The Madras cocktail is a quick and easy vodka drink that’s fruity, tangy, and super refreshing—basically everything you want in a simple summer sipper. Made with just cranberry juice, orange juice, and a shot of vodka, it comes together right in the glass. No shaker needed!
This pink-hued drink is sweet, a little tart, and totally crushable over ice. It’s kind of a twist on the classic Cape Codder (that’s vodka and cranberry), but with orange juice added in for a citrusy upgrade.
The Madras cocktail is often compared to other fruit-forward vodka drinks like the Cosmopolitan cocktail or Sea Breeze cocktail, but it has its own laid-back vibe that makes it a great cocktail for casual get-togethers or slow weekend afternoons.
If you like fruity vodka cocktails, you should also try the Aqua Velva cocktail or my Purple Rain drink recipe.
Ingredient Notes
This delicious drink only requires three simple ingredients to make - one type of liquor and two types of fruit juices.
- Orange juice - I like to use freshly squeezed orange juice for maximum flavor and to give the drink a little more body. But you can also use any store-bought version that you like best. 100% orange juice is always best!
- Cranberry juice - Depending on your preference you can use sweetened or unsweetened cranberry juice. If you use 100% juice, you can customize the sweetness of the cocktail by adding maple syrup or simple syrup to create your perfect balance of sweetness.
- Vodka - You can use any plain vodka that you like best to make this recipe.
See recipe card below for ingredient list with measurements.
Garnish Suggestions
The classic garnish for a Madras is a lime wedge or a lime wheel. This gives the drink a delicious boost in flavor and a pretty pop of color. If you don't have any fresh limes, you could also add an orange slice or wedge.
How to make a Madras Cocktail
This madras drink is easy to make and doesn't require any fancy bar equipment. You can also make a big batch of the recipe to enjoy all night long!
- STEP 1: Fill a serving glass ¾ full with ice.
- STEP 2: Pour in the orange juice, cranberry juice, and vodka.
- STEP 3: Mix well and garnish with a lime wedge before serving.
Pitcher Variation
Making a pitcher-style large batch version of this cocktail is quick and easy. Simply scale up the amounts of each ingredient in the recipe proportionally by the number of drinks you will be making.
Place the ingredients in a large pitcher and chill it in a fridge until ready to serve in highball glasses filled with ice. Garnish each glass with a fresh lime wedge before serving.
Glassware for Serving this Cocktail
The madras cocktail is typically served in a tall glass , like a Collins or high ball glass, with lots of ice.
More vodka cocktails to try:
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Recipe
Madras Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounce Vodka
- 3 ounce Cranberry Juice
- 1 ounce Orange Juice
- Ice Cubes for serving
- Lime Wedge for serving
Instructions
- Fill a serving glass ¾ full with ice.Ice Cubes
- Pour in the orange juice, cranberry juice, and vodka.1 ½ ounce Vodka, 3 ounce Cranberry Juice, 1 ounce Orange Juice
- Mix well and garnish with a lime wedge before serving.Lime Wedge
Notes
- Use a fruit or vanilla-flavored vodka to make this cocktail to add an extra dash of flavor.
- Turn this simple mixed drink into a sparkling cocktail by topping the Madras with seltzer, club soda, sparkling wine, or ginger ale.
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