This classic Cosmopolitan recipe creates a fresh, bright, slightly tart cocktail with just the right balance of sweetness. Using a clean, high-quality vodka, a good orange liqueur, plenty of fresh lime juice and a splash of cranberry juice yields the best Cosmo.
The Cosmopolitan is pretty, classy and one of the most popular martini-style cocktails. While it gained pop-culture fame on Sex and the City, it’s not just a “girly” drink — plenty of men enjoy a well-made Cosmo.
Early on we didn’t drink many cocktails at home — life with young children changed priorities — but as the kids grew older we began to appreciate an occasional mixed drink. My husband discovered an aptitude for cocktails later in life, and his Cosmopolitan is the one I reach for when I want a perfectly balanced martini-style cocktail.
Ingredients for the Best Cosmopolitan Cocktail
- Vodka — Use a high-quality, unflavored vodka such as Belvedere, Ketel One or Grey Goose for a clean, crisp base. Avoid citron vodkas; it’s better to get citrus from fresh lime juice.
- Orange liqueur — Cointreau or Patron Citrónge provide a smooth, citrus-forward flavor. Triple sec is a lower-cost alternative but tends to be sweeter and less refined.
- Cranberry juice — Cranberry juice cocktail adds sweetness and the classic pink-red color. Unsweetened cranberry juice is often too tart for this drink.
- Fresh lime — Fresh lime juice is essential for brightness and balance. Keep extra limes for garnish.
Equipment Needed
- Cocktail shaker — A stainless-steel shaker with a strainer chills and mixes ingredients efficiently. A size that fits two drinks at once saves time.
- Citrus juicer — A handheld squeezer makes extracting fresh lime juice easier.
- Glasses — Martini or coupe glasses are traditional; choose what you prefer for presentation.
Pro Tip
Store your stainless-steel shaker in the freezer so it’s cold and ready when you want to mix drinks.
How to Make the Best Cosmopolitan Cocktail
- Fill a large cocktail shaker about three-quarters full with small pieces of ice. Add 3 ounces high-quality vodka, 1 1/2 ounces orange liqueur and 1 1/2 ounces cranberry juice cocktail. Squeeze the juice from half a lime into the shaker.
- Cover the shaker and shake vigorously at least ten times to chill and dilute the mixture properly.
- Strain into two chilled martini or coupe glasses and garnish.
Pro Tip
Smaller pieces of ice chill and dilute quickly. To break larger cubes, place them in a sealed bag and crack them with a mallet.
The Lime Garnish
A garnish adds a professional finish. A lime twist can be balanced on the rim or dropped into the drink for aroma, or use a thin lime slice for an easy, attractive option.
Cheers!
Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Ingredients
- Ice, as needed
- 3 ounces high-quality vodka (Belvedere, Ketel One, Grey Goose)
- 1 1/2 ounces orange-flavored liqueur (Cointreau or Patron Citrónge)
- 1 1/2 ounces cranberry juice cocktail
- 1/2 fresh lime, plus additional for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large cocktail shaker about 3/4 full with small pieces of ice. Add the vodka, orange liqueur and cranberry juice. Squeeze the juice from half a lime into the shaker. Cover and shake well for at least ten shakes.
- Strain the cocktail into two chilled martini or coupe glasses.
- Garnish with a lime slice or twist and serve. Cheers!
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 10 g |
Protein: 1 g |
Fat: 1 g |
Saturated Fat: 1 g |
Sodium: 3 mg |
Sugar: 10 g |
Vitamin C: 4 mg
Nutrition information is an estimate calculated from generic ingredients and may vary. Refer to your product labels for precise values.
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This post was originally published on February 23, 2012 and has been updated with new text and images.