Madras

The Madras is a classic, fuss-free highball drink made with vodka, cranberry juice and orange juice. A variation of a classic Cape Codder cocktail, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser and can made made within minutes without the need for any fancy bartending tools.

A Madras drink tastes like a cross between a Screwdriver and a Cape Codder…because that’s essential what it is. Fruity, tart and slightly sweet, you get the flavors of juicy orange juice and the tartness of cranberry, all in one hit. It’s a flavor combination that’s legendary.

Although its history isn’t well documented, the Madras cocktail dates back to the 1970s, originating from the U.S.

Its popularity peaked in the 1980s but it remains a popular fuss-free cocktail today.

Regarding the drink’s name, some sources propose it was inspired by Madras fabric, which is renowned for its distinctive and colorful plaid patterns, reflecting the drink’s vibrant colors.

• Pre-chill your highball glass
  The Madras is one of the drinks that are best enjoyed in summer. So, we highly recommend pre-chilling your glassware. Simply put your highball glasses in the freezer for 30 minutes. It’ll keep your drink colder, longer, which is always a good thing.
• Make fresh orange juice
  Don’t settle for bottled. squeeze fresh orange juice and the difference it’ll make to your Madras will be huge. There’s nothing like the taste of fresh squeezed orange juice. Use a blender or simply do it by hand using a citrus press or citrus elbow.
• Store bought cranberry juice
  OK, you know what I just wrote about fresh juice above? There’s always an exception to the rule and that exception is cranberry juice.

  Use store-bought sweetened cranberry juice in your Madras (and all other drinks in the Cape Cod family of cocktail). Cranberries are very tart and getting the right sweetness can be tricky, so go with store-bought…just this once.

The Madras cocktail is closely associated with the Cape Codder family of cocktails. By swapping one fruit juice for another while keeping the base of vodka and cranberry juice, you’ve got an entirely new drink.

• Cape Codder
  Swap out the orange juice found in a Madras and replace it with lime juice. You’re now holding the original, classic Cape Codder (aka Cape Cod). Check out the recipe for a Cape Codder.
• Sea Breeze
  Substitute orange juice for grapefruit juice and you’re now sipping a delicious Sea Breeze. Discover the recipe for a Sea Breeze cocktail.
• Bay Breeze
  Replace orange juice with pineapple juice and you’ve got a tropical Bay Breeze. Take a look at our Bay Breeze recipe.
• Top it up with bubbles
  Follow the recipe on this page but then add a fresh, effervescent twist to your Madras by adding a splash of soda water. Or if you really want to take it to the next level, top up your glass with prosecco and champagne.
• Use flavored vodka
  Follow the recipe for a Madras but swap original Absolut Vodka for one of a flavored Absolut Vodka. Need some inspriation? Try Absolut Watermelon, Absolut Lime or Absolut Citron!

• Since the Madras is a highball drink, we suggest serving it in a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
• For garnish, an orange wedge or an orange wheel perched on the side of the glass works beautifully.
• You can almost never go wrong with lime. A lime wedge is an extremely popular cocktail garnish, even for the Madras. So, if you prefer lime, go for it.
• Looking to highlight the cranberries? Skewer a few fresh cranberries on a cocktail stick and place it in your drink.