Cape Codder Drink

A cape codder is a refreshing cocktail that features tart cranberry juice and smooth vodka. It is super easy to make and is ready in just 2 minutes.

If you’re not a fan of overly sweet cocktails, the Cape Codder just might be your new drink of choice! It has crisp vodka, tart cranberry juice, and refreshing lime juice.

It’s refreshing, tasty, and perfect for any time of the year. It is also such a gorgeous color! How can this not remind you of beach sunsets?

This recipe makes one drink, but feel free to double or triple it. It’d also be awesome in a pitcher!

Why I Love This Cocktail

• Few Ingredients: No need to have a fridge of fancy ingredients.  This drink requires only 4 common ingredients.
• Quick: Ready in 2 minutes or less.
• No Special Equipment: No cocktail shaker, blender, or muddler is required.

Serving Suggestions

• BBQs and Picnics
• Holidays like Christmas or Valentines
• Book Club
• After dinner drink to sip on the back porch

History

The Cape Codder cocktail was created by Ocean Spray in 1945. Originally called the Red Devil, the company invented it as a way to sell its products. It quickly became a popular drink all over the United States. It is also sometimes called the Kimbralayian.  Its current name comes from the region of New England known for growing cranberries. 

Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips

1. Vodka: Use your favorite. I like the brand Pinnacle. A flavored vodka such as Citrus, Pomegranate, or Berry would also be tasty.
2. Cranberry Juice: I used Ocean Spray’s Cranberry juice cocktail for this recipe. If you want a slightly less traditional version, Cran-Raspberry would also be yummy!
3. Lime Juice: Use fresh lime juice for the best results. It’s so much better than those little plastic limes!
4. Club Soda: Sparkling water such as La Croix could also be used here if you don’t regularly keep Club Soda in your home.  Soda pop like Sprite can also be used.

Fun Variations

• The Sea Breeze adds grapefruit juice.
• Sex on the Beach adds both orange juice and peach schnapps.
• The Woo Woo adds just peach schnapps.
• The Bay Breeze adds pineapple juice for a tropical feel.
• Cosmopolitan adds triple sec an orange liquor.

How To Make a Cape Codder Cocktail

1. Pour vodka into a glass. Add lime juice and cranberry juice.
2. Top off with club soda.

Tips

1. Flavored Ice: Make ice cubes using Cranberry juice to avoid watering down your drink.
2. Get the most juice from your fruit: Limes can be tough to squeeze, but here’s how to make it easier and get the most juice possible.
   • Roll it on the counter:  Rolling your lime will loosen the flesh a bit.
   • Heat it Up: If your lime is fresh out of the fridge,it’ll be harder to squeeze. If you don’t want to put it in the microwave, leave it on your counter for a few hours before using it.
   • Use a citrus press: A citrus press will do the squeezing for you
3. This recipe contains one standard alcoholic drink. Always enjoy responsibly.
4. Pitcher: Multiply your ingredients by your number of guests and serve in a pitcher instead.
5. Blender Drink: Blend with ice for a frozen drink.

More Easy Cocktails

Raspberry Daiquiri

Cranberry Margaritas

Bahama Mama

Frozen Peach Bellini

Watermelon Margaritas 

Strawberry Mimosas 

Cape Codder

Tart cranberry juice and smooth vodka make this cocktail ultra refreshing. So easy, it requires 2 minutes and 4 ingredients!

4.8 from 10 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drink

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes

Servings: 1 Drink

Calories: 191kcal

Author: Krystle Smith

Ingredients

• ▢ 4 Tablespoons Vodka
• ▢ 6 Tablespoons Cranberry Juice Cocktail
• ▢ 3 Teaspoons Lime Juice
• ▢ Club Soda

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Instructions

• Pour vodka into a glass. Top with lime and cranberry juice.
• Add 2-3 ice cubes.
• Top with a generous amount of club soda or seltzer.
• Garnish with a slice of lime, if desired.

Notes

 

Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips

1. Vodka: Use your favorite. I like the brand Pinnacle. A flavored vodka such as Citrus, Pomegranate, or Berry would also be tasty. 
2. Cranberry Juice: I used Ocean Spray's Cranberry juice cocktail for this recipe. If you want a slightly less traditional version, Cran-Raspberry would also be yummy!
3. Lime Juice: Use fresh lime juice for the best results. It's so much better than those little plastic limes!
4. Club Soda: Sparkling water such as La Croix could also be used here if you don't regularly keep Club Soda in your home.  Soda pop like Sprite can also be used. 

Tips

1. Flavored Ice: Make ice cubes using Cranberry juice to avoid watering down your drink.
2. Get the most juice from your fruit: Limes can be tough to squeeze, but here’s how to make it easier and get the most juice possible.
   • Roll it on the counter:  Rolling your lime will loosen the flesh a bit.
   • Heat it Up: If your lime is fresh out of the fridge,it’ll be harder to squeeze. If you don’t want to put it in the microwave, leave it on your counter for a few hours before using it.
   • Use a citrus press: A citrus press will do the squeezing for you
3. This recipe contains one standard alcoholic drink. Always enjoy responsibly. 
4. Pitcher: Multiply your ingredients by your number of guests and serve in a pitcher instead. 
5. Blender Drink: Blend with ice for a frozen drink. 

 

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin C: 43mg

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