The Cape Codder is one of the great simple cocktails. Three ingredients, two minutes, and that gorgeous deep ruby-red color in the glass every single time.
The Cape Codder – also called a Cape Cod or vodka cranberry is about as classic as it gets. Vodka, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice over ice. That’s really all there is to it.
The name comes from Cape Cod in Massachusetts, which has been cranberry country since the 1800s. The drink was first promoted in 1945 by a cranberry growers’ cooperative under the name “Red Devil,” and it’s been a bar staple ever since.
What I love about this recipe is how well the three ingredients balance each other. The cranberry juice cocktail brings sweetness and that stunning color. The vodka keeps things clean and neutral. And the fresh lime cuts through the sweetness and adds a little citrus brightness that really wakes the whole drink up. If you love cranberry cocktails, you might also enjoy my cranberry gin martini – same gorgeous color, completely different vibe.
Key ingredients and why
- Vodka is the perfect base here because it doesn’t compete with the cranberry. Use whatever unflavored vodka you have on hand – this is not the place to spend big money.
- Cranberry juice cocktail adds sweetness, color, and that gorgeous deep red hue. 100% pure cranberry that hasn’t been sweetened with either fruit juice or sugar isn’t right for this drink, it’s way too tannic. Use cranberry juice cocktail, which is what bars use and what this drink was built around.
- Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable here. Please, no bottled lime juice. A real lime takes ten seconds to squeeze and the difference in a three-ingredient drink is enormous. I use 0.5oz (15ml), which gives the drink a nice citrus edge without overpowering the cranberry.
How to make it
- Start by filling an old-fashioned glass with ice.
- Add vodka, lime juice and cranberry juice.
- Stir the cocktail well, then add a wedge of lime.
TIPS
- Adjust the ratio to taste. More cranberry makes it sweeter and more fruit-forward. A little less cranberry with an extra squeeze of lime makes it tarter and sharper. Play around until you find your version.
- Short glass or tall glass? I like mine in a short rocks glass because it keeps the drink concentrated and the flavors punchy. If you prefer something longer and more refreshing, move to a tall highball glass, increase the cranberry juice to 3oz (90ml).
- Make a pitcher. This drink scales up beautifully. For 8 servings, combine 12oz (355ml) vodka, 20oz (590ml) cranberry juice cocktail, and 4oz (120ml) fresh lime juice. Serve over ice.
- Lime wedge garnish. Squeeze the wedge over the drink just before serving for an extra hit of lime, then drop it in.
You might also like
If you enjoyed this Cape Codder, here are some other drinks to try next:
- Sea Breeze Cocktail – the Cape Codder’s beach cousin, with grapefruit juice added to the mix
- Cranberry Gin Martini – a more sophisticated cranberry cocktail with gin
- Madras Cocktail – cranberry and orange juice with vodka, for when you want something a little softer
- Vodka Lime Slush – a frozen vodka and lime drink that’s perfect for summer
- Lime Drop Martini – if you love that fresh lime hit, this one’s for you
Cape Codder Cocktail (Vodka Cranberry)
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 2.5 oz cranberry juice increase if using a tall glass
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- Ice
- Lime wedge
Instructions
- Fill a short rocks glass to the rim with ice.
- Add the vodka and fresh lime juice.
- Top with the cranberry juice cocktail and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use cranberry juice cocktail, not 100% pure cranberry juice. Cranberry juice cocktail is what bars use and what gives this drink its sweetness and color. Pure unsweetened cranberry is too tannic and will throw the balance off.
- Lime juice must be fresh. No bottled.
- For a longer drink, use a tall highball glass and increase the cranberry juice to 3oz (90ml).
