Make the ultimate Cape Cod Drink (a.k.a Cape Codder or, simply, Cranberry Vodka) using your own homemade cranberry infused vodka! This garnet-hued vodka is perfect for sipping on its own or mixing in cocktails and it makes the perfect gift for cocktail lovers.

You will also love my Red Queen Cocktail

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Cape Cod Drink (Vodka Cranberry) served over ice in a rocks glass

Chances are that a vodka cranberry was one of the very first drinks you ordered, back when ordering a cocktail was a bit intimidating… No? Just me?

As the name would imply, this is a drink made with vodka and cranberry juice served over ice, maybe with a touch of lime juice as well.

It’s an extremely refreshing drink, sweet yet tart at the same time and not too strong (I am looking at you Long Island Iced Tea) – a perfect beginner’s cocktail!

But just because it is an easy three ingredient drink that doesn’t mean it’s not worth making.

What’s in a name

Vodka cranberry is one name for this drink… The clever folks of Ocean Spray decided to promote a vodka and cranberry juice drink in the mid 60s and they named it the Cape Codder (or Cape Cod drink).

Whatever what you decide to call it, the Cape Codder is perpetually popular and there’s endless variations too.

Cranberry Infused Vodka

Why mix vodka and cranberry juice when you can go a step further and use actual cranberry vodka? Unlike flavoured vodkas, this is the REAL DEAL – fresh cranberries steeped in vodka with sugar or simple syrup for 1-2 weeks.

The cranberries lend their lovely tart flavour and incredibly vibrant colour to the vodka which is then strained and transferred to a bottle for safe keeping.

I am kidding! The bottle is guaranteed not to last long, at least not in a cocktail loving house. It also makes an incredibly thoughtful gift for the holidays that couldn’t possibly look any more festive if it tried.

Drink the chilled vodka as a shot or use it in cocktails like the Cosmopolitan (you can leave out the cranberry juice if preferred) or make a variation of the Red Queen with vodka instead of gin. Take a look at my favourite cocktail bible (The Spirits) for more inspiration.

Bottle of homemade cranberry infused vodka with vodka cranberry drinks on side

Ingredients and equipment

Here’s what you will need to make your cranberry vodka

Fresh cranberries – or frozen and defrosted cranberries
Simple syrup or sugar. You can easily buy simple syrup or make your own (see recipe card)
A jigger or measuring spoons
A 70cl bottle of vodka – I used Stolichnaya
Large mason jar (quart size)
Muddler (or a potato masher)
Strainer or cheesecloth to strain the vodka
A bottle to store the infused vodka in (or you can simply reuse the vodka bottle)
A funnel

HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY INFUSED VODKA

STEP 1. Put the cranberries in a large bowl (or in your jar if it has a wide mouth) and muddle using a potato masher or a muddler. You want to lightly smash them.

STEP 2. Transfer to your clean jar and add the simple syrup. Stir well.

STEP 3. Pour the entire bottle of vodka over the cranberries and seal the jar. Reserve the empty vodka bottle if you wish to use again.

STEP 4. Put the jar in a dark cool place for two weeks, turning it over once or twice if you remember.

STEP 5. Strain the vodka using a fine-mesh strainer (or cheesecloth).

STEP 6. Then transfer into the bottle using a funnel. Store in the fridge.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Vodka or homemade cranberry infused vodka
Cranberry Juice (Ocean Spray or you can find some pure juices if you want to experiment)
Lime juice
Ice cubes
Rocks glass (I used these Anton Studio Soho Tumblers in the photos)
Typhoon Terrazzo Hexagon Coasters to display your drink? They make a great gift 😉

HOW TO MAKE A CAPE COD DRINK

Take a look at this step by step tutorial – please note you will find the full recipe, including ingredients in the recipe card at the end of this post.

You can vary the ratio of vodka to cranberry juice to suit your preference. This version uses 1 part vodka to 2 parts cranberry juice. A lighter version would have 1 measure vodka and 3 measures juice.

It’s very easy to make a pitcher of vodka cranberry for a party – pour 1 cup of vodka (240ml) into a jug. Stir in 2 cups (480ml) cranberry juice and ¼ cup (60ml) lime juice and chill until you are ready to serve (makes 4 servings, double it to make 8).

STEP 1. Add plenty of ice cubes to your glass.

STEP 2. Pour two measures (¼ cup /60ml) cranberry vodka over the ice.

STEP 3. Top with four measures (½ cup/ 120ml) cranberry juice and 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (or to taste).

STEP 4. Garnish with fresh cranberries or a lime wedge.

CAPE CODDER VARIATIONS

There’s so many cranberry juice cocktail variations, why not come up with some of your own?

Sea Breeze – add one measure (1oz/30ml) fresh grapefruit juice.
Bay Breeze – add one measure (1oz/30ml) fresh pineapple juice, or more according to taste.
Bog Fog – add one measure or more of fresh orange juice.
Purple Haze – add one measure of Chambord

HAVE YOU MADE MY CRANBERRY INFUSED VODKA? Post a photo on my Facebook page, share it on Instagram, or save it to Pinterest with the tag #supergoldenbakes and make my day

Cocktails for vodka lovers

Long Island Iced Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea is THE ultimate refreshing summer cocktail. A heady cocktail made with tequila, rum, vodka, gin, triple sec and topped with a splash of cola. Learn how to make the classic Long Island drink plus a couple of fun variations.

Pornstar Martini

The Pornstar Martini (a.k.a Maverick Martini, Passion Star Martini) is a passion fruit vodka cocktail served with a shot of chilled Prosecco on the side. Delicious and photogenic!

Note: if you are using store-bought passion fruit puree you might need to add a bit less as commercial varieties can be very sweet!

Adding a slice of passion fruit to a Porn Star Martini

Caipiroska

The Caipiroska is a twist on the popular Caipirinha - the national cocktail of Brazil. A simple cocktail, Caipiroska is made with muddled limes, sugar and vodka served with plenty of crushed ice. My fruity variation includes blackberries to create a vibrant cocktail that is perfect for summer.

Cape Cod Drink (Vodka Cranberry) with Cranberry Infused Vodka

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What’s in a name