Madras Cocktail
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Dec. 19, 2025
This Madras cocktail that is special without any fuss. Just three ingredients and you’ve got a drink that tastes bright and festive.
In This Article
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Amy’s Notes
I love this Madras Cocktail because it’s the easiest way to make festive drinks for get-togethers. Here’s what makes it special:
- Bright, Balanced Flavor: The mix of cranberry-pomegranate juice and orange juice gives this drink a crisp, fruity taste that’s never too sweet. It has that same refreshing balance I love in this Sparkling Cranberry Prosecco Cocktail.
- Three Simple Ingredients: Just vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice. That’s it. No syrups or complicated steps—just pour, stir, and serve.
- Pretty and Festive: The deep red color looks beautiful in a glass, especially with a slice of orange or a few cranberries on top.
- Perfect for Sharing: It’s easy to scale up for a crowd, just like this Easy Pear Sangria. Mix a big batch and chill until ready to serve.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Cranberry-Pomegranate Juice – Adds a deep red color and a tart, fruity base that balances the sweetness of the orange juice. Any cranberry blend works, but I like the richer flavor of cranberry-pomegranate.
- Vodka – The clean, neutral spirit that ties everything together without overpowering the fruit flavors. Use your favorite brand or whatever you have on hand.
- Orange Juice – Brings a bright, citrusy sweetness that softens the tart cranberry. I prefer no-pulp juice for a smooth sip.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Sparkling Version: Try topping your glass with a little club soda or sparkling water for a lighter, bubbly drink. It’s great for brunch or daytime sipping.
- Juice Options: I like using cranberry-pomegranate juice for its deep color, but plain cranberry or a cranberry-apple blend works too. You can even try a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical touch.
- Spirit Swaps: Vodka keeps it classic, but you can switch it up with coconut rum or gin for a different feel. Each one changes the flavor just enough to keep things interesting.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Pour cranberry-pomegranate juice, vodka, and orange juice into a tall glass or shaker. This blend balances tartness, sweetness, and a smooth citrus finish.
- Stir gently or shake briefly in a cocktail shaker if preferred. Shaking makes it slightly frothy and extra cold for a cleaner sip.
- Chill until ready to serve, then pour over ice in a fresh glass. This keeps the drink cold without diluting it too early.
- Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries just before serving. It adds a festive touch and enhances the presentation.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Prep Garnishes Early: Slice oranges and rinse cranberries ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge so they’re ready to drop into glasses when it’s time to serve.
- Mix in Advance: Combine the cranberry-pomegranate juice, orange juice, and vodka in a pitcher a few hours before serving. Keep it covered and chilled in the fridge until guests arrive.
What To Serve with Madras Cocktail
Appetizers
- This Madras Cocktail pairs beautifully with small bites that have a touch of sweetness or richness. We love serving it alongside Cranberry Brie Bites for a festive start.
- It’s also delicious with Pumpkin Bacon Crostini With Cranberries or Brie and Fig Crostini when you want something savory and elegant. For something simple, Easy Crostini Recipe is always a hit.
Madras Cocktail
This Madras cocktail couldn't be any easier. Just 3 ingredients stirred together, and you've got a delicious, refreshing mixer ready to go.
Ingredients
- 4 oz cranberry-pomegranate juice, any cran blend works, but I like the darker red of cranberry-pomegranate
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- 1 oz orange juice, no pulp
- orange slices, optional garnish
- fresh cranberries, optional garnish
Instructions
- In a tall glass or stemware of your choice, combine all ingredients and stir well. Alternatively, ingredients can also be combined in a cocktail shaker and shake to combine.
- Chill until ready to serve. When ready to serve, add ice cubes. Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries, if desired.
Notes
- Use chilled juices and vodka to keep the drink crisp without needing too much ice.
- Shake the ingredients in a cocktail shaker if you prefer a slightly frothy texture and colder sip.
- Choose no-pulp orange juice for a smooth, clean finish that blends easily with the cranberry.
- Adjust the juice ratio to taste – more cranberry for tartness or more orange for sweetness.
- Garnish right before serving so the fruit looks fresh and vibrant.
- For a lighter version, top the drink with a splash of sparkling water or club soda.
- Make a pitcher for parties by mixing everything ahead and adding ice just before serving.
- This recipe is part of our Cocktail Recipes Collection.
- We love serving it alongside light party appetizers such as our Cranberry Brie Bites or Brie and Fig Crostini.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 195mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 117IU | Vitamin C: 89mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this drink without alcohol?
Absolutely. Just skip the vodka and replace it with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a refreshing mocktail version. It keeps the same bright, fruity flavor.
What kind of vodka works best?
A smooth, mid-range vodka is perfect since the juices bring most of the flavor. You don’t need anything fancy, but a clean-tasting vodka makes the drink nicely balanced.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Yes. Mix the juices and vodka in a large pitcher and chill until serving time. Add ice and garnishes right before guests arrive so it stays fresh and cold.
How long does it keep?
If you mix the juices and vodka ahead, it will keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add ice and garnishes only when ready to serve so the drink doesn’t dilute or lose its color.
More to Cook and Eat
- Pomegranate Apple Sangria – This festive Pomegranate Apple Sangria is perfect for the holidays, and it get’s better as it sits.
- Champagne Punch – If you’ve got a crowd, be prepared for this strawberry Champagne Punch to disappear fast!
- Easy Apple Cider Sangria – This Easy Apple Cider Sangria is great served with cinnamon sticks and sipped by the fire.
- Cherry Mojito – These Cherry Mojitos are just the thing for a summer gathering, cookout, or just sipping on the deck. With just a few ingredients and refreshing flavor, it’s an instant hit.