Tart, strong, and refreshing, the Cape Cod is the perfect cocktail to sip on as you watch the ocean waves.
Some of my favorite memories from childhood are often the ones that are the least exciting. For example, the time I first had cranberry juice one lazy summer day. Doesn’t sound like something to write about, but it’s a nice little moment that I think of whenever I have any drink mixed with the tart and tangy fruit juice.
My mom would sometimes mix a little 7-Up with some cranberry juice over ice if she was bored and wanted something with a little bite. She enjoys a tipple from time to time but is also a real lightweight, so she doesn’t imbibe that often. If she wanted a mixed drink, it was usually alcohol-free. The first time I saw her making one of these for herself, I just had to know what she was drinking and to please let me have some, etc… All the annoying traits a five-year-old could have, I was gifted with.
I had a sip. And another, and another… soon half of my mother’s drink was gone before she noticed and took it back. I had had the soda before on its own, but mixed with cranberry it took on a whole new life. The juice by itself made my face pucker, but mixed I felt I could taste everything that made it good.
In 1945, Ocean Spray promoted a cocktail called the Red Devil, which mixed vodka and cranberry juice, as a way to market their product. Twenty years later in 1965, the company rebranded the beverage as the Cape Codder, mostly due to its strong ties to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Over the years, the name was shortened to the Cape Cod. Some will even just refer to it simply as a Vodka Cranberry. Whatever name you call it by, it is sure to stir some strong memories.
What is the Best Vodka to Use in a Cape Cod?
An unflavored vodka is recommended to really let the cranberry juice lead the conversation. I recently discovered Nikka Coffey Japanese vodka. Distilled using the Coffey still brought over from Scotland in 1963, this spirit is one of the cleanest, crispest and smoothest you’ll ever have. And in a Cape Cod cocktail, it elevates the whole experience beyond what you’d expect. Definitely try it.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- Cranberry juice to top, chilled
- 1 lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes and pour the vodka over the ice.
- Top the glass with chilled cranberry juice to your liking.
- Stir the mixture gently to combine the vodka and cranberry juice.
- Squeeze the juice from a lime wedge over the drink and drop the lime wedge into the glass as a garnish.
Nutrition
What kind of glass and garnish is used for a Cape Cod?
A highball glass filled with ice will keep your cocktail cool. A little squeeze of lime will give it a subtle citrus zest.
What is a non-alcoholic version of this?
You could copy my mom’s simple concoction and swap out the vodka for a lemon/lime soda or sparkling lemonade. The bubbles will give it a little kick. To keep the texture smoother, a simple lemon or limeade will do.
Similar Cocktails to the Cape Cod
Cranberries are pretty magical, especially when used in some of our favorite cocktails. Twist & Toast has some delicious summertime, and wintertime, recipes to keep you and your friends refreshed and smiling the next time you all get together. If the Cape Cod is to your liking, try making some of these other tart-flavored treats.
- Bay Breeze – Adding pineapple juice to your Cape Cod gives you a nice, cool Bay Breeze.
- Cranberry Whiskey Sour – Warm up by the fire with this festive drink during the holiday season.
- Cranberry Calvados – A tasty, big-batch cocktail that’ll bring some Christmas cheer to your guests.
- Long Beach Iced Tea – A West Coast-inspired take on the classic Long Island version, featuring cranberry juice over cola.
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