No drink says “New England” quite like a Cape Codder: just vodka, cranberry juice, and a squeeze of lime over ice.
It started as a promotional drink dreamed up by a Massachusetts cranberry co-op back in the 1940s, originally called the Red Devil. The name changed, but the drink stuck around, it’s about as low-effort and crowd-pleasing as cocktails get.
Explore my other favorite New England recipes.
Made Here
Cranberries have grown on Cape Cod bogs for generations, and this drink is the simplest way to put that juice to use. Good-quality cranberry juice makes the biggest difference here; skip the ones that are mostly water and sugar.
While we enjoy these the most in the summer, they also make a colorful holiday drink!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, then top with cranberry juice.
- Stir gently, squeeze in the lime wedge, and drop it in as garnish.
FAQ: Cape Codder
What’s the difference between a Cape Cod and a Cape Codder? They’re essentially the same drink — a Cape Cod is just vodka and cranberry juice, while a Cape Codder traditionally adds a splash of lime.
Can I make it a pitcher for a crowd? Yes — scale up the ratio and stir together in a pitcher, but add ice to each glass individually so it doesn’t dilute while it sits.
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