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Two glasses with cranberry cocktail and orange slices. Wood and white paper surface.
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Madras Drink (cranberry vodka cocktail)

This Madras cocktail recipe 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.
Course Drinks
Cuisine International
Keyword cranberry vodka cocktail, madras cocktail
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 serving

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.

Notes

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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