The Cape Cod Cocktail, that vodka and cranberry classic, gets a holiday makeover in this light and refreshing winter cocktail recipe! What better way to use up that leftover cranberry sauce than to put it into a cocktail?
As you know, I haven’t always been a fan of vodka cocktails. But after experimenting with a Moscow Mule, a Vodka Martini and a Vodka Gimlet, I realized what I had been missing!
What’s in a Cape Cod Cocktail?
- Vodka – I like Snow Leopard for this drink but any good quality vodka will do nicely.
- Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice – this one is still the best.
- Limes – fresh lime juice
- Leftover cranberry sauce – Optional– for a traditional Cape Cod, you don’t need this but the drink is so much better with it!
- Simple syrup -Optional – this cocktail is fairly dry so if you enjoy a sweeter cocktail, you can add about 1/4 oz. of simple syrup.
- Peychaud’s bitters -Optional – although not an ingredient in a classic vodka and cranberry cocktail, the bitters add an amazing depth to this simple drink.
- Fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary – Optional – make a lovely garnish for the holidays but you can certainly omit them.
Everything you want to know about this Cranberry Cocktail – aka a Cape Codder
Currently, this drink is known as a Cape Cod or a Cape Codder. The original title of this cocktail was the Red Devil!
The Cape Cod Cocktail recipe was developed in 1945 by the Ocean Spray cranberry growers cooperative in Cape Cod, Massachusetts as a way to promote cranberry juice. Pretty smart, right?
This vodka and cranberry cocktail is just what its name implies, vodka and cranberry typically served with a wedge of lime.
Vodka is a low calorie spirit and cranberry juice is high in Vitamin C and phytonutrients. So, if you are counting calories, this cocktail not a bad choice.
The name comes from how the locals in Cape Cod order the drink. Since the 1950s, the name has spread to the rest of the United States.
How to make a this Cape Cod drink:
- For the traditional Cape Codder, fill a collins glass with ice, pour in the vodka and top with ocean spray cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime.
- If using cranberry sauce, combine the sauce, vodka and simple syrup in a shaker tin. Squeeze a lime wedge over the mixture. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish and enjoy.
Other Easy Cocktails you may like!
Cape Cod Cocktail: Vodka and Cranberry
Ingredients
- 2 oz. vodka I like Snowleopard
- 2 oz. cranberry juice cocktail
- 1 Tablespoon cranberry sauce
- 1 lime wedge
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup optional
- 2 dashes peychauds bitters
Instructions
- Combine the vodka, cranberry juice cocktail and cranberry sauce into a shaker tin. Squeeze the lime wedge and add to the tin. Add the bitters.
- Add ice to the cocktail tin and shake for 30 – 45 seconds until the outside gets really cold. Taste and add simple syrup if needed and then re shake to mix. Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with the cranberries and rosemary sprig if desired.
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