Recipes | Beverages | co*cktails | Cosmopolitan co*cktail
co*cktails
Author by Amanda Davis on Updated on
5 from 8 votes
The perfect co*cktail for those who like their drinks tart rather than sweet, the cosmopolitan co*cktail is almost like a vodka-based margarita in its composition.
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
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The cosmopolitan co*cktail is a classic pink drink comprised of citron vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and fresh squeezed lime juice. Served in a martini glass with a lime wedge or twist, it’s a sweet and sour alcohol heavy beverage perfect for parties.
Why this recipe works
Nothing quite says lady’s night on the town like this classic cosmo. While its pink appearance looks sweet, it packs a tart punch.
If you prefer sweet co*cktails, like rum punch, then the cosmopolitan drink may not be for you. But it’s worth a try, you just never know! You may find that a cosmo is your new favorite drink.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
VODKA – Use citron vodka when making a cosmo. The flavor profile is different than plain vodka and the best choice for this co*cktail. In a pinch you can use plain vodka, but the drink won’t be classic nor quite as good.
ORANGE LIQUEUR – There are several types of Triple Sec orange liqueur. For a cosmo, Cointreau is actually the best due to its smooth flavor, but any Triple Sec will work.
LIME JUICE – Only use fresh squeezed lime juice when making a cosmopolitan co*cktail. Bottled lime juice just doesn’t taste as good and it will affect your final drink’s flavor.
How to Make a Cosmopolitan co*cktail
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- To make this pretty lime twist, use a vegetable peeler to make one long peel of a lime zest. Use scissors to trim off an even, narrow strip and then twist that strip of lime skin around a chopstick. Set aside (or in the freezer) while you prepare the co*cktail.
- Measure out your ingredients into a co*cktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 1 minute.
- Strain the co*cktail into a martini glass and garnish with lime wedge or twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there variations of the cosmopolitan co*cktail?
The most common variation of the classic cosmopolitan recipe is to swap out white cranberry juice for the red. This cosmo variation is aptly named a White Cosmopolitan.
Can I use plain vodka in a cosmo?
We don’t recommend using plain vodka simply because citron (citrus flavored) is not only the classic ingredient for a cosmopolitan, but because it tastes better. If you have plain vodka on hand and don’t want to hit the store, you can certainly use it, but grab some citron on your next store trip.
The perfect co*cktail for those who like their drinks tart rather than sweet, the cosmopolitan is almost like a vodka-based margarita in its composition.
Cosmopolitan History
While the cosmopolitan co*cktail is often seen as a new invention, this drink has been around for nearly 100 years – although, she’s seen some changes along the way.
Originally made with raspberry and lemon juices, the cosmopolitan was made over by Ocean Spray ad exec’s in a 1960s ad campaign where it was renamed “the Harpoon.” While the new name didn’t stick, the swap of cranberry juice and lime juice did – but the drink didn’t hit its real heydey until Madonna crashed onto the NYC dance scene, and then it had another resurgence with those Sex and the City girls.
More co*cktail Recipes
- Appletini
- Sidecar co*cktail
- Pink Mudslide
- Peach Mojito
- Pink Lady
- Sidecar co*cktail
- Lemon Drop co*cktail
- Manhattan co*cktail
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Cosmopolitan co*cktail
The perfect co*cktail for those who like their drinks tart rather than sweet, the cosmopolitan co*cktail is almost like a vodka-based margarita in its composition.
5 from 8 votes
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course: co*cktails
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 co*cktail
5 minutes mins
Calories: 196
Author: Amanda Formaro
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz citrus vodka
- 1 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 Lime wedge or twist optional garnish
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
We don’t recommend using plain vodka simply because citron (citrus flavored) is not only the classic ingredient for a cosmopolitan, but because it tastes better. If you have plain vodka on hand and don’t want to hit the store, you can certainly use it, but grab some citron on your next store trip.
Instructions
To make this pretty lime twist, use a vegetable peeler to make one long peel of a lime zest. Use scissors to trim off an even, narrow strip and then twist that strip of lime skin around a chopstick. Set aside (or in the freezer) while you prepare the co*cktail.
Measure your ingredients into your co*cktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 1 minute.
Strain co*cktail into a martini glass and garnish with your lime wedge or twist.
Nutrition
Serving: 1co*cktail | Calories: 196cal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg
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Amanda Davis
President at Amanda's Creative Studio, Inc.
Amanda Davis is the entrepreneurial mom of four grown children and four step children. She and her husband, Chef Antoine, love to cook together creating recipes for this blog. Amanda also make kid's crafts and creates decorative items for her home. She is a crafting expert and guru in the kitchen and has appeared online and in print publications many times over the years. She is also a craft book author five times over and product developer as well as the owner of FunFamilyCrafts.com. You can find her on social media by using the buttons to the left!
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Comments
Joan says
They were delish!!!!!Reply
priyanka says
Wow this looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it.
Thanks for the tip!
Have a great day.
PriyankaReply