The Madras Cocktail is a bright, breezy combination of vodka, cranberry juice, orange and lime juice — an easy drink that’s both vibrant and refreshing. This fruity classic has been a bar menu staple for decades, offering a sweet-tart balance that’s perfect for warm weather, casual get-togethers, or whenever you’re in the mood for a splash of color in your glass.
Often compared to a Cape Codder or Bay Breeze, the Madras stands out for its balance of fruit juices and beautiful presentation. Serve it in a highball glass over ice, stir gently, and you’ve got a delicious drink in under a minute. Whether you're looking for a simple cocktail to mix on a weeknight or something light to sip at brunch, this vibrant Madras cocktail always delivers.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Madras Cocktail Recipe
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make a Madras Cocktail
- More Recipes You Will Love
- How to Serve a Madras Cocktail Recipe
- What to Serve with a Madras Cocktail
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About Our Madras Cocktail Recipe
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Madras Cocktail
If you love fresh tasting cocktails, you might want to try our Brass Monkey Drink, Hennessy Strawberry Lemonade, Pineapple Rum Cocktail, Love Potion Cocktail or Coconut Mojito.
Why You Will Love This Madras Cocktail Recipe
- Fruity Flavor: A refreshing twist on the classic vodka cranberry with added citrus notes.
- Quick to Mix: Just a few ingredients and no shaking required.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant color makes it as eye-catching as it is tasty.
- Customizable: Adjust the juice ratio or swap ingredients for a fun variation.
- Party-Ready: Easy to multiply and serve from a pitcher for gatherings.
Ingredients
A short trip to the grocery store for this simple cocktail.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Vodka: A neutral base that lets the fruit flavors shine.
- Cranberry Juice: Brings sweet-tart flavor and a vibrant color to the drink.
- Orange Juice: Adds bright, citrusy notes that round out the cocktail.
- Lime Juice: Add a squeeze of lime juice for an intense fresh citrus profile.
- Simple Syrup, Optional: To add an additional layer of sweetness.
For this easy recipe, you'll want to have on hand a cocktail shaker, shot glasses, and a cocktail spoon; I love this set from Amazon.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to mix up this cocktail a little differently next time? Here are some ideas to inspire you.
- Juice Choice: Use unsweetened cranberry juice for a tart drink or cranberry juice cocktail for a sweeter sip.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of lemon juice for added brightness or swap in grapefruit juice for a tangy variation.
- Bubbly Version: Top with club soda to make it lighter and extra refreshing.
- Orange Swap: Try sweet orange juice or add a dash of orange liqueur for more depth and complexity.
- Extra Color: A splash of pomegranate juice adds a deeper color and an extra tart bite.
How to Make a Madras Cocktail
Look at how simple it was to make this classic cocktail.
Fill a highball glass with ice then add vodka, cranberry juice, orange juice, lime juice and simple syrup if desired.
Stir lightly and enjoy.
Hint: Chill your vodka in the freezer and fruit juices in the fridge ahead for the crispest, freshest sip.
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How to Serve a Madras Cocktail Recipe
A few tips to help you shake, serve, and style it.
- Shaken/Stirred: Stirring keeps the drink crisp and vibrant without clouding the juices.
- Glass: A highball glass is the classic way to serve a Madras cocktail drink. This allows for a longer sip, add extra ice or a splash of club soda if desired.
- Garnishes: A slice or wedge of lime or orange slice adds a simple, fresh finish.
What to Serve with a Madras Cocktail
Enjoy this cocktail on its own, with some light-bites or with dinner. Here are some great pairing options.
- Charcuterie Board: Salty meats and cheeses are perfect for picking and balance the sweet-tart notes of the cocktail.
- Shrimp Ceviche: Light and citrusy, perfect for matching the fruit-forward drink.
- Guacamole and Chips: A fresh, crowd-friendly snack that complements the drink's brightness.
- Slow Cooker Meatballs and Meatball Sliders: Hearty enough to match the bold flavors of the cocktail.
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip: A rich and creamy appetizer against the crisp tartness of the Madras.
- Chicken Dishes: Our southwest chicken casserole, easy chicken thigh marinade, chicken ricotta meatballs or chicken enchiladas are all great options.
Top Tips
Here are some helpful hints to making this refreshing drink!
- Serve Over Fresh Ice: A highball glass filled with fresh ice keeps the drink cool without watering it down too fast.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink, especially if using unsweetened cranberry juice.
- Stir Gently: A light stir is all you need to blend the flavors without dulling the vibrant color.
- Garnish for Flair: Try an orange slice or lime wedge for a simple, colorful finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Madras Cocktail Recipe
Do you have questions about this madras cocktail.
The Madras uses orange juice, whereas the Sea Breeze uses grapefruit juice for a slightly tart twist.
Adding a splash of orange liqueur is a great idea for boosting the citrus flavor, but be sure not to skip the orange juice — it adds the body this cocktail needs.
Not quite. A Cosmopolitan includes both lime juice and triple sec, while the Madras is a simpler and slightly more fruit-forward drink.
Top up your glass with club soda, or add extra ice to make the drink even more refreshing.
Absolutely — bookmark this post or print the recipe card to have it handy whenever you're ready to make a quick and fruity cocktail.
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Madras Cocktail
Equipment
- Spouted Measuring Cup and Measuring Spoons
- Cocktail Spoon
- Shot Glass
Ingredients
- ice
- 2- ounce vodka
- ½ cup cranberry juice
- 1- ounce orange juice
- 1 teaspoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ teaspoon simple syrup optional
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice then add vodka, cranberry juice, orange juice, lime juice and simple syrup if desired.
- Stir lightly and enjoy.
Notes
- Chill your vodka in the freezer and fruit juices in the fridge ahead for the crispest, freshest sip.
- A highball glass filled with fresh ice keeps the drink cool without watering it down too fast.
- Add simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink, especially if using unsweetened cranberry juice.
- A light stir is all you need to blend the flavors without dulling the vibrant color.
- Try an orange slice or lime wedge for a simple, colorful finishing touch.
Nutrition
We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.
Madhu says
Sounds refreshing! Do you usually add ice or chill the ingredients beforehand?
Eva Filer says
You can do both. If you chill everything you won’t need as much ice, but it also will not dilute as quickly. Or you can just chill with ice and allow it to get a little diluted. Enjoy it!
Joanne says
This drink is delicious and very refreshing.
Eva Filer says
So glad you like it. Such a refreshing cocktail. Thanks for the review.
Abi says
What a beautiful flavor combinations, tried this recipe and they came out great!
Eva Filer says
Such a good one! Glad you like it as much as we do. Cheers!
Leanne says
I loved the sweet and sour balance of these drinks! My husband and I made a few on the weekend and they were perfect for an early evening sip!
Eva Filer says
Definitely a good one for a warm summer evening. Thanks for the review.