Madras Drink

Madras drink is a simple and delicious 3-ingredient cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice. It’s a slightly tart, sweet, and incredibly refreshing drink that will quench your thirst and leave you wanting more.

A Brief History of the Madras Drink

The Madras drink is actually a variation of the Cape Codder, which is made with just vodka and cranberry juice. By adding orange juice to this mix, the Madras drink came to life. But why is it called a Madras drink?

The Madras Cocktail is believed to be named after the plaid cloth design that originated in the Bay of Bengal seaport formerly known as Madras. This large coastal city on India’s southeastern shore is now known as Chennai.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious drink, you’ll need:

• Vodka: Vodka is an excellent base for cocktails. Its neutral taste allows it to pair well with other ingredients without overwhelming their flavor. You don’t need to buy expensive vodka for this drink since the other ingredients will mask any subtle flavor differences.
• Cranberry juice: Opt for sweetened cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail in this recipe. Avoid using unsweetened 100% cranberry juice as it can be too tart. If that’s all you have, simply add some simple syrup to balance the flavors. Check out my other cocktail recipes with cranberry juice for more inspiration.
• Orange juice: You can use store-bought or freshly-squeezed orange juice. Both work well in this cocktail.

Additionally, you’ll need some ice cubes to chill your drink, but be mindful not to add too many as they can dilute the flavors. Garnish the drink with orange wedges or slices for an extra touch of freshness.

The Perfect Glass for the Madras Cocktail

Traditionally, a highball glass, such as a Collins glass, is used for serving the Madras cocktail. However, you can use any kind of glass you have on hand. Ideally, opt for a tall glass, but a short glass like an old-fashioned glass will work just fine.

If you’re using a short glass, make sure to adjust the ingredient proportions accordingly to ensure they all fit.

How to Make the Madras Drink

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delightful cocktail:

1. STEP 1: Add a couple of ice cubes to a high glass and pour in the vodka.
2. STEP 2: Add the orange juice to the glass.
3. STEP 3: Measure out the cranberry juice and add it to the glass. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. If desired, garnish the glass with an orange wedge or slice.
5. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your refreshing Madras drink!

If you’re hosting a party or want to make a larger batch, you can easily prepare the Madras drink in a pitcher. Scale up the ingredients accordingly and pour them into a pitcher filled with ice. Give it a good stir, and you’re ready to serve!

The Strength of the Madras Cocktail

The Madras drink is not a strong cocktail. It contains a small amount of vodka and an abundance of fruit juices, making it more on the weak side. However, be mindful of its deceptive drinkability. It’s so easy to drink that you might find yourself having one too many!

Similar Cocktail Recipes

If you enjoyed the Madras drink, you might also like these similar cocktail recipes:

• Sea Breeze Cocktail: Made with vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice, it’s a refreshing citrusy drink.
• Bay Breeze Drink: This cocktail combines vodka, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice for a tropical twist.

For more cranberry-orange flavored drinks, try:

• Cranberry Mimosa: A delightful mix of champagne, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur.
• Cranberry Martini: An elegant cranberry-orange cocktail.
• Cranberry Orange Sangria: Perfect for the holiday season.
• Cranberry Orange Mulled Wine: A warm and comforting winter drink.
• Cosmopolitan Cocktail: A classic cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and orange liqueur.

Share Your Experience

Did you try making this recipe? Rate it and share your thoughts in the comments below! You can even add a photo of your creation to inspire other readers. Your feedback is highly appreciated and will help others enjoy this delicious cocktail. Cheers!