Refresh your cocktail repertoire with the vibrant Madras Cocktail! Made with cranberry-infused vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice, this fruity drink is a delicious choice for any gathering.
If you love cranberry and want something citrusy, cranberry-licious, and just the right amount of vodka-strong after a long day? Then you will love this Madras cocktail!
It’s a refreshing, fruity beverage with a hint of sophistication. Its vibrant color and delicious taste make it a great light refresher. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself in a cocktail rut. You make the same 1 or 2 mixed drinks every weekend or decide to forget it and open a beer.
Well, that’s where the Madras cocktail comes in. She’s a vibrant little number, bursting with red and orange hues and flavor. And there are no fancy bar tools required, I promise. Just an appetite for something deliciously easy and the ability to pour!
Looking for more easy drink ideas? Try blueberry margarita, ginger mint julep, and cranberry martini.
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🍊Madras Ingredients
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Cranberry-infused vodka: More on this below.
- Cranberry juice: Opt for a 100% cranberry juice or a lighter cranberry juice cocktail, whichever you prefer.
- Orange juice: Use fresh squeezed orange juice if you’ve got it.
- Ice
- A slice of lime: For garnish.
🍸Cranberry Infused Vodka
You can buy cranberry-infused vodka at most liquor stores, especially around the holidays. Or you can make your own at home with minimal effort.
Here is a summary of the steps. See my post on cranberry-infused vodka for more details and some shortcuts.
- Pour vodka into a glass container, like a mason jar.
- Slightly crush 1 cup of fresh cranberries and add them to the jar.
- Seal the jar and let it sit for 3-7 days.
- Strain out the cranberries and enjoy your infused vodka.
🥣How to Make a Madras Cocktail
Preparing the Madras cocktail is as simple as mixing the ingredients.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- First, pour the vodka into the glass. Then, add the cranberry juice. Make sure to pour it slowly to create a beautiful visual effect.
- Top off the mixture with orange juice. Give it a gentle stir.
- Finally, garnish the refreshing drink with a lime wedge for that extra zesty touch.
🍹What to Serve with a Madras
Light, fresh, and citrus-infused dishes work best with a Madras cocktail. That balances the flavors without overpowering the drink. Here are some ideas:
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild to medium cheeses like Brie, Gouda, or Havarti complements the fruity flavors of the cocktail.
- Fruit Skewers: Pieces of pineapple, melon, and berries can echo the cocktail’s citrusy and sweet notes.
- Bruschetta: Tomato and basil bruschetta offers a refreshing counterpart to the drink.
- Shrimp Cocktail: The light, clean flavors of shrimp pair well with the citrusy cocktail.
- Grilled Salmon: A light, lemon-herb seasoning on salmon can complement the drink’s flavors.
- Lemon Tart: A zesty lemon tart can mirror the citrus notes in the Madras.
- Fruit Sorbet: A light, fruit-based sorbet, like orange or raspberry, would be a delightful end to the meal.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- I mix my Madras cocktails light with much more cranberry juice than cranberry vodka. You can adjust the ratio to your preferences, though.
- Add a splash of club soda after mixing the vodka, cranberry, and orange juice for a fizzy twist. This will give your drink a delightful sparkle, making it even more refreshing for those warm days or evenings.
- Despite being a cranberry cocktail, this is more a summery drink than a wintery one because of its light, citrusy flavor.
📝FAQ
The origin of the Madras cocktail is a bit uncertain, but it’s believed to have been created in the United States during the 20th century. Its name might have been inspired by the Madras fabric, which features a distinctive pattern of colorful plaid, reflecting the drink’s vibrant mix of colors.
You can make a non-alcoholic Madras by simply leaving out the vodka. Replace it with more cranberry and orange juice or club soda to make it a refreshing mocktail.
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Madras Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces cranberry vodka
- 4 ½ ounces cranberry juice
- 1 ounce orange juice
- lime slices
Instructions
- Pour the cranberry vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice into a highball glass with ice.1 ½ ounces cranberry vodka, 4 ½ ounces cranberry juice, 1 ounce orange juice
- Mix and stir.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.lime slices
Notes
- Cranberry infused vodka can be found at most liquor stores. Or save some money and learn how to make your own cranberry infused vodka.
- I mix my Madras cocktails light with much more cranberry juice than cranberry vodka. You can adjust the ratio to your preferences, though.
- Add a splash of club soda after mixing the vodka, cranberry, and orange juice for a fizzy twist. This will give your drink a delightful sparkle, making it even more refreshing for those warm days or evenings.
- Despite being a cranberry cocktail, it is more a summery drink than a wintery one because of its light, citrusy flavor.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
