The Cape Cod is one of the most ubiquitous drinks in the world. Whether you call it a Cape Cod or simply stick to ordering it by its recipe (“cranberry-vodka”), this drink, with its unique history, is the same everywhere you go.

Some History

“Cocktails” as we now know them weren’t really a thing until the 1920s. The Cape Cod got its start not long after that during the 1940s. Back then, it was not even called a Cape Cod (or “Cape Codder” actually). That didn’t happen until the 1960s. On top of that, the origin of the beverage was more marketing than mixology, as the original popularity of the Cape Cod began with Ocean Spray. Yes, the juice people.

The reasons are pretty obvious as the company is well known for their cranberry everythings. And is there any better way to get people to gulp down your healthy fruit juice other than making it boozy? Not at the time apparently, but the idea paid off. The “Red Devil” as it was originally called, took off slowly at Manhattan establishments. It was also on the menu at the acclaimed chain restaurant Trader Vic’s, who dubbed it the “Rangoon Ruby.” Whatever.

Then in 1965, Ocean Spray got back on their Don Draper antics, threw out the “Red Devil” moniker, and started to advertise the cocktail as the “Cape Codder.” Now this made sense. The company was headquartered in the Cape Cod region, which is in turn known for its acres of cranberry bogs, and apparently “Cape Codder” is how some New England folks refer to it to this very day.

However, the origins are slightly, pardon the cocktail pun, muddled, as the name “Cape Codder” may have actually begun with a New England bartender in the early 1960s, before the Ocean Spray ads started running. What we know for sure is that since then, the Cape Cod continues to be a favorite drink at happy hours and house parties everywhere.

Variations

Slight variations like the Sea Breeze (just replace some of the cranberry with 30-45 mL grapefruit juice, and if you like, garnish with orange zest and a cherry), the Bay Breeze (do the same with pineapple juice and garnish of your choice), and the Rose Kennedy (instead of another fruit juice, add some soda water to the mix) are also popular. But cranberry juice, vodka, and a lime wedge (even that’s optional) are really all you need. As for the proportions, if you’re fancy and have a jigger as part of your home bar setup, you’ll use 1 part vodka and 2 parts cranberry juice. You could also do the same using a standard shot glass as they both measure out to about 45 mL or 1.5 oz.

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 45 mL vodka
• 90 mL cranberry juice (or more to taste)
• 1 lime wedge for garnish or spritzing at the end
• Cranberry (very optional garnish)

Directions

Fill a highball glass with ice and pour over the vodka and cranberry juice. Do not shake. Do not stir. Spritz with a lime wedge, or don’t. Sit back, sip, and enjoy.