Cape Codder Recipe
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The Cape Codder initially combined equal parts vodka and cranberry juice softened by sugar and water, but the drink has evolved into a cranberry cocktail, eschewing the sugar and water. For one of the simplest and most refreshing drinks around, nothing surpasses the Cape Codder. Named for the area of Massachusetts where it began as a bar special, the humble Cape Codder is a perennial summer favorite.
On a historical note, the same fixings appeared in a drink at Trader Vic’s in the 1950s as the Rangoon Ruby. It made a second appearance a decade later as a Bog Fog. The Cape Codder has not only since held its own but has inspired many variants.
The Cape Codder can be enjoyed freshly made or stored in large batches ahead of time. Some variations on the recipe call for light rum or applejack as the base, and some people add a touch of soda for an adult cranberry spritzer.
- 2 ounces vodka
- 5 ounces cranberry juice
- Wedge of lime
- Combine the vodka and cranberry juice over ice in a chilled highball glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Variations:
Bay Breeze: Use 4 ounces unsweetened pineapple juice and 1 1/2 ounces cranberry juice.
Sea Breeze: Use 4 ounces fresh grapefruit juice and 1 1/2 ounces cranberry juice.
Madras: Replace 2 1/2 ounces of the cranberry juice with 2 1/2 ounces of fresh orange juice, and garnish with a slice or orange.
This recipe, while from a trusted source, may not have been tested by the CHOW food
team.
Copyright Quirk Books
Oh, I meant to reply to the original article. Your post was very interesting, and something that I wouldn't have known if you hadn't posted.
What are you talking about? I'm talking about the history of the development of the cocktail.
Not much. The recipe implies that you need to use a cranberry juice "cocktail" rather than pure cranberry juice, but the actual recipe says "cranberry juice." It is misleading to think that a product like Ocean Spray Cranberry "juice" cocktail is pure cranberry juice. If you like HFCS, then use the "cocktail." Otherwise, use equal parts vodka 100% cranberry juice tempered with a simple sugar...+READ
Not much. The recipe implies that you need to use a cranberry juice "cocktail" rather than pure cranberry juice, but the actual recipe says "cranberry juice." It is misleading to think that a product like Ocean Spray Cranberry "juice" cocktail is pure cranberry juice. If you like HFCS, then use the "cocktail." Otherwise, use equal parts vodka 100% cranberry juice tempered with a simple sugar syrup, then squeeze the lime.-COLLAPSE
The Harpoon, was a drink that the company Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice promoted in its brochures between 1956 and 1970, and it was made of vodka, cranberry and lime.