained. He also noted that the lemonade and Sprite balance the vodka's boldness.

"If only Gatorade and vodka were used, the alcohol might dominate, but adding lemonade, which is a denser, syrupy drink, mellows the taste," he observed.

Persistent Popularity of Transfusions

While Water Hazards are the summer's buzz, they aren't likely to overshadow the long-standing favorite: the Transfusion.

Having been enjoyed for years, Transfusions are now more accessible thanks to pre-mixed kits that cater to their high demand.

King calls Transfusions "the quintessential golf course drink."

Bryan Anthony, leading the food and beverage team at Pebble Beach Resorts in California, reinforced that their golfers remain enthusiasts of the Transfusion, especially favoring Owens' pre-made mixes.

Anthony notes a healthy debate among golfers regarding the amount of grape juice in their Transfusions. "Owens mixers handle it perfectly," he said.

Additionally, some golfers have started favoring tequila variants in both Transfusions and Water Hazards. Anthony noted tequila's rise due to its all-day sipping quality.

Whether opting for vodka or tequila, or enjoying a Water Hazard or Transfusion, the optimal choice is one that enhances your enjoyment of the game.