Vodka is one of the most natural drink to use for cocktails.
You mix vodka and cranberry juice, you get a Cape Codder. You mix vodka with orange juice, you get a Screwdriver.
You mix all three of these, and voila, you get Madras. Madras originated because some dudes in 1945 wanted to give the good old’ Cape Code a citric twist. And yes, Madras is by far the most refreshing yet the simplest cocktail you will ever have.

Also, don’t stress over the name. Most of the old fashioned cocktails are named after some cities. This one is no different. It is named after a southern state in India. It’s pretty hot there, and this refreshing drink is just perfect for the summers in Madras. Fun fact, Madras city is now renamed as Chennai.
Every bartender has their own way of mixing them and giving you a better cocktail. Try muddling some mint leaves or add some sugar syrup or squeeze some lime or give it a spicy twist by adding a li’l bit of cinnamon sugar. Using flavoured vodka gives that extra kick. What I love to do is play with the ratio.
Don’t mix drinking with driving.
Notes
- You know you can skip the fancy garnishing when making cocktail at home.
- I have changed the measurement according to my taste. The traditional Madras has 90ml of cranberry juice.
- Add cinnamon sugar as per taste if you want it to a bit spicy.
- Squeezing lemon juice is also a good option.
- Mixing the orange juice and vodka over ice and topping it with cranberry juice gives a nice sunset-y color to your drink!
Ingredients
- 60ml Vodka
- 60ml Cranberry Juice
- 30ml Orange Juice
- 2/3 cup of Ice
- Lime slice for garnish
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients in a tall glass.
- Add ice.
- Garnish with lime
I would try this drink. I didn’t know vodka was the more natural spirit.
Thanks for this I really need this in mid week. I already taken print out for the same. I will definitely going to try this for sure
So refreshing, and I love the color of this drink. Cranberries are my favorites in any form or shape!
Looks like a lovely drink. I’d love to have some this weekend to calm and refresh the mind.
Cranberry and citrus fruit are literally my favourite ingredients for drinks, why have I never heard of the Madras before?! Thank you so much for this recipe!! xx
Looks refreshing and easy to make. I’ll try. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
This drink looks so refreshing and sound delicious. Thank you for the recipe x
I’ve always wanted to know how to mix drink but I only remember when I’m at a party and someone else is doing it or when in a movie. Now, I can pretend to be a pro and mix with this awesome tips.
This actually sounds really nice 🙂 Not a fan of cranberry juice but mixed with orange juice… YUM.
I like screwdrivers and I like a cape codder so I guess putting all three together would definitely taste good!
Looks so refreshing! I would love to make it, the recipe is very easy to follow! Thank you so much.
This sounds like a nice cocktail, especially for the hot summer months. I drank many times vodka mixed with orange or with cranberry juice, but never with both in the same time.
Sounds totally refreshing and delicious. On a nice summer day, this seems like the perfect go-to! Thanks for sharing!
Umm I need me some of this… To much stuff going on I need to relax.