Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe

Sip into sophistication with the party-perfect Cosmopolitan Cocktail. Discover the allure of zesty citrus, the subtle embrace of cranberry, and the harmonious blend of vodka that comes together easily.

What is a Cosmopolitan drink?

A Cosmopolitan, often referred to as a “Cosmo,” is a popular cocktail known for its vibrant and refreshing taste. It typically consists of vodka, triple sec (an orange liqueur), cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice.

The combination of these ingredients results in a sweet and tart flavor profile with a striking pink or red hue. This cocktail is often garnished with a twist of lime or an orange peel and is enjoyed for its fruity and slightly tangy taste, making it a favorite choice among those who appreciate a well-balanced and visually appealing drink.

It’s also a classic cocktail similar to that of the Daiquiri or French Martini.

Ingredients Needed

• Vodka – Vodka serves as the primary alcoholic base. Its role is to provide a neutral and clean canvas for the other ingredients to shine.
• Triple Sec – Triple Sec, like Cointreau, adds sweetness and a touch of orange flavor to the Cosmopolitan cocktail, balancing the tartness and enhancing its taste.
• Cranberry Juice – Cranberry juice contributes a sweet and tart fruitiness, adding depth and complexity to the drink’s flavor profile. It provides a vibrant red hue and balances the other ingredients.
• Fresh Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice adds a zesty and tangy citrus element. It brings a bright and refreshing acidity that complements the sweetness of the cranberry juice and triple sec, creating a balanced and lively flavor profile in the drink.

How to Make a Cosmopolitan Cocktail

1. Chill your glass. Start by chilling a martini glass. You can do this by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice and water and letting it sit while you prepare the cocktail.

2. Add the ingredients to your shaker. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the vodka, triple sec, freshly squeezed lime juice, and cranberry juice. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain. Strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass. If desired, garnish your Cosmopolitan cocktail with a twist of orange or lime.

How to Serve a Cosmopolitan

Serving a Cosmopolitan involves more than just pouring the cocktail into a glass. It’s about presentation and creating an enjoyable experience. Here’s how to serve a Cosmopolitan:

• Choose the Right Glassware: Use a martini glass for serving a Cosmopolitan. These glasses have a wide, shallow bowl with a stem, which not only looks elegant but also allows you to enjoy the cocktail’s aroma as you sip.
• Chill the Glass: Place the martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to ensure it’s nice and cold. Alternatively, you can fill the glass with ice and water while you prepare the cocktail, then discard the ice just before pouring.
• Garnish with a Twist: While not necessary, garnishing your Cosmopolitan with a twist of citrus peel (orange or lime) adds a delightful aroma and a touch of visual appeal. Simply hold a small piece of citrus peel over the glass and give it a gentle twist to release the oils. Drop it into the drink or place it on the rim.

More Classic Cocktail Recipes

Classic Daiquiri

Best French Martini

Clover Club Cocktail

Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe

Experience an infusion of elegance with the Cosmopolitan Cocktail, ideal for any festive occasion. Uncover the enchanting zest of citrus, the gentle caress of cranberry, and the seamless fusion of vodka that effortlessly harmonizes in each delightful sip.

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Course: Cocktails

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 Drink

Calories: 238kcal

Author: Aimee Mars

Equipment

• ▢
  Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 ounces Vodka
• ▢ 1 ounce Cointreau or Triple Sec
• ▢ 1 ounce Cranberry Juice
• ▢ 1 ounce Lime Juice

Instructions

• Chill your glass. Start by chilling a martini glass. You can do this by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice and water and letting it sit while you prepare the cocktail.
• Add the ingredients to your shaker. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the vodka, triple sec, freshly squeezed lime juice, and cranberry juice. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
• Strain. Strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass. If desired, garnish your Cosmopolitan cocktail with a twist of orange or lime.

Notes

How to Serve a Cosmopolitan

• Choose the Right Glassware: Use a martini glass for serving a Cosmopolitan. These glasses have a wide, shallow bowl with a stem, which not only looks elegant but also allows you to enjoy the cocktail’s aroma as you sip.
• Chill the Glass: Place the martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to ensure it’s nice and cold. Alternatively, you can fill the glass with ice and water while you prepare the cocktail, then discard the ice just before pouring.
• Garnish with a Twist: While not necessary, garnishing your Cosmopolitan with a twist of citrus peel (orange or lime) adds a delightful aroma and a touch of visual appeal. Simply hold a small piece of citrus peel over the glass and give it a gentle twist to release the oils. Drop it into the drink or place it on the rim.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 27IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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