Wishing for a one stop simple to prepare drink vodka and cranberry cocktail? Vodka and cranberry juice cocktail is the ultimate drink! Admirably, it’s bright, refreshing, and super easy to make. This classic drink is composed only of two ingredients: vodka and cranberry juice, ready in minutes. It’s a party fave and standard in bars because of its sweet and tangy taste. Whether you are a beginner when it comes to mixing drinks or if you simply want something quick and tasty, the vodka and cranberry cocktail never fails to impress. In this post, you will learn how to make it precisely, plus some tricks to improve it even further!
Vodka And Cranberry Cocktail Recipe
The preparation of a vodka and cranberry cocktail is easy and rapid. All it requires is a mere handful (really) of ingredients and a minute or two to mix them up. It is a simple drink that always tastes great!

Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces of vodka
- 4 ounces of cranberry juice
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare an ice-filled glass.
- Pour in the vodka.
- Layer the cranberry juice on top.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Unless you prefer not to, garnish with a wedge of lime.
That’s it! Enjoy your vodka and cranberry cocktail now. It’s refreshing, crisp, and achieves just the right combination of sweet and tart.
Vodka and Cranberry Cocktail Name
The alcohol is also referred to using the name of its popular brand—the Cape Codder. But where is name from? The story returns to the 1940’s and 1950’s when cranberry juice became a popular mixer in the United States.
Cape Cod, an area by the shore in Massachusetts, is famous for cranberry bogs. It is one of the largest regions for cranberry farming in the country. In order to promote the development of cranberry juice, a cranberry growers’ group started recommending recipes of cocktails which involved cranberry juice in it. Most probably the easiest mix was that of vodka and cranberry juice.

Because there was a relationship between the Cape Cod and the cranberries, the drink also acquired the name “Cape Codder”. Years later, people started to use that name in bars and restaurants in the whole country. Now it’s a famous and beloved drink due to its bright color, resonant taste, and simple recipe.
Vodka And Cranberry Juice Name
The most popular name for the alternating vodka and cranberry juice drink is Cape Codder. Nonetheless, there are some other names and forms based on combination with other ingredients:
- Apple juice = Vodka cranberry juice = Cape Codder
- Sea Breeze = Vodka, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice
- Bay Breeze = Vodka with cranberry and pineapple juice.
- Madras = Vodka cranberry juice orange juice
- Cosmopolitan = Vodka + cranberry juice + triple sec + lime juice
Therefore, when other mixers are added, the name of the basic vodka and cranberry juice cocktail of Cape Codder can be changed slightly.
What’s the difference between cranberry and cranberry cocktail?

And while preparing a vodka and cranberry cocktail it is not rare to find in the store two different varieties of cranberry drinks; Cranberry juice and cranberry cocktail. They are close, but they are slightly different.
Cranberry Juice usually comes with 100 % cranberry juice label. It’s 100% cranberries, no other fruits, and there’s no other sugar added to it. It tastes tart due to the sourness of cranberries.
On the other hand, Cranberry cocktail is what is prepared by mixing cranberry juice with water and sweeteners (such as sugar or corn syrup). Sometimes other juices like apple or grape also are used. Compared to pure cranberry juice it is a much sweeter and milder drink.
For a cocktail such as Cape Codder, it is most likely to use cranberry cocktail since it complements the vodka with a sweeter taste. But if you like tart and brisk taste, you can try 100% cranberry juice!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get an Appetizing Name for Vodka Cranberries?
Also referred to as a Cape Codder, a common vodka and cranberry drink has many names associated with it that can be used for a creative or fun twist. Popular alternatives include Cranberry Splash, Red Tide, or Berry Breeze, especially if you mix other fruity flavours. Alternatively, you can go for something more playful such as Blushing Bay or Vodka Blush based on the vibe you wish to create. The name can also be representative of the place, be it a beach or a sophisticated evening.
Conclusion
The vodka and cranberry drink is a favourite evergreen cocktail, easy to prepare addictive to consume and fitting perfectly for any occasion, warm cosy night in or, big party. This simple mix of vodka and cranberry juice makes for the ideal sweet and sour mix as the Cape Cody. • Use the classic recipe or add your own, it is a recipe that does not go out of fashion. Armed with the story, the recipe, and some awesome names, it’s time to mix one up and enjoy!