Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe (2024)

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By Shawn Williams

5 from 1 vote

Feb 10, 2019, Updated Jan 16, 2024

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The Cosmopolitan co*cktail is a tangy and citrus-forward co*cktail, renowned for its unmistakable pink hue. Crafted from vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice, the Cosmo has firmly established itself as a modern-day classic.

Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe (2)

There are so many different variations of the Cosmopolitan. While I’m not a Cosmo drinker myself, I’ve perfected the co*cktail thanks to the number of Cosmo lovers in my family. After experimenting with countless variations, this one has become the perfect ratio that everyone swears by.

Table of Contents

  • Brief co*cktail History
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make A Cosmopolitan co*cktail
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Vodka co*cktails
  • Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe

Brief co*cktail History

While its exact origins are still a matter of debate, the Cosmopolitan’s roots can be traced back to the early 20th century. The drink as we know it today was created in 1985 by Miami bartender Cheryl Cook at a South Beach bar called the Strand. The original recipe consisted of citron-flavored vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, and cranberry juice.

The co*cktail didn’t gain widespread popularity until the 1990s when it became the signature drink of choice on the TV show “Sex and the City.”

Looking for more vodka co*cktails? Try the French Martini, berry vodka smash, and pear martini!

Ingredients

Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe (3)
  • Vodka: the original recipe called for citron-flavored vodka, however, I use unflavored vodka. I encourage you to experiment with both!
  • Cointreau or triple sec: I use these two liqueurs almost interchangeably. Whichever you have on hand will work.
  • Cranberry juice: you can use cranberry juice or cranberry juice co*cktail. Cranberry juice co*cktail renders a better color but has added artificial sugars.
  • Fresh lime juice: always use freshly squeezed lime juice for best results. In a pinch, look for ReaLime.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.

How to Make A Cosmopolitan co*cktail

Step 1.

Combine all ingredients in aco*cktail shakerwith a cup of ice (half a lime squeezed is about 1/2 an ounce)

Step 2.

Shake vigorously and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe (6)

Step 3.

Serve straight up and garnish with a lime wheel or a lemon twist. Optionally express/twist a lemon peel over the co*cktail to release the oils and add a fresh citrus aroma.

Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe (7)

Expert Tips

  • Chill your glasses ahead of time in the freezer to keep your drinks cooler for longer. This is one of my favorite tricks in the summer.
  • This co*cktail is best served in a coupe or traditional martini glass.
  • Always double-strain shaken co*cktails through a fine mesh strainer. This removes tiny ice chips that will dilute the co*cktail as it warms.
  • A lemon peel expressed over the co*cktail adds a remarkable fresh citrus taste and aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use cranberry juice or cranberry juice co*cktail?

In most cases, the two can be used interchangeably. Cranberry juice is 100% juice with added juices (usually apple juice) to balance the tartness of the cranberries. Cranberry juice co*cktail is cranberry juice with added sugar.

What type of lime juice should I use?

Always use fresh lime juice. In a pinch, you can use ReaLime as the next best alternative. Avoid using sweetened lime juice.

What vodka should I use?

I’m a fan of Grey Goose, Tito’s, and Ketel One. Absolute, Ketel One, and Grey Goose make easy-to-find Citron-flavored vodka.

More Vodka co*cktails

Blueberry Martini Recipe

Pear Martini with Elderflower Liqueur Recipe

Passion Fruit Martini Recipe

Enjoy this recipe? If you made this co*cktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & areview in the comments!

5 from 1 vote

Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe

By: Shawn Williams

Servings: 1 co*cktail

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Total: 5 minutes mins

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Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe (12)

A classic Cosmopolitan co*cktail recipe made with vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounce vodka, or citron-flavored vodka
  • 1 ounce Cointreau or triple sec
  • 1 ounce cranberry juice
  • 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a co*cktail shaker with a cup of ice (half a lime squeezed is about 1/2 an ounce)

  • Shake vigorously and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

  • Serve straight up and garnish with a lime wheel or a lemon twist. Optionally express/twist a lemon peel over the co*cktail to release the oils and add a fresh citrus aroma.

Notes

the original recipe called for citron-flavored vodka (Absolute Citron for example), however, I use unflavored vodka. I encourage you to experiment with both!

This drink can be made with cranberry juice or cranberry juice co*cktail. Cranberry juice is 100% juice with added juices (usually apple juice) to balance the tartness of the cranberries. Cranberry juice co*cktail is cranberry juice with added sugar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 10.7gProtein: 0.1gSodium: 1mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 9.7g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: co*cktail

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @kitchenswagger or tag #kitchenswagger!

About Shawn Williams

My name is Shawn, author behind Kitchen Swagger. I'm a food & drink enthusiast bringing you my own simple and delicious restaurant-inspired recipes.

Read More About Me

Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe? ›

What Is the Best Vodka for a Cosmo? While purists will insist on a lemon-accented citron vodka such as Absolut Citron (and I recommend as much), there are more than a few ways to approach the cosmopolitan. The citrus accents to the vodka are somewhat key, however, unless you want to add lemon juice on your own.

Which vodka is best for Cosmopolitan? ›

What Is the Best Vodka for a Cosmo? While purists will insist on a lemon-accented citron vodka such as Absolut Citron (and I recommend as much), there are more than a few ways to approach the cosmopolitan. The citrus accents to the vodka are somewhat key, however, unless you want to add lemon juice on your own.

How to make your own cosmopolitan? ›

1Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice, then add vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. (I like the extra bite of lime juice, so I use 1/2 an ounce in our cosmo, but use what is best for your taste.) 2Shake the co*cktail shaker for about 30 seconds until well chilled.

How to make a New York cosmo? ›

Ingredients
  1. 1½ounces vodka (citrus or regular), gin or tequila.
  2. ¾ounce cranberry juice co*cktail, or use a dash of pomegranate molasses or a bit of raspberry jam diluted with water.
  3. ½ounce orange liqueur (such as Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, Cointreau or triple sec)
  4. ½ounce fresh lime juice.
  5. Ice, as needed.

What is the difference between a Cosmopolitan and Metropolitan co*cktail? ›

The key difference is that instead of citrus vodka, metropolitans use black currant vodka. Absolut Kurant and Burnett's Blackberry are budget-friendly, quality options.

Is triple sec the same as Cointreau? ›

While Grand Marnier and Cointreau are brand names of specific products, Triple Sec is actually a category in and of itself. Many brands make Triple Sec — in fact, Cointreau itself is a triple sec. The alcohol content in different types of Triple Sec vary quite a bit – from about 15 percent to as much as 40 percent.

What can you substitute for triple sec in a Cosmopolitan? ›

Easy triple sec substitutions to try
  • Grand Marnier. Grand Marnier is our top triple sec substitution. ...
  • Cointreau. Cointreau liqueur also makes a great substitute for triple sec. ...
  • Curaçao. ...
  • Combier Liqueur d'Orange. ...
  • Maraschino Liqueur. ...
  • Orange extract. ...
  • Grenadine. ...
  • St-Germain.
May 11, 2023

What type of person drinks a Cosmopolitan? ›

Sipping a Cosmopolitan says to the world that you're a trendsetter, the life and soul of the party and a natural leader too. Old Fashioned drinkers were traditionally thought to be risk takers.

Can you use Grand Marnier instead of Cointreau in a Cosmopolitan? ›

Grand Marnier is aged from cognac and therefore considered a curaçao style triple sec, while Cointreau is unaged and made from a neutral spirit. Because of this production difference, Grand Marnier is heavier and a bit sweeter. So can you still use it in your Cosmo recipe? Sure!

Is A Cosmopolitan stronger than a martini? ›

The Cosmopolitan is a great option for those who prefer sweeter drinks, while the Martini is a more classic and sophisticated choice for those who prefer a stronger, more complex flavour profile.

What drinks are similar to a Cosmopolitan? ›

  • 1 THE CHAMPAGNE FLOAT. First, take that sticky summer staple the root-beer float, then remove both the root beer and the vanilla ice cream, and finally, substitute massive quantities of champagne and coconut sorbet. ...
  • 2 THE RUBY FOO. ...
  • 3 THE GINGER LIME DROP. ...
  • 4 THE VALENTINI.

What is the difference between a cosmo and a cosmo martini? ›

A Cosmopolitan or Cosmo co*cktail is a drink made with GREY GOOSE® L'Orange Flavored Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime juice. It is often served in a martini co*cktail glass, but that alone doesn't make it a martini co*cktail. To be considered a vodka martini co*cktail, the drink must contain vodka and vermouth.

What to pair with a cosmo? ›

What to serve with Cosmos. I think Cosmos are the sort of co*cktail that are ideal to serve with finger food. Try Crostinis with your choice of toppings, Mini Quiche or Smoked Salmon Appetizer Bites, or have a browse through all my Party Foods.

Which is better margarita or Cosmopolitan? ›

It's Essentially a Margarita

Made with vodka, fresh lime juice, Cointreau and cranberry juice, the Cosmopolitan is essentially the love child of a Margarita and a Vodka Cran. If you're a devoted fan of either co*cktail—especially the Margarita—you should give the Cosmopolitan another try.

Which is better in a Cosmo triple sec or Cointreau? ›

Cointreau is more expensive, but also has a more complex, smooth flavor. I use it in most of my co*cktail recipes (rather than Triple Sec), especially when I'm serving a drink that is served straight up – like this Cosmopolitan.

What does ordering a Cosmopolitan say about you? ›

Those who pick a Cosmopolitan as their co*cktail of choice enjoy their freedom and independence and like to make a bold statement. Sipping a Cosmopolitan says to the world that you're a trendsetter, the life and soul of the party and a natural leader too.

References

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