This Madras drink is a simple mix of vodka, cranberry and orange juice; no secret ingredients or complicated techniques. You can prepare it ahead and use a dispenser if making it for a large gathering. The beautiful red hue makes it perfect for holiday parties, Christmas potlucks and dinners. It can easily be transformed into a mocktail.
This Madras cocktail is your jam if you're into uncomplicated holiday recipes.
There's no need to memorize a lengthy recipe or hunt down ingredients – just three straightforward components you might already have at home at this time of year.
Mix vodka, cranberry, and orange juice. Easy proportions, shake with ice – that's the casual charm of a Madras.
Ingredient list
- Cranberry juice.
- Orange juice.
- Vodka: any brand you like works.
- Ice.
- Garnishes: orange slices and fresh cranberries.
- Sweetener: it's optional for those who like sweet drinks. Use sugar syrup, honey or other sweeteners of choice.
See the recipe card towards the end of this post for quantities. You can check the Ingredients page for more details and the brands we use.
Variations & substitutions
- Spiced: add cinnamon sticks to the jar and let it infuse the drink.
- Mocktail: replace the vodka with ginger ale, 7up or club soda. It's great as a kid-friendly option for family gatherings.
- Other fruit juices: add a splash of grapefruit juice to the Madras, and you've got a Sea Breeze cocktail. A splash of pineapple juice will render a Bay Breeze drink.
- Madras Mule cocktail: use ginger beer. It will also give the drink some fizz.
- Cape Codder: omit the orange juice and use only vodka and cranberry juice.
How to make a Madras cocktail
You just need to mix equal amounts of orange, cranberry juice and vodka with ice.
- No need for fancy equipment. A cocktail shaker is handy if you already have one, but for a homemade version you can use a mason jar with a tight lid.
- For larger gatherings, we recommend a glass beverage dispenser that you can refill easily. Depending on your space, consider drink dispensers with a stand; it's less messy.
- Serve it chilled: this is essential. So keep the components in the fridge and assemble at the last minute. If making it in a jar or dispenser for a party, refill often instead of making a very large batch that will water down. Have the drink assembled in the fridge (without ice) and use large pieces of ice when serving it.
- Stir before serving: if separation occurs during storage, give the Madras a gentle stir or shake to recombine the ingredients.
Kitchen notes
- Organization: read the recipe first and ensure you have ingredients at the correct temperature, equipment, and enough workspace. This will make the process so much easier.
- Use large pieces of ice: this is key. Bartending-type ice is larger and melts slower than homemade cubes.
- Storage: put leftovers in the refrigerator. Pour the cocktail into an airtight container or sealable bottle. The cold temperature slows down the oxidation process, preserving the flavors.
- Avoid dilution by leaving out the ice when storing, and add it just before serving to prevent the cocktail from becoming watered down.
- Consume the Madras within 12 hours (and no more than a day) for the best taste and quality. Cocktails, especially those with fruit juices, start to lose their freshness and vibrant flavors over time.
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Madras Drink (cranberry vodka cocktail)
Ingredients
- You need equal parts of each component, except for the sweetener. So the amount depends on the glasses, jar or dispenser you're using. The quantity below serves 1 tall glass approximately.
- 3 oz Cranberry juice
- 3 oz Orange juice
- 3 oz Vodka
- Ice
- 1 teaspoon honey or simple syrup, optional
Instructions
- Pour the vodka, cranberry juice and orange juice into a Mason jar. Add honey or syrup if using a sweetener.
- Close the lid tightly and shake until combined.
- Open the Mason jar and add a handful of ice, then secure the lid and give it another good shake.
- Pour the mixture into your serving glass.
- Garnish with orange slices and whole cranberries and serve.
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