The Classic Vodka Cranberry: Quick Cape Cod Cocktail Recipe

A Vodka Cranberry cocktail is just what it sounds like: a combination of vodka and cranberry juice, typically garnished with a wedge of lime. Often called a Cape Cod or Cape Codder, this cocktail was named after a town in Eastern Massachusetts, a region celebrated for its production of cranberries. A simple ratio of vodka and cranberry juice is all you need to make this classic cocktail recipe, but don’t be afraid to make it your own by adding additional ingredients, using a flavored vodka, or playing up the garnishes for a fancier, cocktail bar–style variation.

Once you’ve mastered the classic Vodka Cranberry, mix it up with these fun variations.

1. 1. Make a punch. For an ultra festive, Christmas party-ready cocktail, turn this recipe into a Vodka Cranberry punch by making a larger batch. Add lime or orange juice, frozen or fresh cranberries, and serve it in a pitcher with an array of garnishes on the side to decorate each glass. Bonus: You don’t have to mix drinks all night!
2. 2. Try it as a spritz. A splash of sparkling wine or club soda and an orange twist for garnish transforms this nighttime drink into brunch fare.
3. 3. Use an out-of-the-box vodka. While plain old vodka is traditional in this drink, citrus-infused vodkas such as orange, grapefruit, citron, or lime vodka would pair very well with this cocktail.
4. 4. Decorate the ice. It requires a bit of planning ahead, but making ice cubes with edible flowers, herbs, or fruit encased within can add visual impact to a classic cocktail. Use whole cranberries for an extra pop of cranberry flavor! Simply add your desired fruit or flower to an ice cube tray, top with water, and freeze.
5. 5. Serve it “up.” For another classic variation on cranberry juice and vodka, mix with triple sec and lime juice, and serve in a chilled martini glass to make a Cosmopolitan.
6. 6. Take a trip to the beach. To make a Bay Breeze, replace some of the cranberry juice with pineapple juice for a fun and easy variation. For a Sea Breeze, sub in an ounce of grapefruit juice.
7. 7. Make it sweet. This cocktail recipe doesn’t typically contain simple syrup, but if you prefer your cocktails on the sweeter side, feel free to add a half-ounce of it to balance the tartness.

Here’s how to make a proper cocktail at home.

1. 1. Use the proper measuring tools. While you might see seasoned bartenders pour drinks by eye, this requires practice, skill, and specific pouring tips on the bottles. For a balanced cocktail, always measure each component for the most consistent results.
2. 2. Chill the glassware. A cold cocktail is always better in a chilled glass: It will stay cold longer and won’t get watered down as quickly. A chilled glass is also a nice touch when you’re trying to impress guests. You can chill glassware in the refrigerator or freezer, or simply fill the glass with ice water and let it sit as you mix your cocktail.
3. 3. Use the best ingredients you can find. As with anything that requires few ingredients, quality matters. One hundred percent cranberry juice has the tart, bracing flavor needed to balance the alcohol in this cocktail, as opposed to cranberry juice cocktail mixtures that are sometimes more sweet than tart. When it comes to the vodka, ask your local liquor store which is best for mixing as opposed to serving straight up.