Start Your Engines: The Ultimate Indy 500 Cocktail

Introducing the ultimate Indy 500 cocktail will get your engines revving

Ladies and Gentlemen, START YOUR ENGINES!

Of course May in Indianapolis means one thing: race season. And at The Rejoicing Vine, we’re taking pole position with a signature sparkling cocktail that’ll have your taste buds waving the green flag all month long.

Start Your Engines is what happens when an Espresso Martini get's a little too Fizzical going into turn four with one of our top bubbly's.

Move over milk, the Indy 500 has a new signature drink and it will get your engine revving!

Whether you’re hosting a watch party, visiting the track, or just looking for an Indy 500 cocktail that brings the thrill of race day to your glass — we’ve got the perfect pour.

A Cocktail That’s Fast, Bold, and Full of Flair

A mashup of flavors as iconic as the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway's brick starting line just minutes from our tasting room. Bringing the same high-octane energy of the greatest spectacle in racing, our “Start Your Engines” cocktail is our bubbly spin on an espresso martini. It’s caffeinated, bold and topped with sparkling wine for that celebratory finish line feel.

Iconic brick starting line at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The color? A dramatic black-and-white, just like the checkered flag. The vibe? Pure adrenaline, with a smooth espresso finish. The name? A tribute to the iconic phrase that kicks off the race (and now, your happy hour!).

Meet “Start Your Engines” – Your Go-To Indy 500 Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz chilled espresso (or strong cold brew concentrate)

• 1.5 oz vodka or alcohol-free tequila

• 3/4 oz simple syrup

• 3 oz Let's Get Fizzical bubbly

Garnish:

• Cocoa powder shaken over a checkered flag template

• Or for a simpler garnish add 2 whole coffee beans

Directions:

1. Add the bubbly wine to a stylish coupe glass

2. In a shaker filled with ice, add espresso, vodka, and simple syrup

3. Shake vigorously and strain into the coupe glass.

4. Garnish, serve, and get ready to start your engines.

Why It Works

This cocktail combines the caffeine kick of an espresso martini with the celebratory sparkle of a bubbly wine — a fitting fusion for a city that knows how to race and rejoice. It’s perfect for:

• Indy 500 watch parties

• Brunch with a twist

• Evening celebrations with a nod to the track

• Anyone looking to shake up their sparkling wine routine

Take the checkered flag by stopping by the Rejoicing Vine to try Start Your Engines

Ready to take the checkered flag & sip like a winner?

Swing by The Rejoicing Vine this May and order “Start Your Engines” by name — or grab a bottle of our brüt to recreate it at home.