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

What is the best orange liqueur for a cosmopolitan? ›

Dekuyper Triple Sec Liqueur

This is a classic for a reason—it's sweet but not overly so, and provides just the right amount of citrus flavor for any co*cktail, from a Margarita to a Cosmopolitan.

What is the best vodka for a Cosmo? ›

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.

What is in a Cosmo vs cosmopolitan? ›

A cosmopolitan, or, informally, a cosmo, is a co*cktail made with vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed or sweetened lime juice. Shake all ingredients in co*cktail shaker filled with ice.

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

Because of this production difference, Grand Marnier is heavier and a bit sweeter. So can you still use it in your Cosmo recipe? Sure! We just have to make a little adjustment so you still have a balanced co*cktail in the end.

Which is better in a Cosmo Cointreau or Grand Marnier? ›

In our opinion, Cointreau is more versatile in co*cktails.

Grand Marnier is much heavier, which can throw off a lighter style co*cktail like a Corpse Reviver #2 or Cosmopolitan.

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 type of person drinks a cosmo? ›

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.

How many drinks is one cosmo? ›

Cosmopolitan
Flavourcitrus-cranberry
Units2.6
Standard drinks2.0
1 more row

What is the best citron vodka for cosmopolitans? ›

Absolut Citron was the original brand used in the Cosmopolitan, I often use Stoli Citrus, but every vodka brand makes a citrus flavor and I'm sure any one of them is just fine. That all being said, traditional vodka works great in a Cosmo too. Maybe use a lemon peel instead of an orange for garnish.

Is Cosmopolitan a ladies drink? ›

It has a slightly tart flavor, and when done correctly offers a perfectly well-balanced co*cktail, classically designed with sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The Cosmopolitan has surely earned its place as the perfect staple for a girls' night out.

What is a true Cosmopolitan? ›

Ingredients. 1 ½ ounce vodka. ¾ ounce fresh lime juice. ½ ounce triple sec. ½ ounce cranberry juice.

What does bruising mean in bartending? ›

Bruised: When a co*cktail or martini has be over shaken and pieces of ice and oxygen bubble forms. This results in a cloudy or murky looking co*cktail.

Why is Grand Marnier so expensive? ›

It all comes down to branding and creating a sense of exclusivity. Everything about the Grand Marnier brand, including the packaging, is designed to give a sense of sophistication. That is why a 750ml bottle of Cointreau will cost you $30-35 and the same size bottle of Grand Marnier will run you $35-45.

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

Why is triple sec so cheap? ›

Price. These orange liqueurs also fall under varied price ranges because of their different manufacturing processes. Since several brand names produce triple sec liqueur, this drink is more affordable than Cointreau. Not to mention this liqueur presumably uses less expensive ingredients and methods.

What is the most popular orange liqueur? ›

Perhaps the two most famous brands of orange liqueur are Grand Marnier and Cointreau, and you might be wondering where they fit in to this taxonomy. Simple. Grand Marnier is an orange liqueur in the curaçao tradition, and Cointreau is a triple sec.

Which is the best orange liqueur? ›

Best Overall: Cointreau

Crafted with sugar beet alcohol as its base, this unaged French triple sec is a jack of all trades, in that it makes for the perfect apéritif, digestif, or co*cktail addition. If you're only going to keep one orange liqueur on your bar cart, you really can't go wrong here.

What is a substitute for Cointreau in a Cosmopolitan? ›

You can substitute triple sec for Cointreau in drinks like cosmopolitans, margaritas, kamikazes, long island iced tea, and sidecars. In baked goods, triple sec can be used in place of Cointreau. Triple sec is also an excellent substitution for any dessert that calls for Cointreau.

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