MADRAS
The Madras: A Fruity Vodka Combination
The Madras emerged during the 1980s as part of the family of simple vodka-and-juice cocktails that dominated casual drinking culture.
The drink's name references Madras, India (now Chennai), though the connection to the city remains unclear, according to Liquor.com. The cocktail combines vodka with cranberry juice and orange juice. This pairing creates a sweet, fruity drink where both juices balance each other—cranberry's tartness with orange's sweetness—while complementing vodka's neutral character, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The Madras belongs to the category of easy-to-make vodka cocktails that appealed to mainstream tastes during the 1980s and 1990s. The drink never achieved the fame of related cocktails like the Sea Breeze or Cape Codder but remains a staple option for those seeking simple, fruit-forward vodka drinks.
RECIPE:
1.5 oz vodka
3 oz cranberry juice
1.5 oz fresh orange juice
Lime wedge for garnish
Method:
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with lime wedge.