The Rangoon Ruby and a Book Review

This iconic drink was made popular by Trader Vic's during the 1960's and is similar to the Cape Codder or the current-day Vodka and Cranberry. The Rangoon Ruby was documented in Trader Vic's Pacific Island Cookbook.

I first heard about this cocktail while reading The Island Club by Nicola Harrison.

I wasn't crazy about this novel set on an exclusive Island off the California coast during the 1950's.  It deals with the dysfunctional families of that era, when appearances were all that mattered, and dysfunctional relationships were hidden behind closed doors.  

I didn't hate it, and perhaps a few years ago, I would have enjoyed it. I think the current push by the White Nationalists has tainted me.  It concerns me that there is a faction of society that so openly wants to return to the days when women were so oppressed, stuck in loveless marriages, and were given little option to be able to fend for themselves.  

That being said, the protagonists do manage to overcome these obstacles and break through some societal barriers.  When newcomer Milly first arrives on the island, she and her husband are invited over to Sylvia's home, where the men drink bourbon, and the women enjoy a Rangoon Ruby.

I had never heard of a Rangoon Ruby, and a Google search returned this recipe from Trader Vic's, published in 1968.  So, while the timeline is a little off, the cocktail is quite tasty, reminiscent of the more popular Cape Codder.

Cocktails, Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Vintage

Cocktails

Pacific Island

Yield: 1 cocktail

Author: Wendy Klik

Rangoon Ruby

This iconic drink was made popular by Trader Vic's during the 1960's and is similar to the Cape Codder or the current-day Vodka and Cranberry. The Rangoon Ruby was documented in Trader Vic's Pacific Island Cookbook.

Prep time: 3 MinTotal time: 3 Min

Ingredients

• 2 oz. vodka
• 4 oz. cranberry juice
• juice of 1/2 lime
• splash of club soda
• mint leaves for garnish, if desired

Instructions

1. Fill a tall glass with ice. Squeeze in the lime juice and add the lime shell to the glass, if desired.
2. Add the vodka and cranberry juice, top with the club soda, and add the mint leaves, if using.
3. Stir and serve

Notes

Recipe from Trader Vic's

Nutrition Facts

Calories

188

Fat (grams)

0 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

0 g

Carbs (grams)

15 g

Fiber (grams)

0 g

Net carbs

15 g

Sugar (grams)

14 g

Protein (grams)

1 g

Sodium (milligrams)

7 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

0 mg

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Disaronno and Cranberry

Cranberetto Sour

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