As a New England native, I’ve had my fair share of the Cape Codder cocktail in restaurants before. The beauty of making it at home, though, is that you can customize it all sorts of ways to perfectly suit your tastes for just the right balance of boozy, tangy, sweet, and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Cape Codder is the kind of cocktail that proves simple can still be spectacular. With just vodka and cranberry juice (plus a must-have lime wedge garnish), it’s refreshing, crisp, and beautifully bright!
It’s a drink that feels right at home whether you’re lounging on the beach in summer or sipping during the holidays (like Thanksgiving or Christmas) when cranberries shine. You can make it by the glass or the pitcher, with no fancy equipment required.
The Cape Codder is also incredibly easy to customize, from strength to sweetness and other fruity combos, making it a go-to crowd-pleaser that anyone can mix and enjoy!
Quick + Easy Recipes
straight to your inbox
Ingredients List
- 2 ounces vodka (plain or cranberry)
- 4 ounces cranberry juice
- Fresh lime wedge
- Ice
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- I use cranberry vodka to add extra flavor, but plain is fine too. You can also experiment with flavored vodkas to change up the overall taste – raspberry, cherry, and blueberry vodka are some other favorites of mine
- For the cranberry juice, I use 100% unsweetened. For a sweeter drink, substitute cranberry juice cocktail (which is sweetened) instead (or you could do half and half). Feel free to use a mixed juice (like cran-raspberry for example) to change things up!
Variations
- To make a Sea Breeze variation of the Cape Codder cocktail, simply swap out half your cranberry juice for grapefruit juice. The result is a more tangy and sour sip that’s equally delicious!
- For a Bay Breeze variation, use half pineapple juice in place of all cranberry for a tropical twist that’s fruity and sweeter!
Step By Step Instructions
- Fill a Collins glass (or similar) with ice
- Add the vodka and cranberry juice, and gently stir until combined
- Garnish with a fresh lime wedge – squeeze over the drink and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Snacks & Appetizers
- Cheese & Charcuterie – Sharp cheddar, goat cheese, or brie contrast the cranberry’s tartness; cured meats like prosciutto or salami add savory balance
- Shrimp Cocktail – The crisp cocktail sauce and chilled seafood pair nicely with the refreshing drink. My Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail is an easy homemade option!
- Cranberry Brie Bites – A flavor echo that feels seasonal and elegant. Try my Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites wrapped in puff pastry!
- Spinach & Artichoke Dip – Creamy and rich, giving a nice counterpoint to the acidity
Main Dishes
- Turkey or Chicken Sliders – A nod to the classic cranberry–poultry pairing. My Air Fryer Turkey Sliders are a great choice!
- Grilled Fish or Lobster Rolls – Fresh seafood enhances the coastal vibe of the drink
- Crispy Chicken Wings – Especially lemon pepper or a mild citrus glaze to complement the drink’s brightness! Try my Air Fryer Honey Lemon Pepper Wings!
Desserts
- Citrus Bars or Lemon Cookies – Tangy flavors match well with the tart cranberry notes
- Vanilla Cheesecake – Creaminess softens the cocktail’s edge
- Berry Sorbet – Light and fruity for a refreshing finish
Seasonal Pairings
- Summer BBQs – Light and thirst-quenching alongside grilled classics
- Holiday Parties – Its cranberries make it a festive fit with Thanksgiving or Christmas spreads!
- Brunch – A fun alternative to mimosas or sangria (you can definitely add some bubbly too)!
Recipe FAQs
How Strong Is The Cape Cod?
A standard Cape Codder usually lands around 10–15% ABV, depending on how much vodka you add and the amount of cranberry juice used. It’s typically a lighter, easy-drinking cocktail compared to many spirit-forward drinks, and easily customizable as well.
How To Make A Good Cape Cod?
Use fresh lime, a quality 100% cranberry juice (or a blend you enjoy), and chilled vodka for the cleanest flavor. A quick stir over ice keeps it crisp and refreshing; don’t over-dilute.
Why Is A Vodka Cranberry Called A Cape Cod?
The name comes from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a region famous for cranberry production. The drink became associated with the area thanks to marketing campaigns promoting cranberries in cocktails.
What’s The History Of The Cape Codder?
The cocktail gained popularity in the 1940s–1950s, originally promoted as the “Red Devil” before bartenders widely adopted “Cape Codder.” It evolved into a staple bar order and later inspired many variations like the Sea Breeze and Bay Breeze.
Tips For the Best Cape Codder
- To adjust the strength, the range of cranberry juice is usually from 3-5 ounces, so you can add more or less than my version depending on your preferences
- If you want to add sweetness after mixing the drink, add a splash of honey, maple syrup, agave, or simple syrup to taste
Serving and Presentation
- Glassware Matters – Serve in a highball glass for the classic look and perfect ice-to-liquid balance
- Ice Style – Fill the glass to the top with cubed ice; it keeps the drink cold and crisp without watering down too quickly
- Rim Upgrade (Optional) – A sugar or lime-salt rim adds a fun contrast and texture, which can be especially nice for parties
- Chill Everything – Keep the vodka and cranberry juice cold prior to mixing so you don’t rely on the ice to do all the work (less dilution)!
- Pitcher Friendly – Scale and stir gently in a large glass pitcher up to 24 hours in advance. Add ice to each glass individually to avoid dilution over time
More Cranberry Vodka Cocktails
- Cranberry Sangria
- Classic Cosmopolitan
Final Thoughts
This Cape Codder cocktail is such a simple yet delicious drink. With just 3 ingredients it’s incredibly easy to make, yet highly customizable and perfect for many occasions.
While it’s a popular drink in the summer (especially on the beaches of New England), it fits in equally well at your Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Christmas parties too thanks to the festive cranberry flavor.
Add in some seasonal twists (like a skewer of sugared cranberries or fresh rosemary) to make it even more holiday friendly, and then kick back since this drink is a low-stress crowd-pleaser! Check out all of my Cranberry Vodka Drinks for more delicious sips to try.
Cape Codder (Classic Vodka Cranberry Cocktail)
Equipment
- Highball glass (or similar)
- Spoon (or straw; for stirring)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka (plain or cranberry)
- 4 ounces cranberry juice
- Fresh lime wedge
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a Collins glass (or similar) with iceIce cubes
- Add the vodka and cranberry juice, and gently stir until combined2 ounces vodka, 4 ounces cranberry juice
- Garnish with a fresh lime wedge – squeeze over the drink and enjoy!Fresh lime wedge
Notes
- I use Deep Eddy cranberry vodka to add extra flavor, but plain is fine too when it’s out of season. You can also experiment with flavored vodkas to change up the overall taste – raspberry, cherry, and blueberry vodka are some other favorites of mine
- For the cranberry juice, I use 100% unsweetened. For a sweeter drink, substitute cranberry juice cocktail (which is sweetened) instead (or you could do half and half). Feel free to use a mixed juice (like cran-raspberry for example) to change things up! You can also adjust the amount between 3-5 ounces to balance the strength as desired
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, size of glass, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
