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Madras

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room

Written by Gavin Wrigley

Andrea

Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

This Madras drink recipe is your ticket to a bright and delightful cocktail! It’s simple to whip up and makes for the perfect day-brightening drink.

Visuals by Overproof Media

Madras Drink Recipe

Summer calls for this uncomplicated Madras drink recipe! Vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice combine to create this energizing cocktail.

Prep time:

1

Mixing time:

1

Servings:

Calories:

150 kl

Ingredients

1½ oz Vodka
3 oz cranberry juice
1 oz orange juice
Ice cubes
Lime wheel, for garnish, optional

Equipment

Highball Glass
Measuring Jigger
Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

Prep Your Glass: Start by filling your highball glass with ice cubes.
Pour in Vodka: Add 1½ oz Vodka over the ice.
Add Cranberry Juice: Pour in 3 oz cranberry juice.
Add Orange Juice: Top it off with 1 oz orange juice.
Mix It Up: Give it a good stir using a bar spoon.
Garnish: Finish off with a lime wheel for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

Vodka: If you're out of vodka, you can use gin as a substitute. It will give the drink a more botanical flavor, which some might prefer.
Cranberry Juice: If cranberry juice isn't available, pomegranate juice can be used as an alternative. It has a similar tartness but adds a slightly different flavor profile.
Orange Juice: If you don't have orange juice, use pineapple juice. It's sweet and tangy and blends well with the other ingredients.

Making a Pitcher of Madras:

Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of vodka, 24 oz of cranberry juice, and 8 oz of orange juice.
Mix: Combine the vodka, cranberry, and orange juice in a large pitcher. Stir well.
Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish with a lime wheel, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

Vodka Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic vodka substitute; several brands are available that mimic the taste of vodka without the alcohol.
Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular vodka, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version of Madras.

Making it Vegan:

Check Your Ingredients: Most ingredients in a Madras cocktail are naturally vegan. However, always check the labels to ensure no animal products are used in their production.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

150

% Daily Value*

Fat

0.2

g

0

%

Saturated Fat

0.02

g

0

%

Sodium

2

mg

0

%

Carbohydrates

13

g

4

%

Fiber

0.1

g

0

%

Sugar

13

g

14

%

Potassium

123

mg

4

%

Protein

1

g

2

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

0.1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

0.03

g

Vitamin A

95

IU

2

%

Vitamin C

22

mg

27

%

Calcium

10

mg

1

%

Iron

0.3

mg

2

%

Madras Cocktail Drink

Madras Drink Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley

Summer calls for this uncomplicated Madras drink recipe! Vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice combine to create this energizing cocktail.

Prep time: 1

Mixing time: 1

Servings:

Calories: 150

Ingredients

1½ oz Vodka
3 oz cranberry juice
1 oz orange juice
Ice cubes
Lime wheel - for garnish, optional

Equipment

Highball Glass
Measuring Jigger
Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

Prep Your Glass: Start by filling your highball glass with ice cubes.
Pour in Vodka: Add 1½ oz Vodka over the ice.
Add Cranberry Juice: Pour in 3 oz cranberry juice.
Add Orange Juice: Top it off with 1 oz orange juice.
Mix It Up: Give it a good stir using a bar spoon.
Garnish: Finish off with a lime wheel for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

Vodka: If you're out of vodka, you can use gin as a substitute. It will give the drink a more botanical flavor, which some might prefer.
Cranberry Juice: If cranberry juice isn't available, pomegranate juice can be used as an alternative. It has a similar tartness but adds a slightly different flavor profile.
Orange Juice: If you don't have orange juice, use pineapple juice. It's sweet and tangy and blends well with the other ingredients.

Making a Pitcher of Madras:

Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of vodka, 24 oz of cranberry juice, and 8 oz of orange juice.
Mix: Combine the vodka, cranberry, and orange juice in a large pitcher. Stir well.
Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish with a lime wheel, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

Vodka Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic vodka substitute; several brands are available that mimic the taste of vodka without the alcohol.
Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular vodka, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version of Madras.

Making it Vegan:

Check Your Ingredients: Most ingredients in a Madras cocktail are naturally vegan. However, always check the labels to ensure no animal products are used in their production.

What is a Madras drink?

A Madras drink is a vodka-based cocktail made of vodka, orange, and cranberry juice. It’s easy to make as it only requires the three ingredients mentioned and some ice. The process involves pouring the drink directly into a glass filled with ice. The Madras is a variant of the Cape Codder cocktail, just vodka and cranberry juice. What makes the Madras interesting is its color gradient that comes from adding the orange juice last, giving it an appealing visual presentation that adds to its overall enjoyment.

What is a Madras Drink made of – The ingredients

Get ready to make your Madras drink with these ingredients:

Vodka: The primary alcohol base provides a strong kick and smoothness to the drink.
Cranberry Juice: Adds a tart flavor and a vibrant red color to the drink.
Orange Juice: Balances out the tartness of cranberry with its sweet and tangy flavor. It also adds a refreshing citrus note.
Lime Wedge: Used as a garnish, it enhances the citrusy aroma and can be squeezed into the drink for an extra zing.

How do you make a Madras drink?

Our guide makes it easy for you to prepare a Madras drink:

1

<p>Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes to the brim. This will ensure that your drink stays chilled for a more extended period.</p>

Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes to the brim. This will ensure that your drink stays chilled for a more extended period.

2

Pour 1.5 ounces of vodka over the ice. The vodka forms the alcoholic base of the Madras, so make sure to use a good quality brand for the best taste.

3

<p>Add 3 ounces of cranberry juice to the glass. The cranberry juice gives the Madras its distinctive tart flavor.</p>

Add 3 ounces of cranberry juice to the glass. The cranberry juice gives the Madras its distinctive tart flavor.

4

<p>Follow this by pouring 1 ounce of orange juice. The orange juice adds a sweet, citrusy note to the drink, balancing out the tartness of the cranberry.</p>

Follow this by pouring 1 ounce of orange juice. The orange juice adds a sweet, citrusy note to the drink, balancing out the tartness of the cranberry.

5

<p>Stir the mixture gently with a long spoon or a cocktail stirrer. This will ensure that the vodka and juices are well combined.</p>

Stir the mixture gently with a long spoon or a cocktail stirrer. This will ensure that the vodka and juices are well combined.

6

<p>Garnish the drink with a slice of lime. This makes the drink look more appealing and adds a fresh citrus aroma that enhances the overall drinking experience.</p>

Garnish the drink with a slice of lime. This makes the drink look more appealing and adds a fresh citrus aroma that enhances the overall drinking experience.

Variations

Seeking other variations? Here are some of our top recommendations:

Sea Breeze: Replace the orange juice with grapefruit juice. This swap adds a more tart and refreshing taste.
Bay Breeze: Use pineapple juice instead of orange juice for a sweeter, tropical twist. I love how the pineapple adds a sunny, vacation-like feel to the drink.
Cape Codder: Omit the orange juice, using only vodka and cranberry juice. This straightforward combination is classic and easy to enjoy.
Cosmopolitan: Halve the cranberry juice, add Cointreau, and replace the orange juice with lemon juice. This creates a sophisticated, slightly more complex flavor profile.
Madras Mule: Incorporate ginger beer instead of orange juice, giving the drink a fizzy and spicy kick. I particularly enjoy the ginger beer’s refreshing zing; it adds a lively spark to the cocktail.
Madras Mocktail: Substitute the vodka with ginger ale, 7up, or club soda. This makes for a refreshing, kid-friendly option for family gatherings.
Party Punch: Mix together vodka, cranberry juice, orange juice, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. This creates a fruity, crowd-pleasing beverage perfect for larger gatherings.
Mimosa Madras: Swap out the vodka for champagne. This results in a sweeter, bubbly option ideal for brunches.
Spiced Madras: Add cinnamon sticks to infuse the drink. This touch brings a warm, cozy flavor perfect for colder months.
Blood Orange Madras: Use blood orange juice instead of regular orange juice. The blood orange adds a deeper, more intense citrus flavor.
Tropical Madras: Combine orange juice with a bit of coconut water. This mixture brings a light, tropical essence that’s perfect for summer.

History and Origin of the Madras Drink

The name “Madras” is thought to be inspired by the vibrant colors of the Madras fabric that was popular in the mid-20th century. This fabric, originating from Chennai (formerly known as Madras), India, is known for its bright colors.

As for the drink itself, it likely evolved from the Cape Codder, another famous vodka-based cocktail. The Cape Codder Cocktail consists simply of vodka and cranberry juice. By adding orange juice, bartenders created a new drink with a unique flavor profile and a beautiful color gradient.

The Madras gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s. It was often served at brunches and summer parties due to its refreshing taste and attractive appearance. Today, it remains a favorite choice for those seeking a light, fruity cocktail.

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Madras Drink?
A standard Madras Drink contains approximately 150-160 calories. However, this can vary depending on the specific brands of alcohol and juice used.

How strong is a Madras Drink?
A Madras Drinks's strength depends on the vodka-to-juice ratio. Typically, it has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of around 10-12%, translating to 20-24 proof. This makes it a relatively light cocktail compared to others.

What type of alcohol is used in a Madras Drink?
Vodka is the primary alcohol used in a Madras Drink. It's mixed with orange and cranberry juice for a refreshing, fruity taste.

In what type of glass is a Madras Drink served?
Traditionally, a Madras Drink is served in a highball glass. This tall, straight-sided glass allows plenty of room for ice and mixers, enhancing the overall drinking experience.

What does a Madras Drink taste like?
A Madras Drink offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. The vodka provides a clean, neutral base; the cranberry juice adds tartness, and the orange juice brings sweetness and citrus notes.

What is the ratio of ingredients in a Madras Drink?
The typical ratio for a Madras Drink is 1.5 oz Vodka, 3 oz Cranberry Juice, and 1 oz Orange Juice. This creates an ideal balance between the alcoholic and non-alcoholic components.

How is a Madras Drink served with ice?
A Madras Drink is usually served over ice or "on the rocks." This helps to keep the drink chilled while slightly diluting the alcohol for smoother sipping.

Is there any specific time or occasion to enjoy a Madras Drink?
While there's no hard and fast rule, the Madras Drink is often enjoyed during summer months or at brunch due to its refreshing, fruity profile. However, it's a versatile drink that can be enjoyed anytime.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Madras Drink?
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic or "mocktail" version, omit the vodka and use more orange and cranberry juice. You'll still get the same great taste without the alcohol.

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