Cape Codder

What is the difference between a Cosmopolitan and a Cape Codder Cocktail?

A Cosmopolitan and a Cape Codder Cocktail have notable differences. A Cosmopolitan includes triple sec and fresh lime juice, adding a citrusy and sweet flavor to the cocktail, while a Cape Codder doesn’t have these ingredients. Additionally, a Cosmopolitan is typically served in a martini glass, giving it a more sophisticated presentation, whereas a Cape Codder is usually served in a highball glass. The preparation method also differs; you usually shake a Cosmopolitan with ice and then strain it into a glass, but you build and stir a Cape Codder. Lastly, a Cosmopolitan often has a more pink color due to the mix of ingredients, while a Cape Codder Cocktail usually has a deeper red hue from the cranberry juice.

Cape Codder Cocktail with Club Soda – Rose Kennedy

A Cape Codder Cocktail with club soda includes the addition of club soda to the usual mix of vodka and cranberry juice. This version is named “Rose Kennedy” or “VSS” (Vodka Soda Splash). The club soda adds a bubbly and crisp texture to the beverage, making it even more refreshing.

Cape Codder Cocktail with Orange juice – The Madras

A Cape Codder Cocktail with orange juice is a mix of vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice. It is also known as a Madras. Adding orange juice to the Cape Codder introduces a sweet and citrusy flavor, making the Madras a refreshing and flavorful beverage.

Cape Codder Cocktail Variations

Curious to try other versions? We have some excellent favorites to consider:

• Blue Lagoon: This combines Blue Curacao and lemonade with vodka, resulting in a vibrant and citrusy blend. The addition of Blue Curacao brings a stunning blue color and a hint of tropical citrus flavor, making it visually appealing and refreshing. I really enjoy the playful color; it makes the experience more fun and is perfect for summer gatherings.
• Sea Breeze: This mixes vodka with cranberry and grapefruit juices, creating a tart and citrusy twist. The grapefruit juice introduces a zesty, bold flavor that balances well with the sweet cranberry. I appreciate the refreshing quality of the grapefruit; it provides a zingy lift that’s invigorating on a hot day.
• Salty Dog: This substitutes cranberry juice with grapefruit juice and adds a salted rim, offering a salty and tart twist. The salted rim enhances the grapefruit’s inherent tartness, adding an interesting savory element to the sip.
• Bay Breeze: This includes pineapple juice in its composition, lending a tropical and sweet note to the traditional base. The pineapple juice infuses the mixture with a rich, fruity sweetness that complements the vodka base beautifully.
• Malibu Bay Breeze: This uses Malibu rum instead of vodka, infusing the mixture with a coconut flavor that enhances its tropical essence. The coconut from the Malibu rum adds a creamy, exotic touch that pairs wonderfully with the pineapple juice. I love the coconut flavor as it transports me to a tropical beach, making it a relaxing choice for a vacation vibe.
• Woo Woo: This introduces peach schnapps to the classic foundation, adding a sweet and fruity dimension. The peach schnapps brings a soft, velvety peach flavor that makes the whole sip more rounded and satisfying.

History and Origins of the Cape Codder Cocktail

People know it as a classic American cocktail. The name “Cape Codder” comes from Cape Cod, a region in Massachusetts known for its cranberry production. The cocktail gained popularity in the 1950s. Around this time, Ocean Spray, a major producer of cranberry products, started promoting cranberry juice cocktails, including the Cape Codder Cocktail. The mix of vodka and cranberry juice became a hit because of its refreshing and tart flavor, and it remains a popular choice in bars and homes today.