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 The cosmopolitan was originally made with citrus vodka but today unflavored vodka is more common and many spinoffs from this cocktail are very popular.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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Jessica Burgess
I love ordering a cosmopolitan when I go out, but I had no idea how to make one at home… until now! This is great, thank you!
Journa
Looks great! Thanks for sharing!
veenaazmanov
Love the color, love the drink and awesome combination. My next drink is ready for an event
Jessie
Making these this weekend! I am so in need of a drink soon.
Biana
This drink looks so delicious and refreshing! Perfect for summer.
Sara
Nothing like the crisp kick of a classic cocktail; loved every drop!
Natalie
The perfect color for fall! It’s definitely a party drink!
Emily
This is the most gorgeous and ideal drink for the holidays. So festive!
Lily
These were awesome! The perfect way to end my week. Don’t judge when I say I want to make a whole pitcher this weekend 😉
Suzy
The best cocktail! So tasty too! Will be making it again!
Kevin
What a pretty drink! Love the color you have!
Pam Greer
This is our favorite go to cocktail! It’s so pretty and yet it packs a punch!
Toni
This is such a gorgeous cocktail! Perfect for summer parties!
Vikki
Delicious cocktails! Loved every sip
Amanda
I will be making these tomorrow night, perfect way to end the week!
Erin
This Cosmopolitan Drink is absolutely delicious! Yummy!