Vodka Cranberry

A slightly tart, slightly sweet vodka cranberry is a classic when you want to stir up fun, refreshing cocktails. Vodka cranberry with a wedge of tangy lime was my favorite drink of choice throughout my college years. Suffice to say, I feel confident I’ve mastered this one!

This chilled, vibrant beverage may be incredibly simple to prepare, but it packs a punch of flavor and color, which is perfect for laid-back entertaining. Learn how to make a vodka cranberry, and get ideas for creating ones that are a bit more interesting in your next batch.

Ingredients for Vodka Cranberry

Vodka cranberry isn't just vodka and cranberry, though it is essentially those two ingredients. If you order it at a bar, that's probably what you'll get. But if you're making it at home, take it up a notch. Here's what you'll need:

• Vodka: Pick your favorite. The cranberry juice cocktail will largely mask the vodka's alcohol flavor, making this a cocktail that's incredibly easy to drink.
• Cranberry juice cocktail: This is the sweetened version of cranberry juice you want. Unsweetened will need something like simple syrup to make it drinkable.
• Lime wedge: Some cranberry vodka purists will shoo away the lime juice, but we think it is worth more than a garnish. Spritzing the drink with a bit of lime juice sets off the bright, sharp flavor of the juice.
• Ice: This drink is meant to be served cold.

How To Make Vodka Cranberry

No fancy equipment needed here. Grab a bar spoon if you have it. If not, an iced tea spoon will work, too.

• Step 1. Add ice to glass. Pour ingredients over ice.
• Step 2. Stir with a spoon.
• Step 3. Garnish with a lime wedge (and squeeze the juice just before drinking). Serve immediately.

What Is the Name of the Drink Made With Vodka and Cranberry Juice?

If you go to a bar and ask for a vodka cranberry, you're going to get this drink in most cases. (Some may forget the garnish.) It's so well known as that now, but a few may know it by its other names, which include The Red Devil, Cape Cod, or Cape Codder.

Depending on where you order it, your vodka cranberry may also come with a splash of orange juice or sweetened lime syrup. All of those will be great, as the citrus helps to make the cranberry juice more tart and vibrant.

Variations

While the original cocktail is just perfect, there are also some fun ways to add a twist to your vodka cranberry if you’re looking to switch things up with a unique splash of flavor, texture, or color.

• Add tang and depth of flavor by squeezing a bit of lime juice into the cocktail, or by adding muddled cranberries and fresh mint to your glass before filling with ice.
• To reduce sweetness and add some bubbles, include club soda. This is also a lovely way to take a Spritz approach to this drink! (This drink is sometimes called a Rose Kennedy.)
• An elegant idea for garnish is to top a vodka cranberry with skewered fresh cranberries or candied rosemary sprigs.
• Finally, you can’t go wrong with decorative ice cubes! Plan ahead of time, and fill your ice tray with edible flowers, fresh mint leaves or rosemary, fresh cranberries, or lemon and lime peels to add a splash of color and gradual flavor as you sip on your cocktail.

What's the Right Glass for a Vodka Cranberry?

No one's going to fault you for making a vodka cranberry in whatever glass you have in the comfort of your own home. But if you're being a stickler or serving at a party, vodka cranberry is usually served in a rocks glass or a highball, filled to the brim with ice.

Does a Vodka Cranberry Get a Garnish?

Yes, you need that squeeze of lime juice for the just-right balance of a vodka cranberry. But if you're serving these at the holidays, you can get festive with skewers of cranberries, a sprig of mint, or even some sugared cranberries.

Other Classic Cocktails

While you're shaking up drinks, make a few more of these favorites:

• Texas Ranch Water
  
• Hemingway Daiquiri
• Espresso Martini
• Pomegranate Margarita
• Classic Bloody Mary
• Horchata
• Mojito