We present the results of an exploratory spectroscopic survey of cataclysmic variables in the infrared part of the spectrum (1.0-2.5 mu m). The spectra show strong Paschen, Bracket and He I emission lines from the accretion disc, and CO bands and neutral metal lines from the secondary star. We use these features to determine the spectral types of the secondary stars, and find that they are in broad agreement with optical estimates and are later than expected for their periods. In addition, we report the possible detection of enhanced (CO)-C-13 in the detached system V471 Tau, which if confirmed provides firm support for the theory of common-envelope evolution.