Vodka Cranberry

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

The tart and tangy Vodka Cranberry is a simple and classic cocktail, as easy to imbibe as it is to make.

How many of us remember that first alcoholic beverage we ever tried? Or rather, how many of us have memories of the first time we legally purchased a cocktail? In my own experience, my mother was fond of sneaking me a beer or two while I was in my late teens, or she’d purchase herself a tall oat soda while we were out and clandestinely push it in front of my plate. I’m not advocating the delinquency of a minor, don’t get me wrong. But my mom’s pretty cool.

Back to the topic at hand. Your first cocktail, no matter how many brewskies you snuck around with, is always a memorable experience. For me, it was a Whiskey Sour, and only because when the bartender asked me what I wanted, it was all I could think of. Which is fine, I love that drink to this day.

But many of my friends have openly admitted that their first mixed beverage was the recipe we’re looking at tonight, the Vodka Cranberry, mostly due to how easy it is to sip on. Mixed with a tart and tangy cranberry juice to make the boozy bite from the vodka more palatable, this cocktail was originally created as a marketing gimmick for Ocean Spray around the 1940s, and was initially named “The Red Devil”. To this day, this simple elixir often goes by the name the Cape Cod or Cape Codder.

Whatever you call it, this strong and sweet beverage will never go out of style, especially when novice cocktail enthusiasts come calling.

What is the best vodka to use in a Vodka Cranberry?

There are cranberry-infused spirits available to buy, such as Stoli, Smirnoff and Deep Eddy, and these will give you a stronger, fruitier taste when you mix this drink with them. I always advocate for an unflavored vodka when crafting a cocktail. This will allow the other ingredients to shine, and will result in a wonderfully balanced mixture. A potato or corn-distilled version will lend a pleasant heat on the finish, as well as some subtle sweetness from the bite of the vodka.

What glassware and garnish are used?

Fill a tall glass with ice, either a collins or highball, and once your drink is mixed and ready, garnish with a lime wedge on the rim.

Can you add anything else to this cocktail?

Sometimes I like to top off my Vodka Cranberry with a little lemon-lime soda, like Sprite or 7UP. This provides some effervescence as well as a little extra citrus flavor, which blends nicely with the cranberry juice.

Similar cocktails to the Vodka Cranberry

Cranberry used in cocktails is a stunning and brilliant idea. The tart and full-bodied flavor from the little red fruit is one of the finest mixers in the alcoholic beverage world. So many of our favorite, classic libations utilize the ingredient, so if you’re curious about what other recipes you can try, check out some of these to begin with.

• Cranberry Moscow Mule – Grab your copper cups and ginger beer to craft this delicious and fruity potion.
• Cranberry Martini – Make your next ‘Tini an elegant and dark red one.
• Madras – Vodka, cranberry and orange juice combine in this unforgettable sipper.
• Pink Pussy Shot – Cranberry juice, peach schnapps, and Chambord join forces in this naughty-sounding shooter.