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The Vodka Cranberry Cocktail is an easy 3-ingredient cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.

With tart cranberry flavor, this refreshing cocktail is also known as a cape cod or cape codder.

Whatever you call it, the vodka cranberry is a classic vodka drink that is super simple to prepare at home. You don’t need any fancy bar tools–or even a cocktail shaker. Simply add the ingredients to your glass and give it a stir.

Vodka cranberry cocktail in short wine glass garnished with lime wedge and fresh cranberries

Garnish your cranberry cocktail with a slice of lime, fresh cranberries, and paper straws for a festive, party-perfect cocktail for the holiday season or any time of the year. For more cranberry holiday cocktails, try this tasty cranberry mimosa or this sparkling holiday punch.

Or serve it up with a cocktail umbrella for a refreshing summer cocktail on a hot afternoon by the pool.

The vodka cranberry is truly such a versatile cocktail!

Looking for more vodka cocktails? Try this refreshing Raspberry Vodka Lemonade!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Here is what you will need:

vodka – use your favorite brand
cranberry juice – you want to use 100% cranberry juice, not cranberry juice cocktail
lime – you will use one lime wedge to squeeze into the cocktail and another to garnish the glass
fresh cranberries – optional garnish
ice

hand squeezing lime wedge into vodka cranberry cocktail

How to Make a Vodka Cranberry Cocktail

Fill a glass with ice.
Add vodka, cranberry juice, and the juice of 1 lime wedge. Stir to combine.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and/or lime wedge and enjoy!

Cape Codder aka Cape Cod Cocktail served in short glass garnished with paper straws, lime wedge, and fresh cranberries.

Tips and Variations

Want a sweeter vodka-cran? Add a bit of simple syrup or dash of orange juice.
Want a stronger cape cod? Up the vodka to 1 ½ – 2 ounces.
Making your cranberry vodka drink in a taller glass? Double the ingredients.

More Classic Cocktail Recipes

Recipe

Vodka Cranberry Cocktail in short glass with ice, fresh cranberries, paper straws, and lime wedge on rim.

Recipe

5 from 4 votes