how to make a classic cape codder drink
Ingredients
WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT
The Cape Codder Cocktail is a classic drink based around two star ingredients: vodka and – the bartender’s favorite – cranberry juice. It’s named for its association with Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and has a reputation as a real crowd pleaser at summer parties casual get-togethers when you need something quick, easy and balanced.
With only two primary elements in the Cape Codder, you don’t need a PhD in mixology. Just a little time and some quality ingredients.
How to Mix a Cape Cod
- Fill a highball with ice cubes.
- Add your desired amount of cranberry juice.
- Pour in your Vodka.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Watch How to Mix a Classic Cap Codder
What is a Cape Cod Cocktail?
The Cape Cod Cocktail, also known as a Cape Codder, Red Devil or a Vodka Cranberry, is a simple drink made with – you guessed it – cranberry juice and vodka. It’s not shaken, stirred or strained – just served in a flash. If you’re feeling fancy, you might even garnish a Cap Codder drink with a lime wedge – either on the glass rim, or dropping it in.
What Does a Cape Cod Drink Taste Like?
When it comes to cocktails, the Cape Codder is a tartly sweet, smooth and tangy flavor that’s a win for most occasions. It has a refreshing taste capped off with a tinge of bitterness. With the lime, you get a citrusy ping which compliments the vodka and cranberry.
The History of the Cape Codder Cocktail
While it has many names, this cocktail is best known as the Cape Cod or Cape Codder, named after its place of origin – Cape Cod – and saw popular use in the 1960s.
However, the Cape Codder cocktail’s origins are thought to go back as far as the 1940s, when a cranberry juice manufacturer crafted the cocktail to promote their product. And promote it, they did. It wasn’t promoted as the Cape Codder as we know, instead they named it the “Red Devil”.
Looking forward, publications began to use the term “Cap Cod”, named after Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a region famed for its cranberry production. These cranberry bogs shine the same shade of red as the Cape Codder, making it a natural fit for the drink.
The name Cape Codder stuck, people adored this simple but balanced cocktail, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Tips for Making a Perfect Cape Codder
While the Cape Codder is a simple drink, there’s still a few things you can do to really make your vodka cranberry cocktail a winner – even if you’re not a bartender.
Try Cranberry Juice Drink
Our first tip is to keep things simple. To help give a more rounded drink, you might want to consider swapping straight cranberry juice for cranberry juice drink from the carton. This type of sweetened mix can help balance the bitter flavor of the cranberries.
Keep Things Cold
Next, always remember that a Cape Codder is best served chilled. Keep your ingredients and your serving glasses) cool for a more refreshing taste. Make sure to use plenty of ice in the preparation, too.
Make Your Lime Fresh
Finally, use a fresh lime for a citrusy garnish – it elevates the cocktail and adds a nice zing to the drink. And remember, adjust the ratio of vodka to cranberry juice as you like – after all, you’re the one drinking it.
Other Cranberry Vodka Drinks
Like what you see with a classic Cape Codder? Try out these other combinations of vodka and cranberry.
Sea Breeze Cocktail
Enjoy the Cape Codder, but want to experiment a little bit? Why not add a bit of grapefruit juice and make yourself a Sea Breeze – it’s a tangy twist on a bitter classic.
Make a Sea Breeze cocktail with Absolut.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmo cocktail is a citrusy showstopper – and not as far removed from a Cape Codder as you’d think. You’ll need a bit more than vodka and cranberries, but it’s still an easy drink to mix at home.
Whip up a Cosmopolitan cocktail.
Bay Breeze
If you’re a fan of the taste of a Cape Codder, but want a sweeter, punchier taste then the Bay Breeze cocktail is the perfect, tropical twist. With a touch of added sweetness from pineapple juice, the Bay Breeze builds on the Cape Codder in a simple yet satisfying way.
Try our Bay Breeze cocktail recipe.
Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Cape Codder
- To get that authentic Cape Codder look, you might want to consider serving your cocktail in a highball glass with plenty of ice
- Try garnishing with a lime wedge – or lime wheel – on the rim or in the drink.
- Sweeten things up with a sugared rim
- Consider including fresh cranberries as a garnish to finish your cocktail off.
Cape Codder FAQs
With this drink being a classic blend of vodka and cranberry juice, the name Cape Codder is a reference to the place in Massachusetts where cranberries are famously farmed in large volumes.
Cranberry juice has a natural dry, bitter edge that might be a touch too intense for some people. To soften the edges of this classic cocktail, try using sweetened cranberry juice drink instead, or even a 50:50 mix of the two.
