Madras
A refreshing highball blending vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
Base spirit
Vodka
Style
Highball
Glassware
Highball glass
The Madras sits between the Cape Codder and the Screwdriver, using orange juice to temper the tartness of cranberry. The result is a balanced, fruit-forward highball with a vibrant coral hue. It became a staple of American bar menus in the 1980s alongside the Sea Breeze and Bay Breeze. Built over ice, it requires no shaking and relies on the quality of the juices for its flavor.
Ingredients
Servings
- • 1.5 oz vodka
- • 3 oz cranberry juice
- • 1 oz fresh orange juice
Did you know?
“The Madras is part of the 'Cape Codder' family of cranberry highballs that dominated 1980s cocktail culture, popularized by cranberry grower marketing.”
Source:PunchDrink archives; Imbibe
Bartender's Note
Adjust the ratio of orange to cranberry to shift the balance from tart to sweet.
How to make the Madras
- 1Fill a highball glass with ice
- 2Add vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice
- 3Stir gently to combine
- 4Garnish with a lime wedge
