Cape Codder

The Cape Codder, widely known as a Vodka Cranberry, is the epitome of a simple and refreshing highball. It consists of just two primary ingredients, vodka and cranberry juice, served over ice in a tall glass. The crispness of the vodka is perfectly balanced by the tart and slightly sweet profile of the cranberry juice. A squeeze of fresh lime juice or a lime wedge garnish is essential to brighten the flavors and add a citrusy dimension.
Cape Codder

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Cape Codder is a classic highball cocktail, a simple category of drinks composed of a base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer. It is a straightforward mixed drink often served in a tall glass over ice.

Serving

The Cape Codder is a cold, refreshing drink served in a tall Highball glass filled with ice. Its alcohol content is relatively moderate, making it an easy-drinking cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The drink's name was coined in the 1940s by the Ocean Spray cranberry growers' cooperative. As part of a marketing campaign to popularize cranberry juice as a mixer, they named it the "Cape Codder" after the Massachusetts peninsula known for its cranberry cultivation. While the name "Vodka Cranberry" became more popular in common parlance, the original name speaks to its American origins.
Origin
The name originated in the United States in the 1940s as a marketing initiative by Ocean Spray. The simple mix of vodka and a local juice likely existed prior, but this campaign formalized and popularized it.

Cape Codder

The drink is most commonly known as a Vodka Cranberry. The name Cape Codder was created by the Ocean Spray cranberry cooperative in the 1940s to promote their product. It pays homage to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a region famous for its cranberry bogs.
Original name
Cape Codder
Alternative name
Vodka Cranberry

Characteristics overview

The Cape Codder presents a vibrant ruby red color and offers a straightforward, refreshing flavor profile dominated by tart cranberry and clean vodka. It has a smooth, light texture and a crisp finish, making it a highly sessionable and thirst-quenching drink.
Flavor
Tart, fruity, clean, slightly sweet, citrusy
Aroma
Subtle, cranberry, faint lime zest
Taste balance
Sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, short
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Translucent, deep pink to ruby red
Texture
Smooth, light-bodied, watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by the tart fruitiness of cranberry, with a moderate sweetness and a light alcoholic kick. It is a still drink with a straightforward and refreshing taste profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple cocktail requires only two main ingredients: vodka and cranberry juice. A fresh lime wedge for garnish and a squeeze of juice is essential for the best flavor.
  • Vodka60 ml / 2 oz
    A clean, neutral vodka works best.
  • Cranberry Juice120 ml / 4 oz
    Use 100% cranberry juice for a tarter drink or a cranberry juice cocktail for more sweetness.
  • Lime Wedge1 wedge
    Essential for adding a bright, citrusy note.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed as the drink is built directly in the glass. A jigger helps with accurate proportions, and a bar spoon is useful for a quick stir.
  • Jigger or measuring cup for measuring liquids
  • Bar spoon for stirring

Instructions

The Cape Codder is built directly in the serving glass. Simply fill a highball glass with ice, add the vodka and cranberry juice, give it a quick stir, and garnish with a lime wedge.
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour 60 ml (2 oz) of vodka over the ice.
3. Top with 120 ml (4 oz) of cranberry juice.
4. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
5. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink and drop it in, or place it on the rim of the glass to serve.

Garnishing

A fresh lime wedge is the classic and essential garnish. It adds a bright citrus aroma and allows for an extra squeeze of juice to balance the drink's tartness.
  • Lime wedge, squeezed and dropped into the drink or placed on the rim.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally caffeine-free, dairy-free, and vegan. To ensure it is gluten-free, use a vodka confirmed to be so, as most distilled spirits are.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A standard Cape Codder contains around 160 calories, primarily from the alcohol and the sugar in the cranberry juice. The carbohydrate and sugar content can vary significantly based on the type of cranberry juice used (sweetened vs. unsweetened).
Calories
Averagely 150-180 kcal / 627-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-15 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an incredibly versatile drink suitable for almost any casual occasion, from a relaxed evening at home to a bustling happy hour. Its refreshing nature makes it particularly popular during warmer months and at social gatherings.
  • Casual Drinking
  • Happy Hour
  • Summer Parties
  • Bar Night

Pairing suggestions

Its tart and clean profile makes the Cape Codder a great companion for salty snacks like chips, nuts, or pretzels. It also pairs well with light appetizers and poultry dishes, cutting through richness and cleansing the palate.
  • Salty snacks (chips, pretzels, nuts)
  • Light appetizers
  • Turkey or chicken dishes
  • Cheese platters

The Cape Codder: A Refreshing American Classic

The Cape Codder, more famously known as the Vodka Cranberry, is a quintessential highball cocktail celebrated for its simplicity and refreshing qualities. It's an easy-to-make, two-ingredient drink that delivers a perfect balance of tart cranberry and neutral vodka, brightened by a squeeze of fresh lime. Originating from a 1940s marketing campaign by Ocean Spray, it has become a timeless bar staple, perfect for any casual occasion and beloved for its crisp, clean taste.

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