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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.
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
- 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.
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.
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
French 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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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!
