Madras is a fresh and light fruity cocktail made with vodka, orange juice and cranberry juice. It is easy to drink and is one of the classic bar drinks, especially on hot days.
The Madras is a simple but effective cocktail that originated in American bar culture and gained popularity especially from the 1940s onwards. It is thought to be named after the city in India formerly known as Madras (now Chennai), but the cocktail itself was actually developed in America. This nomenclature stemmed from the fashion at the time to give cocktails names that evoked exotic and faraway lands.
Around the same time that vodka was becoming popular in America, bartenders began to create easy-drinking cocktails by combining this neutral spirit with fruit juices. Cranberry juice was especially popular at the time and paired well with vodka. When orange juice was added, both sweetness and citrus freshness came out in a balanced way.
“Sometimes life is not complicated; it is beautiful when the right three things come together.”
Thanks to this simplicity, Madras quickly became one of the favorites of bars and home parties. Easy to drink, refreshing and not requiring much technique, it has become a classic in both professional bars and home parties. Today, Madras is considered one of the most important members of the cranberry-based cocktail family such as Cape Codder and Sea Breeze.
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Ingredients
Unit System
45 mlVodka
60 mlCranberry Juice
60 mlOrange Juice
SomeIce
Orangeslice or lime (garnish)
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Method
1
Fill the highball glass with ice.
2
Add vodka.
3
Add cranberry juice and orange juice.
4
Stir gently.
5
Garnish with an orange slice or lime and serve.
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Bartender Tips
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Using fresh orange juice significantly enhances the flavor of the cocktail.
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Filling the glass completely with ice keeps the drink more fresh.
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You can slightly increase the cranberry ratio for a more intense flavor.
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