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Our Autumn Cape Codder a classic cocktail updated with Fall flavors…cranberry juice, vodka, apple cider, and apple liqueur plus fresh cranberries for garnish! (So good!)
With the holidays right around the corner (Thanksgiving is tomorrow!) we always like to plan a special ‘signature drink’ to serve at our parties. This Autumn Cape Codder is a delicious cocktail inspired by Fall flavors here in New England.
A traditional Cape Codder is a popular New England summertime cocktail that got its name from Cape Cod – a popular coastal destination not too far from where Jack and I live. It is simply equal parts vodka and cranberry juice mixed together and garnished with a lime wedge.
We decided to put a seasonal Fall spin on this drink by adding apple cider and a quality apple liqueur – and changing up the garnish to fresh, local cranberries which are also native to our region here in Southeastern Massachusetts.
This Autumn Cape Codder is refreshing and delicious and a wonderful way to get your holiday parties started! 😉 The sweet-tart cranberry juice is wonderfully complemented by the spicy apple flavors.
If you prefer, you can also make a similar, non-alcoholic version of this drink by mixing equal parts of cranberry juice and apple cider together.
Note: A good apple liqueur really makes a difference when preparing this Autumn Cape Codder. We used this German apple liqueur by Schonauer which is a mix of real apples and grain spirits. It’s one of the best apple liqueurs we’ve tasted so try to find it at your local liquor store if possible or order it online at the link above. (Not an affiliate link – we just loved it!)
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Autumn Cape Codder
Ingredients
1 cup good-quality vodka
1 cup apple cider
1 cup apple liqueur (Schonauer brand if possible)
1½ cups cranberry juice (not cranberry juice cocktail )
Fresh or frozen cranberries, for garnish
Instructions
Mix all ingredients (except cranberries for garnish) in a 2-quart pitcher. Stir to combine.
Add ice to four 12-ounce rocks glasses and pour in the mixed cocktail.
Serve with a few cranberries floating on top.
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We made this cocktail, exactly as written, and tripled it to put in our drink dispenser for Thanksgiving. It was a huge hit! Having the pretty cranberries floating on top looked very festive. It was absolutely delicious! This particular brand of apple liquor was not available where we live in PA so my daughter picked up a bottle for us on her way home from Salem, MA. We’ll certainly make this again for another family get together.
★★★★★
So glad you enjoyed the recipe Julie! Happy Thanksgiving!
This sound delicious! I’ll definitely be trying this out the next time I pick up some fresh cider.
Thanks Adrian – Hope you enjoy the recipe!