published on July 27, 2024 in blog

Vodka Cranberry Cocktail - Cape Cod Drink

2 image vodka cranberry pin with color block and text overlay with close up image at top and two glasses at bottom

The Vodka Cranberry is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day or sipping at a holiday party! Bursting with tart cranberry flavor and a hint of lime, this Cape Cod drink is bright, bold and incredibly refreshing. Dress it up with lime wedges and cranberries to elevate this drink to holiday party status. Looking for more holiday cocktails? Try my Cranberry Mojitos and Midori Sour!

vodka cranberry recipe in two glasses with lime wedges and cranberries vodka bottle in background

Vodka Cranberry – Cape Cod Cocktail

If there ever was a cocktail that worked beautifully for any occasion, the Vodka Cranberry has to be it. This three ingredient classic cocktail is a hit at every party, no matter the time of year.

This cocktail is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day or sipping at a holiday party! No shaking or other bar tools are required to make this easy drink recipe bursting with tart cranberry flavor and a hint of lime with a shot of vodka.

Christmas Cocktails

Perfect for the holidays due to it’s bright, bold color and cranberry flavor, this Vodka Cranberry recipe can easily be dressed up with fresh or frozen cranberries and lime wedges that work perfectly to elevate this drink to holiday party status.

This drink has a lot of the same flavors as my Cranberry Mojitos but calls for fewer ingredients and is simpler to make. Both are perfect for the holiday season.

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It’s also a tasty addition to your holiday brunch menu. We love to serve it alongside these brunch favorites:

vodka cranberry cocktail in glass with lime wedge and cranberries sitting on dark wood board

Summer Cocktails

It’s also everyone’s favorite summer cocktail recipe. Undeniably refreshing thanks to the tart cranberry juice and refreshing lime juice, this poolside classic is a great way to cool off.

What’s In a Vodka Cranberry Cocktail?

Although the name implies that this vodka cranberry recipe only has two ingredients, the fact is that it has three (or four if you prefer it sweeter). Without the addition of the fresh lime juice, the drink falls a little flat.

The fresh lime juice imparts brightness and freshness to this classic Cape Cod cocktail that you and your guests will appreciate.

For each serving you’ll need:

1 ounce vodka
4 ounces 100% cranberry juice
1 lime wedge

vodka cranberry cocktail in glass with lime wedge and cranberries sitting on dark wood board

How To Make A Cape Cod Drink

A perfectly prepared Vodka Cranberry is a thing of beauty. This is for a short rocks glass, double the ingredients for a Collins or highball glass.

Fill a glass ⅔ full of ice.

Pour in the vodka and cranberry juice and stir to combine.

Give the lime wedge a light squeeze over the drink before using it as a garnish.

Add up to 2 teaspoons of simple syrup if you want a sweeter drink.

The ratio for a vodka cranberry should always be 1:4.

How To Make Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is easily made and is great to have on hand for cocktails such as this Cape Cod drink. I like to leave it out for those who prefer a sweeter cocktail.

Combine equal amounts of water and granulated sugar in saucepan and stir to combine. I frequently do 1 cup of each or 2 cups of each if I want to have some on hand for future drinks.

Let come to a simmer and stir just a few minutes or until sugar has dissolved.

Remove pan from heat and let cool.

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Variations To Try

While I highly recommend fresh lime juice, you can use Rose’s Sweetened Lime Juice for a sweeter version. Use one to two teaspoons depending on your desired level of sweetness.

Try adding a tablespoon or so of fresh squeezed orange juice to the drink. It adds a touch of sweetness and rounds out the tartness from the cranberry juice. It also makes it officially perfect for holiday brunches.

Using cranberry cocktail juice instead of 100% cranberry juice is probably the easiest way to sweeten this Cape Cod Drink. Simple swap the cocktail juice in 1:1 or use half and half of each.

vodka cranberry cocktail in glass with lime wedge and cranberries sitting on dark wood board

More Cocktail Recipes

Basil Lemon Drop

Pineapple Margarita– Classic or Frozen!

Midori Sour Recipe

Berry Champagne Punch

Cranberry Mojitos

How To Make A Vodka Cranberry

Vodka Cranberry - Cape Cod Cocktail

The Vodka Cranberry is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day or sipping at a holiday party! Bursting with tart cranberry flavor and a hint of lime, this Cape Cod drink is bright, and bold and incredibly refreshing. Dress it up with lime wedges and cranberries to elevate this drink to holiday party status. It's the perfect Christmas cocktail!

Course Beverage Cuisine American Keyword cape cod drink, vodka cranberry Prep Time 2 Servings Calories 125kcal Author Trish - Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

ice
1 ounce vodka
4 ounces 100% cranberry juice
1 lime wedge
1 tablespoon simple syrup optional

Instructions

Fill a glass ⅔ full of ice.
Pour in the vodka and cranberry juice and stir to combine.
Give the lime wedge a light squeeze over the drink before using it as a garnish.

Notes

I highly recommend using 100% cranberry juice and not juice cocktail.
Add up to 2 teaspoons of simple syrup if you want a sweeter drink.
This is for a short rocks glass, double for a Collins or highball glass.
The ratio for a vodka cranberry should always be 1:4.

Nutrition

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