Vodka cocktails are my absolute favorite kind of cocktails. And vodka cranberry cocktail tops the charts anytime, for me. I am sure it is because when I started out to try alcoholic beverages, Vodka was the most popular spirit. As vodka is a neutral spirit, without any distinct taste or color ( unless we are talking about the black vodka that I used in my Black Magic Martini and many other infused vodkas), it is easy to build cocktails based on the flavor profile you like.
The Cape Codder Cocktail, also known as cape cod cocktail if you don’t add lime/ lemon juice, is a really quick and easy vodka cranberry recipe. Yes, As simple as that.
What do you need to make a Cape Codder Cocktail ?
- Vodka
- Cranberry juice
- Lime/ lemon
- Ice
And that really is all to make this New England cocktail drink. Good quality ingredients, stirred together and poured. Some versions of this cocktail add sparkling water or soda.
Purists may find that this recipe that I am sharing today is not “traditional”. The great thing about a fruit juice based cocktail is that you can make it the way you like it. At least I do.
Welcome to Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a Progressive Dinner Party. This month’s theme is A New England Feast. From lobster and blueberries to Vermont cheddar and pizza, New England cuisine encompasses a lot. Our host this month is Sarah Walker Caron who blogs at Sarah’s Cucina Bella. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats it’s a virtual party. A theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out. Come along and see all of the deliciousness we’ve put together for our celebration inspired dishes!
A New England Feast
Cocktails- New England Bloody Mary – Creative Culinary
- Cape Codder Cocktail – Spice Roots
- Savory Warm Apple Dip – Beyond Mere Sustenance
- Lobster Salad – That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Parker House Rolls – The Redhead Baker
- Healthy Apple Cheddar Muffins – The Wimpy Vegetarian
- New Haven-Style Clam Pizza – Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Lobster Benedict – Sarah’s Cucina Bella
- Weeknight Skillet Shrimp – Shockingly Delicious
- Old Bay Roasted Potato Wedges with Vermont Cheddar Cheese Sauce – From a Chef’s Kitchen
- Boston Cream Pie – Clandestine Cake Club
Cape Codder Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka (Van Gogh or Grey Goose)
- 4 oz cranberry juice (Unsweetened)
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- 1/2 oz benedictine
- 1/2 oz lemon/lime juice
- 1 oz ginger beer ( Bundaberg preferably)
- a few sprigs mint to garnish
- slice of lime or lemon to garnish
Instructions
fill a mixing glass with ice
pour all ingredients over ice except the lemon and mint
stir till the drink is completely chilled
take a high ball glass and add in a few ice cubes
strain the drink over ice
garnish with mint and lime/lemon
Recipe Notes
- if using a sweetened cranberry juice, you can skip using the grenadine.
- ginger beer is optional. You can substitute with a soda or sparkling water
Comments 15
This is a wonderful cocktail! Love its flavor, and its vibrant good looks. Addition of ginger beer is neat — like the idea of that, a lot. Thanks!
Besides being absolutely gorgeous, these Cape Codders sound delicious! I’m hoping they go with a future theme for my book club because they’re a must try!!!
Love that this has cranberry juice in it! So perfect for serving around the upcoming holidays!
Beautiful in its simplicity! Like so many cocktails (and food), the quality of ingredients make all the difference! I’m looking forward to giving this beauty a whirl!
Lovely lovely cocktail. I have to admit that when I want a quickie I’ve often combined cranberry juice, vodka, lime, and a little bit of ginger beer.
I just never knew it was so close to a cocktail with a real name.
Lovely photos too!
I love a simple and tasty cocktail. I think this sounds so refreshing.
Author
Simple cocktails are my jam because I can’t do a set of complicated steps to make a drink because usually when I am ready to drink , it is because i NEED a drink :))
Beautiful photos! I’ve never heard this referred to as a Cape Codder, but it totally makes sense.
Author
Thank you, Karen. I found out that if you leave the lime out, it is a cape cod cocktail! :))
I see so many lovely cocktails on the menu for Progressive Eats. I’m going to have to start making them. They look so refreshing.
Author
We are a good influence! Aren’t we, Lynn? haha
First of all, this is stunning. I always look forward to your photography, and this is no exception. Second, my husband always orders vodka on the rocks with a splash of cranberry. I’m going to suggest this drink to him next time!
Author
Thank you, Susan. You always lift me up with your words! I was also just going for cranberry and vodka – but my husband loves to craft cocktails and here we are!
That looks divine. It reminds me of trips to the Cape in the fall, when the cranberry bogs are harvested and roadside stands sell fresh cranberries for a few bucks. Cranberry juice and vodka is a favorite cocktail combination for me as well. Yum.
Author
I loved this month’s theme, Sarah. I learned a lot about the New England Cusine, thanks to you. Now a trip to the Cape is in order.