This gorgeous and tasty Cosmopolitan Drink is one of my favorite cocktails. With just a handful of ingredients, you too can partake of this delectable libation with the beautiful pink color. Top this Cosmopolitan cocktail with a perfect orange twist or lime twist to complete that citrus flavor. This sweet and sour slightly heavy alcohol cocktail is party perfect.
The origin of the cosmopolitan is a bit fuzzy. Some say that bartender Toby Cecchini invented the drink in 1987 at a restaurant in Manhattan while Dale Degroff is credited with the recipe that became widely accepted as the standard. While yet others claim it was Ocean Spray that fueled the juice (no pun intended) for this cocktail to take off from heavy promotions.
Regardless the cocktail hit the peak of its popularity in the 70s and 80s from New York City to San Francisco. The cosmopolitan was originally made with citrus vodka but today unflavored vodka is more common and many spinoffs from this cocktail are very popular.
Cosmopolitan Cocktail ingredients
- the best vodka
- cranberry juice cocktail or cranberry juice
- orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
- fresh lime juice
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Use good quality vodka and orange liqueur as it really does make a difference.
- Mix the drinks right before serving so the ice does not water them down.
- Use a cocktail shaker to mix the Cosmopolitan. First add the cranberry juice, then the orange liqueur, lime juice and shake a little bit. Then add the vodka and fill halfway up with ice before shaking.
- To mix in a shaker make sure the lid is firmly in place. Hold the lid down with one hand and the base of the shaker with other hand. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. Pour into the cocktail glass through the strainer.
- Garnish with a lime or lemon twist, thin lime or lemon rounds. or lime or lemon slices.
How to make a lime or lemon twist
- Cut slices of lemon or lime all the way through creating circles that are about 1/4 inch thick.
- Make a slice in the rind that cuts through to the flesh on one side.
- Using a paring knife to cut away the flesh.
- Twist the rind to curl it.
- For half twists cut the circle in half before cutting away the flesh and twist to curl the rind.
Other cocktail recipes to enjoy!
Cosmopolitan Drink
Ingredients
- 1 ounce cranberry juice cocktail
- 1 ounce Cointreau or other triple sec
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 1/2 ounces citrus vodka or vodka
- ice
Instructions
- Add cranberry juice, Cointreau, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Cap and shake to combine.
- Add vodka and fill halfway up with ice. Cap and shake vigorously.
- Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist.
Notes
- Use good quality vodka and orange liqueur as it really does make a difference.
- Mix the drinks right before serving so the ice does not water them down.
- Use a cocktail shaker to mix the Cosmopolitan. First add the cranberry juice, then the orange liqueur, lime juice and shake a little bit. Then add the vodka and fill halfway up with ice before shaking.
- To mix in a shaker make sure the lid is firmly in place. Hold the lid down with one hand and the base of the shaker with other hand. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. Pour into the cocktail glass through the strainer.
- Garnish with a lime or lemon twist, thin lime or lemon rounds. or lime or lemon slices.
Nutrition
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Christian
Hmmm yum yum. I would gladly enjoy a glass of this or maybe two. The recipe seems easy enough to try. Thanks!
Bryan
Cosmopolitans are always nice to add to any occasion or evening. And yes, the choice of vodka does make a difference! People often try to claim vodka is tasteless, but there are distinct difference from one to the next.
Beth Pierce
I totally agree!
Melanie E
My friend and I really enjoyed these. I never knew they were so easy to make. Thanks for the great recipe!
Claudia
This is one of the best cocktails out there. And I’m so excited to make this myself!
Tweenselmom
Love this cosmopolitan recipe! Thank you as well for the tips and detailed steps 🙂
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome! Enjoy!
Healing Oils
These drinks were so tasty. I served them at my ladies book club and everyone loved them. Thanks for the inspiration.
Stephanie
I didn’t know these were so easy to make! And they look so fancy. Perfect recipe for a girls night.
Seema
Now, that is pretty. I dont mind having that and calling it a party by myself!!
Adrianne
Woot woot, I for sure want to be the hostess with the mostest, haha love it! This sounds like the perfect cocktail! And I can’t wait to take a sip of it. Will grab the ingredients and give it a go tonight, thanks!!
Cathleen
One of the times I wish I wasn’t pregnant right now because I want to try this drink so bad!! Bookmarked for the next time I can drink alcohol again, thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
Katia
Love a good cosmo! gonna try this over the weekend
Anjali
This really is a party worthy drink! Light refreshing and totally delicious!
Lily
This was the perfect spring drink, citrusy and divine! Thank you for an amazing recipe!
Natalie
Beautiful color & the perfect summer drink!