The Cosmopolitan is a timeless beverage loved by cocktail lovers for decades. The sophisticated taste and vibrant color make the perfect elegant drink to serve party guests. But you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy this tasty sipper. It’s so simple to make (5 minutes!) that you can treat yourself to a cosmopolitan ‘just because’ any time.
The origins of this iconic pink drink are widely disputed. Some say it was invented by John Caine and popularized in San Francisco. Others accredit celebrity mixologist Cheryl Cook as the inventor of the Cosmopolitan in the ’80s. And yet others say that world-renowned bartender Dale Degroff is to thank for popularizing the drink in the ’90s. One thing is for sure – you can’t go wrong sipping on a classic cosmo recipe! For more cocktail recipes, check out my aviation cocktail, Aperol spritz, or pomegranate martini.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Cranberry Juice – cranberry cocktail or cranberry juice that is cut with apple juice is best to balance the tart flavor.
Vodka – for a traditional Cosmo, use regular vodka. For a more citrus-forward cocktail, use citrus vodka. If possible, use a higher-quality vodka, as it will enhance the flavor of the drink.
Cointreau – this sweet orange liqueur brings a Cosmopolitan to life. In a pinch, you can swap 1:1 with other brands of triple sec.
Lime Juice – squeeze fresh limes instead of using store-bought lime juice to give this cocktail the zestiest and freshest flavor. Swap it for lemon juice if you don’t have limes.
Orange Twist – a festive garnish that adds a burst of fresh citrus aroma to this cosmopolitan cocktail recipe. Alternatively, you can use a lemon twist.
How to Make a Cosmopolitan
1. Combine the cranberry juice, vodka or citrus-flavored vodka, and Cointreau in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice.
3. Fill the shaker with ice.
4. Secure the cocktail shaker lid, and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted, about 30 seconds.
5. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with an orange twist and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
- Avoid pure unsweetened cranberry juice. It will make the cocktail tart and astringent. If you only have unsweetened to work with, add a splash of simple syrup to dilute the tart flavor and up the sweetness.
- Measure ingredients precisely. Use a jigger or measuring tool to measure each ingredient properly. Precise proportions will make the best-tasting cosmopolitan drink. If you don’t have a measuring cup with ounces, 1 tablespoon equals ½ ounce.
- Chill the glass. Before you make this recipe, chill a martini glass in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving. This is a key step to making a classic cosmopolitan cocktail; it keeps it cold and refreshing!
- Shake, don’t stir. It really makes a difference with this cosmopolitan recipe! If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar with a lid to achieve the same effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t be fooled by the martini glass – this cosmopolitan cocktail is not a martini. A martini is classified as a cocktail made with vodka or gin and vermouth, a fortified wine that gives it a specific botanical flavor. Though not technically a martini, cosmopolitans are typically served in a martini glass because the shape enhances the experience.
The easiest way to make the perfect orange twist is with a vegetable peeler. Remove a strip of the orange peel, being mindful not to cut too deeply into the white pith, which can have a bitter taste. You can also use a sharp knife to cut off a strip, like peeling an apple. Twist the peel over the filled cocktail glass, holding one end of the peel between your thumb and forefinger and spinning the other end. This releases the flavorful oils from the peel and creates a spiral shape.
Yes, there are several ways you can switch up this recipe. Make a Blue Cosmo by using blue curaçao instead of cranberry juice, a Raspberry Cosmo by swapping the cranberry juice for a raspberry liqueur, or a White Cosmo by using white cranberry juice instead of red. Or experiment with different types of vodka and garnishes to create your own version!
If you love this recipe try these out!
If you’ve tried this Cosmopolitan recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
Cosmopolitan
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- Martini glass
Ingredients
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- 1½ ounces vodka
- 1 ounce Cointreau
- ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
- Orange twist
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the cranberry juice, vodka, Cointreau, and lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously until the outside of the shake is frosted, about 30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a strip of orange zest.
Notes
- Avoid pure unsweetened cranberry juice. It will make the cocktail tart and astringent. If you only have unsweetened to work with, add a splash of simple syrup to dilute the tart flavor and up the sweetness.
- Measure ingredients precisely. Use a jigger or measuring tool to measure each ingredient properly. Precise proportions will make the best-tasting cosmopolitan drink. If you don’t have a measuring cup with ounces, 1 tablespoon equals ½ ounce.
- Chill the glass. Before you make this recipe, chill a martini glass in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving. This is a key step to making a classic cosmopolitan cocktail; it keeps it cold and refreshing!
- Shake, don’t stir. It really makes a difference with this cosmopolitan recipe! If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar with a lid to achieve the same effect.
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