A 30-Year Legacy of the Grape Ape
What began as a spontaneous mix on a Saturday afternoon has evolved into a beloved staple in Minneapolis. The “Grape Ape,” created at Loon Cafe, is now celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking a journey from a simple experiment to a local icon.
Marcus Dorn, the creator of the Grape Ape, recalls how it all started. “This was one of those things that began so small and grassroots,” he shared. Back in the day, flavored vodkas were gaining popularity, with Absolut Citron being one of the first. The bar started carrying Buddy’s orange and grape sodas, which inspired Dorn and his friend and colleague Danny Baker to try something new.
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They combined the flavors of the vodka with the soda, adding a splash of sweet and sour and a bit of Sprite. The result was the Grape Ape, a drink that quickly captured the attention of locals and visitors alike.
Today, the Grape Ape is a mainstay at Loon Cafe, especially on Viking Sundays. “I bet we make 500 to 1,000 of them every Sunday,” Dorn said. “It’s amazing how this drink took off. Now, even hotel concierges recommend it to guests.”
The Grape Ape also found an orange cousin called the Orangutan, which helped spread the drink’s popularity. “Chris Walsh and Mitch Berger were big fans of the Grape Ape. When the Vikings won games, they often bought them for all the customers,” Dorn remembered.
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While many local spots have created their own versions of the drink, the original remains a favorite far beyond Minneapolis. However, for Dorn, there’s a bittersweet note to the celebration. “I wish Danny was here to see where we are now,” he said. Baker passed away last year due to cancer.
“Losing a friend and coworker like Danny is tough. But the fact that we’re celebrating the Grape Ape this weekend gives us a chance to honor him and his role in creating this drink,” Dorn reflected.
The celebrations will continue starting at noon on Saturday. Visitors can stop by Loon Cafe for giveaways and enjoy plenty of Grape Ape if they’re thirsty. It’s a fitting tribute to a drink that has become more than just a shot—it’s a symbol of friendship, creativity, and community.
