The quick and easy Madras Cocktail is a tasty combination of fruit juices and vodka. A simple drink recipe, but deliciously refreshing, fruity, and tangy!
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What is a Madras Cocktail
A Madras Cocktail is a fruity highball vodka mixed drink that is served over ice. It is a simple cocktail recipe that is quick and easy to make and perfect for the summertime.
This pink-colored vodka cocktail is deliciously sweet and tangy in flavor and is a refreshing, easy sip. It is made with just three simple ingredients, orange juice, cranberry juice, and vodka, and can be mixed up straight in a serving glass.
The Madras Cocktail is a spin-off from a Cape Codder (aka vodka cranberry), with the addition of orange juice.
It’s also very close to a Cosmopolitan cocktail, which has Cointreau and lemon, as well as the Sea Breeze which includes lime.
The History of The Madras Cocktail and Name
Most sources claim that the Madras was invented in the 1940s and reached peak popularity during the 80s. The origin of its unique name is rumored to be from Madras Plaid fabric.
Madras Plaid was brightly colored and a highly popular fabric. It originated in Madras, India -which is now called Chennai. As it is named after the fabric, the drink is also therefore pronounced: "Mad-ris".
Love vodka mixed drinks? Check out our list of THE BEST MIXERS FOR VODKA!
Ingredients and Notes
This easy cocktail recipe only requires three simple ingredients to make it - one type of liquor and two types of fruit juices.
The ingredients you will need to make a Madras Drink are listed below and you can also find a detailed recipe card at the end of this post.
- Orange juice. I like to use freshly squeezed orange juice for maximum flavor and to give the drink a little more body. But you can also use any store-bought version that you like best. 100% orange juice is always best!
- Cranberry juice. Depending on your preference you can use sweetened or unsweetened cranberry juice. If you use 100% juice, you can customize the sweetness of the cocktail by adding maple syrup or simple syrup to create your perfect balance of sweetness.
- Vodka. Vodka is composed mainly of water and ethanol and is neutral in flavor. Therefore, you can use any plain vodka that you like best to make this recipe.
How to serve Madras Drinks
The classic garnish for a Madras is a lime wedge or a lime wheel. This gives the drink a delicious boost in flavor and a pretty pop of color. If you don't have any fresh limes, you could also add an orange slice or wedge.
It is also traditional to serve this drink in a highball glass with lots of ice. You could use cubes or crushed ice depending on your preference. The ice keeps the drink refreshingly cold and chilled.
Madra Cocktails can be served for so many different events and occasions. I love serving them at brunch or girl's night.
They can also be a great option for dinner parties or happy hour drinks.
How to make a Madras Cocktail
This cocktail is easy to make and doesn't require any fancy bar equipment. You can also make a big batch of the recipe to enjoy all night long!
To make a Madras Cocktail, follow the steps below or find a full detailed recipe at the end of this page.
STEP ONE
Fill a serving glass ¾ full with ice.
STEP TWO
Pour in the orange juice, cranberry juice, and vodka.
STEP THREE
Mix well and garnish with a lime wedge before serving.
How to make a large batch (Pitcher Variation)
Making a pitcher-style large batch version of this cocktail is quick and easy. Simply scale up the amounts of each ingredient in the recipe proportionally by the number of drinks you will be making.
Place the ingredients in a large pitcher and chill it in a fridge until ready to serve in highball glasses filled with ice. Garnish each glass with a fresh lime wedge before serving.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- You can adapt the ratios of juice to suit your preference.
- You could use a fruit or vanilla-flavored vodka to make this cocktail to add an extra dash of flavor.
- You can turn this simple mixed drink into a sparkling cocktail by topping the Madras with seltzer, club soda, sparkling wine, or ginger ale.
- A Madras Cocktail is a fairly light drink. When made following the proportions given in the recipe with 80-proof vodka, the Madras has an average alcohol content of about 10 percent ABV (20 proof).
Madras Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Highball serving glass
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounce plain vodka
- 3 ounce cranberry juice
- 1 ounce orange juice
- ice cubes or crushed ice for serving
- lime wedge for serving
Instructions
- Fill a serving glass ¾ full with ice.
- Pour in the orange juice, cranberry juice, and vodka.
- Mix well and garnish with a lime wedge before serving.
Notes
- You can adapt the ratios of juice to suit your preference.
- You could use a fruit or vanilla-flavored vodka to make this cocktail to add an extra dash of flavor.
- You can turn this simple mixed drink into a sparkling cocktail by topping the Madras with seltzer, club soda, sparkling wine, or ginger ale.
- A Madras Cocktail is a fairly light drink. When made following the proportions given in the recipe with 80-proof vodka, the Madras has an average alcohol content of about 10 percent ABV (20 proof).
Nutrition
I hope you love this Madras Cocktail recipe as much as I do! And if you want to see more of my food adventures, follow me on Instagram or Facebook.
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