This cosmopolitan cocktail recipe is the perfect way to impress your guests. Made with vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice, the cosmopolitan is refreshing, slightly sweet, and oh-so-delicious. So go ahead and give it a try – your friends will thank you!
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If you’re anything like us and love the taste of cranberries, then you’ll love this cocktail.
You’d also love our cranberry margarita or if it’s citrus flavors you’re after then our lemon margartia is perfect for you.
But nothing can beat a homemade classic cosmopolitan!
Why you’ll love this refreshing cocktail recipe
- It’s SO easy to make, you’ll be sipping it within 5 minutes.
- The perfect refreshing cocktail for a summer party or a festive Christmas party, it’s good all year round.
- You can make them ahead giving you more time to spend with your guests.
- You can change the flavor, so if you like sweet or tart drinks, it’s easily adaptable.
- All the ingredients are 100% vegetarian.
What ingredients are in a cosmo cocktail recipe?
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to make a cosmopolitan cocktail with step by step instructions
Making our cosmopolitan cocktail recipe is easy if you follow our simple instructions.
A full printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add vodka, Cointreau (or triple sec) fresh lime juice, and unsweetened cranberry juice.
Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 20 – 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled martini glass, garnish with an orange twist, or lime wedge, serve and enjoy – cheers!
Stylish, refreshing, and so ridiculously easy to make, a cosmopolitan cocktail is going to be the star of your party!
Recipe notes and expert tips
- Out of lime juice?
Use lemon juice instead, it’ll change the flavor slightly but still be delicious, you can also use citrus vodka.
- Like it sweeter?
Add simple syrup for a sweeter tasting cocktail.
- No shaker? No problem!
As a quick fix, use a large mason jar with a lid to shake your cocktail in!
Why is it called a cosmopolitan?
The origin of a cosmopolitan, also known as a cosmo, is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in New York City in the 1970s.
The name cosmopolitan likely comes from the drink’s combination of ingredients from different parts of the world.
Vodka is a popular spirit in Russia and Eastern Europe, while cranberry juice is native to North America.
Triple sec is a type of French liqueur, and lime juice is commonly used in cocktails from the Caribbean.
The cosmopolitan became widely known after it was featured on the television show Sex and the City.
In the show, the character Carrie Bradshaw often ordered cosmos at bars and restaurants.
Which vodka is best for a cosmopolitan cocktail?
While there are many different ways to make a cosmo, the key ingredients remain the same: vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec.
But with so many vodkas on the market, which one should you use to make the perfect cosmopolitan?
While any type of vodka will work in a cosmopolitan, we strongly recommend using a high-quality spirit for the best taste results.
For a smooth and slightly sweet flavor, we used Grey Goose vodka.
If you prefer your cocktails on the tart side, go for Ketel One Citroen, a citrus flavored vodka.
And for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice taste, Stoli is a great choice.
What does a cosmopolitan cocktail taste like?
Often called a cranberry juice cocktail, the most important ingredient in a cosmopolitan cocktail is cranberry juice.
The tartness of the cranberry juice is balanced out by the sweetness of the vodka and the triple sec or Cointreau.
This gives a deliciously refreshing and well balanced cocktail, that’s perfect for any occasion.
Which cranberry juice should I use?
Cranberry juice is a key ingredient in many cocktails, including the cosmopolitan, which is often referred to as the cranberry juice cocktail.
But what type of cranberry juice should you use?
There are two types of cranberry juice: sweetened and unsweetened.
Sweetened cranberry juice is made with sugar and has a sweeter taste. Unsweetened cranberry juice is made without sugar and has a tart taste.
For a cosmopolitan cocktail, you should use unsweetened cranberry juice.
The sweetness of the other ingredients, such as vodka and triple sec, will balance out the tartness of the cranberry juice.
Is a Cosmopolitan a type of martini?
Many people believe that a cosmopolitan is a type of martini, but this is not the case.
To qualify as a vodka martini, it needs to include vermouth, which it doesn’t.
While both cocktails are made with alcohol and have a similar shape when served in a martini glass, that is where the similarities end.
So, no – a cosmopolitan is not a type of martini.
What glass do I serve it in?
A cosmopolitan is a classic cocktail that is best served in a martini glass, as is a lemon drop martini.
A martini glass has a long stem and a wide bowl, which helps to keep the cocktail chilled.
The cosmopolitan is a refreshing and elegant cocktail, so it is important to serve it in a glass that will showcase its beauty.
Whichever glass you choose, make sure it’s a chilled cocktail glass, so your cocktail stays cooler for longer.
Can I make a cosmo cocktail ahead?
Yes, you can!
A cosmo is perfect for making ahead, which frees you up to enjoy your guests when they arrive.
Simply follow the recipe and strain the cosmopolitan into a jug and keep it chilled in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
When ready to serve them, give the jug a stir and pour it into chilled cocktail glasses.
Do not leave the ice cubes in the cocktail, as they will melt and dilute your cosmo.
More easy cocktail recipes for you to try at home
If you love our cosmopolitan cocktail, then you should give these easy recipes a try
We hope you enjoy making and drinking our cosmopolitan cocktail recipe and would love to hear how you got on with making it.
Please leave a comment and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Cosmopolitan cocktail recipe
Utensils
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, and cranberry juice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wedge or lime wheel, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Use lemon juice instead, it’ll change the flavor slightly but still be delicious, you can also use citrus vodka Like it sweeter?
Add simple syrup for a sweeter tasting cocktail No shaker? No problem!
As a quick fix, use a large mason jar with a lid to shake your cocktail in!
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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Shadi says
It was so delicious and everyone loved it! Thank you for this amazing recipe!
MacKenzie says
Can’t wait for the weekend to try this delicious cocktail!
Tara says
I am definitely making this yummy, fruity Cosmopolitan drink at my next party. So easy and the flavors are well balanced!
Mirlene says
I dont drink much but when theres a good occassion for romantic nights with my husband, I will! I do like cocktails with vodka and will add a little more of the cranberry juice so I can’t taste the alcohol!
kushigalu says
Refreshing cocktail recipe to try. I will make this weekend. Thanks for sharing
Anjali says
I love this cocktail recipe! It’s fresh, sweet and easy to make. I’ll definitely be serving it at our next get together with friends!
Ieva says
I always order a cosmopolitan when we’re out but this was the first time I made it at home and I was super impressed. Just as good, if not better, as the ones crafted by skilled bar men/women 🙂
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
That’s great to hear, so pleased you enjoyed it!