The Cape Cod
The Cape Cod
This drink recipe is inspired by The Editor by Steven Rowley. In this book, Mrs. Onassis serves her author (James Smale) a Cape Cod (also known as a Cape Codder Cocktail) when he visits her home. I had to google this drink because I’d never heard of it…so imagine my dismay when I discovered The Cape Cod is a fancy way of ordering a Vodka Cranberry…a drink I lived off of in college (it is cheap and hard to mess up.) But this is not your college days recipe... #ahastycocktail
INGREDIENTS:
2 oz @titosvodka
3 oz Cranberry juice (some swear by Ocean Spray)
Splash of ginger ale
Lime wedge and cranberries for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
Combine vodka and cranberry juice into a glass filled with ice. Stir well. Add a splash of ginger ale (I think Jacqueline would class up this cocktail with a splash of ginger ale, don’t you?) Top with a few cranberries and garnish with a lime wedge. Right before you drink, though, squeeze the lime juice into your drink and drop into your glass.
Note: This is the easy recipe, but it didn’t give me the vibrant cranberry color I was looking for, so I went and made a more complicated recipe that made a prettier drink, I’ll call this one The Fancy Cape Cod:
The Fancy Cape Cod
INGREDIENTS:
1 oz cranberry juice concentrate
4 oz water
2 oz ginger ale
1.5 oz vodka
DIRECTIONS:
Create your juice mix by combining 1oz cranberry juice concentrate with 4 oz water. Then combine 2 oz juice mix, 2 oz ginger ale, and 1.5 oz vodka into a glass filled with ice. Stir well. Top with cranberries and a lime wedge. Right before you drink, squeeze the lime into your drink and drop into your glass. I served mine in a lowball glass, but feel free to serve in a highball glass, if you prefer.
PS - leave it to me to complicate the world’s simplest cocktail. 🤷♀️
VARIATIONS:
Add grapefruit juice and it becomes a Sea Breeze cocktail
Add orange juice or orange liquor and it becomes a Madras or Red Devil cocktail
Add pineapple juice and it becomes a Bay Breeze cocktail
Add peach juice or peach schnapps and it becomes a Woo Woo cocktail
The Cape Cod
“[What book character would you like to be best friends with?]
Writer James Smale, the main character in one of my favorite books of the last few years, “The Editor,” by Steven Rowley. ”
Read my full interview with Gary Goldstein.
About The Editor by Steven Rowley:
"The Editor" by Steven Rowley is a heartfelt and engaging novel that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. The story revolves around James Smale, a struggling writer in 1990s New York, who finally secures a publishing deal for his novel, only to discover that his editor is none other than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the iconic former First Lady. Initially intimidated by Jackie's presence, James develops a unique and unexpected friendship with her.
As Jackie edits James' novel, she not only provides valuable literary guidance but also delves into the deeply personal and emotional aspects of his story. Through their interactions, James learns about Jackie's own challenges, her tragedies, and her resilience in the face of public scrutiny.
"The Editor" is a touching exploration of the power of words and the impact of storytelling. It delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and the ways in which our personal narratives shape our lives. With a blend of humor, tenderness, and a touch of historical fiction, Rowley's novel offers readers a glimpse into the complexities of creativity, fame, and the human spirit. Through the lens of James and Jackie's unlikely friendship, the novel explores the transformative nature of art and the ways in which the stories we tell can bridge the gaps between generations and cultures.
The Fancy Cape Cod
About Cape Cod:
Cape Cod, a picturesque peninsula stretching into the Atlantic Ocean in southeastern Massachusetts, is a quintessential New England destination that embodies charm and natural beauty. With its sandy beaches, quaint villages, and historic lighthouses, Cape Cod offers a serene escape from the bustle of everyday life. Visitors are captivated by the idyllic coastal landscapes, where dunes meet the sea, and salt marshes are abundant. The Cape boasts a rich maritime heritage, evident in its seafood delicacies and maritime museums. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Cape Cod National Seashore, a pristine stretch of shoreline, and indulge in activities like whale watching and kayaking. Moreover, Cape Cod is dotted with charming towns such as Provincetown, Chatham, and Hyannis, each with its unique character, art galleries, and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're savoring freshly caught lobster, strolling along windswept beaches, or exploring historic sites, Cape Cod offers a timeless charm that beckons travelers seeking a tranquil coastal retreat.
