Vodka Cranberry Recipe (Classic Cape Codder Cocktail)

Looking for that perfect cocktail for any gathering? With only 2 main ingredients, you can’t go wrong with this Vodka Cranberry Recipe; refreshing and delicious!

We aren’t huge drinkers in our house, but we do occasionally indulge, especially when we have guests over; we love to accommodate everyone. This Vodka Cranberry Recipe is always available for anyone since it is such an easy and well-loved cocktail.

What I love about this cranberry juice cocktail is it’s special enough for the holiday season but also works all year round.

This time of year, we can’t find fresh cranberries for garnish, but I love using frozen cranberries even more for a garnish. Not only are they pretty, but they help keep the vodka cranberry drink nice and cold.

I personally love cranberry juice; there is just the right amount of sweetness and tartness in this cocktail so you can keep on sipping. Sometimes when cocktails are overly sweet, I can’t have but a few sips, but this drink is different.

Everyone is so surprised to find out how easy this is to throw together.

It’s just vodka, cranberry juice, and a couple of optional garnishes, and you really can’t go wrong. Just purchase a bottle of vodka and your favorite brand of cranberry juice and you’re set!

So, if you are looking for a simple cocktail everyone will love, you need to test out this Vodka Cranberry Recipe. Trust me, it doesn’t get much easier than this!

Some of our other favorite cocktails we have on our site include: Rum Sour Recipe, White Wine Spritzer, and Red Wine Spritzer.

1. This festive drink comes together in 1 minute.
2. A classic cocktail makes this a crowd-pleasing drink to serve.
3. Only 2 main ingredients are needed for this simple cocktail.

• Ice cubes
• Vodka
• Cranberry juice
• Lime wheel
• Frozen or fresh cranberries

1. Fill an old-fashioned or highball glass with ice. 
2. Add the vodka, followed by the cranberry juice. 
3. Garnish with a lime wheel and frozen cranberries for garnish if using. Enjoy immediately.

WHAT KIND OF CRANBERRY JUICE SHOULD I USE?

We tend to use Ocean Spray cranberry juice cocktail for this cranberry cocktail recipe. There is a light sweetness to it that I love.

But, you can use other varieties you can use like unsweetened cranberry juice or your favorite blend of cranberry juice and other fruit juices.

Be advised that unsweetened is a more tart cranberry juice than a cranberry juice cocktail.

ARE THERE ANY VARIATIONS?

Yes! You can stray from the traditional and use other juices with cranberry or on their own. Here are some other options:

• Orange Juice
• Fresh Lime Juice – use this sparingly as it is even tarter
• Lemon Juice – same as above!
• Grapefruit Juice
• Pomegranate Juice

We even like to add some bubbles from time to time, try adding a splash of ginger ale, club soda, or tonic water for a little fizz.

If you want to make this a touch sweeter, add simple syrup, agave nectar, or even a little brown sugar. Just add a little, taste, and add more if necessary.

You can even add different spirits to switch things up if you wish, orange liqueur like triple sec pairs nicely with cranberry.

DO I USE A COCKTAIL SHAKER?

Nope, that is the beauty of this recipe.

You just add ice to a glass, then pour in the vodka and cranberry juice. You can stir or not stir, totally your call. The two liquids mix together when they are poured into the glass.

WHEN SHOULD I SERVE THIS CLASSIC CAPE COD COCKTAIL?

This cape cod drink I think can be served year-round.

But, because of the cranberry, a lot of people serve it at holiday parties in the colder months. But, it’s really up to you, this is a classic, fun cocktail that works in all seasons.

This vodka cranberry cocktail should be made just before serving so the ice does not water down the cocktail.

If you want to make a large batch for a party, you can add the number of servings of the vodka and cranberry juice to a large pitcher and stir it together.

Then, when you are ready to serve your guests, you can pour it over ice in their glass and add garnishes then.

Love cranberry flavor in your cocktails? You need to try this classic Vodka Cranberry Recipe, which is simple and absolutely delicious.

If you’ve tried this VODKA CRANBERRY RECIPE, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!