Ingredients
Method
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in Illadelph Vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
- Stir gently to blend without disturbing the natural color gradient.
- Garnish with an orange wheel or lime wedge.
The Madras cocktail is everything you want in a fruity drink: vibrant, tangy, and beautifully layered with flavors of cranberry and orange. Built on a base of smooth Illadelph Organic Vodka, it delivers a refreshing balance of sweet and tart notes, perfect for brunches, beach parties, or relaxing evenings at home.
The Madras takes its name from the Indian city of Chennai (formerly called Madras) and, more specifically, from the famous Madras plaid fabric. Just as that fabric is known for its vivid colors and lively patterns, the cocktail reflects a similarly bright and cheerful character. It became popular in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s when cranberry juice cocktails were heavily promoted, and quickly became a bar favorite for its refreshing taste and eye-catching color.
Over time, the Madras gained fans in Hollywood and beyond. Its light yet flavorful profile makes it a go-to drink for celebrities looking for something festive but not overly strong. Drew Barrymore and Blake Lively have both been known to favor fruit-forward cocktails like the Madras at social events, where a long-lasting, photogenic drink is always welcome.
The Madras is a versatile cocktail that lends itself to creative tweaks:
Because the Madras relies on just a few ingredients, quality matters. Illadelph Organic Vodka is triple-distilled for exceptional smoothness, making it the ideal partner for fresh juices. Its clean, neutral profile lets the natural cranberry and orange flavors shine, while adding a touch of elegance to every pour. USDA-certified organic, gluten-free, and kosher, Illadelph ensures that every Madras is as pure as it is delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a summer party, planning a weekend brunch, or simply craving a colorful evening cocktail, make your Madras with Illadelph Vodka for the perfect mix of flavor, freshness, and style.
A Madras is a fruity vodka cocktail made with cranberry juice and orange juice over ice. It’s bright, colorful, and refreshing — a perfect balance of tartness and citrus sweetness.
It became popular in the U.S. in the mid-20th century, inspired by the vibrant “Madras” plaid fabric associated with tropical fashion. The cocktail’s colorful look reflects that same playful spirit.
A clean, smooth vodka allows both juices to shine. Premium organic vodkas like Illadelph help keep the finish crisp and the flavors well-balanced.
It’s lightly sweet from the orange juice, but the cranberry ensures it stays refreshing rather than sugary. You can easily adjust the ratio depending on your taste.
Fresh juice gives the drink a richer body and more vivid citrus aroma, but 100% bottled juice works fine for casual mixing.
A simple orange wheel or lime wedge works beautifully. Some bartenders add a citrus twist for extra aroma.
A Sea Breeze uses grapefruit juice instead of orange, giving it a tarter, more coastal flavor. A Madras leans more tropical and soft.
Yes — combine vodka (like Illadelph) and both juices in a pitcher, chill well, and pour over fresh ice when serving. It’s a great pitcher drink for brunch or summer nights.
It’s moderate in alcohol — the generous juice portions make it smooth and easy to sip, especially outdoors.
Add a splash of soda water for sparkle, or swap cranberry for pomegranate juice to create a deeper, more festive variation.
Absolutely. Mix cranberry and orange juice with sparkling water or ginger ale for a refreshing mocktail.
