The best cosmopolitan co*cktail recipe is not too sweet, not too tart, and really easy to make. One of my favorite vodka co*cktails, these cosmos are easy to drink, elegant, and delicious.
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This is my favorite recipe for cosmopolitan co*cktails (or cosmos), and it is delicious. Although they are strong, my recipe makes them taste so good. They aren’t too sweet or tart!
I’ve shared all my tips for making them the best. For a sparkling cosmo, try this Champagne Cosmopolitan.
Key Ingredients
- Vodka: When choosing vodka for cosmos, go for something mid- to high-range. We usually stock Stolichnaya or “Stoli,” but use what you know you enjoy. A citrus vodka tastes incredible, too. Lower-priced vodka tastes a bit more abrasive.
- Cranberry juiceorcranberry co*cktail: You can use sweetened cranberry juice (often called “cranberry juice co*cktail”) or unsweetened plain cranberry juice. If you use unsweetened, you will likely need to add a small splash of simple syrup or agave since it can be tart. Substitute for white cranberry juice to make a white cosmo!
- Orange liqueur:I recommend Cointreau for the best cosmos! You can use Triple Sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier in our cosmopolitan recipe. Cointreau is a type of Triple Sec that tastes stronger and more complex. It’s also smoother, so I love using it for cosmos. Grand Marnier is also a type of Triple Sec, but it is combined with Cognac, which makes it taste richer, nutty, and caramelized.
- Fresh lime juice:I’m a stickler on using fresh, not bottled lime juice. We realize it’s a little more work, but the taste is much better.
- Orange peel: We love adding orange peel to our martini glass. It may look like an unnecessary garnish, but as you sip your cosmopolitan, you’ll get an orange aroma, which hides the strength and scent of the vodka.
How to Make a Cosmopolitan
When making cosmopolitan co*cktails, I use a co*cktail shaker filled with ice.Add vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau (or Triple Sec), and fresh lime juice, close the lid, and shake until very cold. Strain the drink into a chilled martini glass, and enjoy!
When you add the orange peel, peel it over the glass. This way, any oils spraying from the orange fall into your drink. Rubbing the edges of the glass doesn’t hurt either. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.
Make Ahead Cosmos
A cosmopolitan is the perfect drink to make ahead.I love doing this when I have a group of friends coming over! Instead of making each co*cktail individually, I’ll make a large batch in a pitcher and then chill it in the fridge.
To make a pitcher that serves 4, you will need 1 cup (8oz) vodka, 1/4 cup (2oz) Cointreau, 6 tablespoons (3oz) cranberry juice, and 2 tablespoons (1oz) lime juice.
More co*cktails Recipes
- Champagne Cosmopolitans (a bubbly version of the cosmo)
- Classic Aperol Spritz (Italian bubbly co*cktail)
- Lemon Drop Martinis (inspired by the lemon drop shot)
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Perfect Cosmopolitan co*cktail
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I love this classic cosmopolitan recipe! It’s easy to make one or a pitcher for a crowd. Use a vodka you enjoy. Citrus vodka is especially delicious.
I love adding orange peel to our cosmos. Sure, it may look like an unnecessary garnish, but if you do it right, it adds a little sweetness. As you take a sip of the cosmopolitan co*cktail, you’ll get orange essence, which hides the strength and scent of the vodka. When you add the orange peel, peel it over the drink. This way, any oils spraying from the orange fall into the drink. Rubbing the edges of the glass doesn’t hurt either.
Makes 1 drink
Watch Us Make the Recipe
You Will Need
2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka or citrus vodka 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier 3/4 ounce (1 ½ tablespoons) cranberry juice co*cktail, see notes 1/4 to 1/2 ounce (1 ½ teaspoons to 3 teaspoons) fresh lime juice One2-inch orange peel/twist
Directions
1Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice, then add vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. (I like the extra bite of lime juice, so I use 1/2 an ounce in our cosmo, but use what is best for your taste.)
2Shake the co*cktail shaker for about 30 seconds until well chilled. Then, strain into a martini glass.
3Garnish with orange peel/twist. Peel the orange twist over the filled co*cktail glass so the orange oils spray into the glass.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Cranberry juice: You can use sweetened cranberry juice (often called “cranberry juice co*cktail”) or unsweetened plain cranberry juice. If you use unsweetened, you will likely find that you need to add a small splash of simple syrup or agave since it can be quite tart.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.
Nutrition Per Serving Calories 205 / Protein 0 g / Carbohydrate 13 g / Dietary Fiber 0 g / Total Sugars 9 g / Total Fat 0 g / Saturated Fat 0 g / Cholesterol 0 mg
AUTHOR: Adam and Joanne Gallagher
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