A vodka cranberry cocktail brings simple elegance to any occasion. This classic drink mixes tart cranberry juice with smooth vodka for a perfect balance of flavors.
The basic recipe needs just 2 ounces of vodka and 4 ounces of cranberry juice mixed over ice. Add a lime wedge for garnish.
The drink gained fame in the 1960s when Ocean Spray launched a marketing campaign promoting cranberry juice cocktails. The bright red color and refreshing taste made it an instant hit at bars and parties across America.
Many people know this drink as a “Cape Codder” because of its origins in Massachusetts, where cranberry bogs dot the coastline. The recipe can be adjusted to taste by adding more or less vodka, or mixing in a splash of lime juice for extra zest.
Vodka & Cranberry Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Collins or highball glass
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Ice scoop
- Bar spoon
- Cocktail strainer (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 oz 60 ml vodka
- 4 oz 120 ml cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz 15 ml fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge for garnish optional
Instructions
- Fill a collins glass with ice cubes until it’s about 3/4 full.
- Pour the vodka into the glass using a jigger to measure.
- Add the cranberry juice and lime juice.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Vodka & Cranberry cocktail offers a bright, vibrant red color that catches the eye. Its aroma brings forward fresh cranberry notes with subtle hints of citrus.
The first sip presents a perfect balance between sweet and tart flavors. The cranberry juice delivers a crisp, fruity taste while the vodka adds a clean, neutral base that lets the other ingredients shine.
This drink has a smooth, medium-bodied texture. The cranberry juice gives it a slight tartness that tingles on the tongue, while keeping the drink refreshing and easy to sip.
The finish is clean and slightly dry, with lingering notes of cranberry. Each sip leaves a pleasant, fruity aftertaste that invites another taste.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Primary: Tart cranberry
- Secondary: Light citrus
- Finish: Clean, dry
Texture Profile:
- Light to medium body
- Smooth mouthfeel
- Slight effervescence from mixing
The drink’s temperature affects its taste profile. When served ice-cold, the flavors become crisper and more refreshing. As it warms slightly, the cranberry notes become more pronounced.
Substitute
You can swap out vodka for gin in a Cranberry Cocktail. The gin adds botanical notes that blend well with tart cranberry juice.
White rum makes another tasty alternative. The light, sweet flavor of rum creates a tropical twist on the classic drink.
For a non-alcoholic version, use club soda or sparkling water instead of vodka. This creates a fizzy, refreshing mocktail that everyone can enjoy.
Alternative Mixers:
- White grape juice
- Apple juice
- Ginger ale
- Lemon-lime soda
Want less sugar? Replace regular cranberry juice with diet cranberry juice or unsweetened cranberry juice. Mix with a splash of simple syrup to control the sweetness level.
Try pomegranate juice as a substitute for cranberry juice. It offers a similar tart flavor with a deeper red color.
Non-Juice Options:
- Cranberry-flavored sparkling water
- Sugar-free cranberry drink mix
- Cranberry tea (chilled)
The drink works well with many types of clear spirits. Tequila creates a tart variation that pairs nicely with a lime garnish.
