Vodka Cranberry Cocktail Recipe
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Vodka cranberry is a must in your holiday drink lineup this year. It’s light, refreshing, and perfectly sweet tart. Toss some fresh cranberries on top and you’ll have a fun and festive drink to serve and enjoy. Made in just 5 minutes using 5 ingredients, I can’t think of an easier, more impressive cocktail!
A vodka cranberry, also called the cape cod, is a classic cocktail that speaks for itself. It’s the foundation of many other cocktails and is made in many different ways, depending on where you are. My version, however, is vodka cranberry in its most basic form – just vodka, cranberry juice, and ice. I love its simplicity and timelessness, plus it allows me to easily customize according to the occasion, or my mood.
With its vibrant red hue, vodka cranberry is one of my favorite cocktails to include in my holiday spreads, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, or even Valentine’s Day. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it any time of the year – it’s also great for sipping by the pool on a warm sunny day or for toasting at fall brunch with friends and family. Truly you can’t go wrong with this delicious refreshment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This cocktail comes together in a snap, perfect as a quick refreshment or for spontaneous gatherings.
- A well-loved classic: The combination of smooth vodka and fruity tart cranberry juice creates a timeless cocktail that never goes out of style.
- Holiday must-have: This drink is eye-catching with its pretty red color. A pop of green from the lime wedge and fresh cranberries complete the look, making it a gorgeous addition to your holiday spread.
- Great year-round drink
- Endlessly customizable: Add a splash of lime juice, swap in flavored vodka, or throw in some sparkling water – there is no shortage of ways to make this drink your own.
How to Make Vodka Cranberry
If you need a delicious drink on the rocks at a moment’s notice for whatever reason, cranberry vodka cocktail is a great option. Just pour the ingredients in a glass, give it a good stir, garnish, and serve. So easy for such a refreshing, satisfying cocktail!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Ice
- Vodka: Choose your favorite brand of vodka.
- Cranberry juice: Delivers the signature tart and slightly sweet flavor and gives the drink its vibrant color. Choose a juice brand that offers 100% juice – they’re less sweet, provide a brighter color, and you can sweeten your drink to taste if needed.
- Lime wedges: Used as a garnish for this recipe so that drinkers can customize the tartness of the cocktail to their preference.
- Fresh cranberries: Adds a color, texture and overall visual appeal to the drink. I used fresh cranberries, but feel free to use frozen or sugared.
Step-By-Step Instructions
You only need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have at home and you can make cranberry vodka in 5 minutes or less. This means less time in your kitchen and more time mingling with your guests. Ready to get started? Follow the 2 simple steps below.
Step 1: Assemble
First, fill 2 glasses with ice. Pour 1 ½ ounces of vodka and 4 ounces of cranberry juice into each glass. Stir to combine.
Step 2: Garnish and Serve
Garnish each glass with a lime wedge and cranberries before serving.
Substitutions
- Vodka: Because this drink is called vodka cranberry, this ingredient unfortunately cannot be substituted.If you don’t have vodka on hand, try making a cranberry margarita instead – just combine cranberry juice, tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, and ice in a cocktail shaker, shake, and pour into 2 serving glasses.
- Cranberry juice: If cranberry juice isn’t available, substitute with the same amount of cranberry cocktail, which is also a better option if you like your cocktail on the sweeter side. For a sugar-free alternative, use sugar-free cranberry juice.
Variations
The classic cranberry vodka cocktail is already delicious, but like I said, it can easily be tweaked to fit your needs. Here are some fun ideas for a new twist when you’re ready to change it up!
- Swap half or replace the cranberry juice with other juices for added flavor. Pomegranate, apple, grapefruit, and pineapple are great options.
- Bubbly, fizzy cranberry vodka is another story, but it’s equally delicious! Add a splash of lime sparkling water, club soda, or Sprite to the mix.
- Swap lime wedges for orange slices and add a dash of orange liqueur for a sweet citrus flavor that’s perfect for the warmer months.
- Mix in some ginger beer for a spicier, more flavorful take on the classic vodka cranberry.
- To make frozen cranberry vodka, blend together the vodka, cranberry juice, and ice. This slushy version is extra refreshing!
Expert Tips
- Use premium ingredients: The key to great cocktails is using high-quality ingredients because it makes a noticeable difference in the drink’s taste and texture. Besides, this recipe only requires 2 main ingredients for the mixture, so using 100% juice and top-shelf liquor will make the drink feel more refined and enjoyable.
- Adjust according to taste: Adjust the alcohol content or the overall taste of your vodka cranberry by adding more or less of the ingredients.
- Sweeten your drink: If you prefer a sweeter drink, start by adding ¼ cup simple syrup, blend well, and increase to taste.
- Rim the glasses: For added fun and visual appeal, rim the glasses with sugar or salt, or a mix of both.
- Chill the glasses: Chill the glasses in the freezer for about 30 minutes before making your cocktail to make it extra cold and refreshing. You can also freeze the vodka and cranberry juice.
How to Store This Recipe
With a cranberry vodka, you mix the drink straight in the glass right before serving, so I doubt there will be any that need to be stored. However, if you made a huge batch ahead, you can place the mixture in an airtight container and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator, whichever you prefer.
The alcohol content of cranberry vodka allows for a long shelf life, but the quality diminishes gradually over time. I recommend consuming the mixture stored at room temperature within 1 month and the mixture stored in the fridge within 3 months. When ready to use, simply pour over ice.
What to Serve with Vodka Cranberry
Cranberry vodka pairs well with pretty much anything, so you can enjoy a glass with your favorite appetizers, snacks, or mains. For holidays and special occasions, serve the cocktail with a cheeseboard, smoked fish, or some caviar. For happy hour, enjoy a cranberry vodka with sushi, pickles, salty meats (like hams and sausages), chicken quesadillas, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
If you make this vodka cranberry, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
Vodka Cranberry Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 portions ice
- 3 ounces vodka
- 8 ounces cranberry juice
- 2 wedges lime
- 10 fresh cranberries garnish
Instructions
- Fill each glass with ice.
- Pour 1 ½ ounces vodka and 4 ounces of cranberry juice into each glass. Stir to combine.
- Garnish each glass with a lime wedge and cranberries before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients because it makes a noticeable difference in the drink’s taste and texture. Choose 100% juice and top-shelf liquor to make the drink feel more refined and enjoyable.
- Adjust the alcohol content or the overall taste of your vodka cranberry by adding more or less of the ingredients.
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, start by adding ¼ cup sugar or simple syrup, blend well, and increase to taste.
- For added fun and visual appeal, rim the glasses with sugar or salt, or a mix of both.
- Chill the glasses in the freezer for about 30 minutes before making your cocktail to make it extra cold and refreshing. You can also freeze the vodka and cranberry juice.
