Cape Cod Cocktail

A simple 3-ingredient cocktail that’s refreshingly tart, the Cape Cod is a classic blend of vodka, cranberry, and lime.

The Cape Codder (Cape Cod Cocktail)

Also known as the “Cape Codder,” the Cape Cod is a common name for a vodka cranberry cocktail, with the addition of a lime wedge.

During my years as a bartender, this might have been the most requested drink! Well, it might be a toss-up between a vodka cranberry and a vodka soda.

The beauty of this drink is its simplicity: 2 simple ingredients and a lime wedge garnish. Any bar you go to should be able to make this drink, and it’s pretty much impossible to mess up!

The next time you’re ordering a drink and want a vodka cranberry, why not try ordering it by it’s “official” name?

PS- If you love vodka cranberry, try this Woo Woo shot recipe too!

Where Did The Name Cape Codder Come From?

Cranberries are native to North America, and over 1/3rd of the United States’ cranberry crops are produced in the state of Massachusetts. The name “Cape Cod” is a nod to the popular seaside destination in Massachusetts.

Credit to inventing the drink itself may be given to Ocean Spray cranberry growers, who in 1945 mixed vodka and cranberry juice and dubbed it the “Red Devil.” Sometime later, the name Cape Codder came into play and is now how the drink is widely known. (Source)

Ingredients

• 1.5 ounces vodka
• 4 ounces cranberry juice
• lime wedge

Helpful Bartending Tools

For your convenience, we’ve included shop-able ad links to products we love and use; disclosure policy available here.

• Cocktail Jigger (for measuring liquor amounts)
• Boston Cocktail Shaker Set (contains shakers, jigger, strainer)
• Bar Spoon (traditional tool for stirring cocktails)

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail glass with ice.
2. Pour in vodka.
3. Top glass off with cranberry juice.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Prep Tips

• To make sure you get all that lime flavor, squeeze the juice from the lime wedge and then drop the wedge into your drink.
• This drink can be served in any type of glassware. If you like a stronger drink, use a shorter glass and less juice. If you like it fruitier, choose a tall glass and adjust the ratio of your recipe to use more juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between Cranberry Juice and Cranberry Juice Cocktail?

The main difference between cranberry juice and cranberry juice cocktail is how they are sweetened. Cranberry juice that is labeled 100% juice has no added sugars, but instead is sweetened by blending with other juices that are sweeter, such as apple juice.

By contrast, cranberry juice cocktail contains added sugar or corn syrup. It is usually much sweeter in taste.

Both will work in this recipe, so it is simply a matter of preference and how sweet you like your drink.

Does it Matter Which Vodka Is Used?

Nope! You’re welcome to use any brand or type of vodka for this recipe. It’s more about the ingredients that are combined (vodka and cranberry juice) than the actual vodka itself.

More Vodka Drinks To Try

• Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe
• Apple Martini
• Screwdriver Cocktail Recipe
• Bay Breeze Cocktail (a variation on the Cape Cod recipe)

Cape Cod Cocktail Recipe (Printable Copy)

If you tried this recipe and liked it, please rate it!

Pin our Cape Cod Recipe on Pinterest:

You might also like:

Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe