Cosmopolitan

There are some – a very few – cocktails that define a decade. And the Cosmopolitan, a hot pink, pleasantly sharp cocktail served in the iconic martini glass, was the essence of the 1990s.

About this recipe

Ingredients

Smirnoff No. 21® Vodka

A vodka that's known around the world, Smirnoff is born of a long history of charcoal filtration to give smooth mouth feel and a pure, clean flavour.

How to make

Using a jigger, measure 35ml Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka, 10ml orange liqueur, 45ml cranberry juice and 10ml of lime juice into the shaker.

Shake vigorously using a cocktail shaker until the surface of the shaker feels chilled.

Using a cocktail strainer, strain the liquid into a martini glass.

Using a sharp knife and a chopping board, cut a piece of lime peel and twist the peel onto the rim of the glass to garnish.

Water, Water

Don’t snub good old H20. Stay refreshed by drinking water between drinks.

Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Shake all the ingredients with cracked ice. Pour into a cocktail glass.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 parts Vodka
1 part Cointreau®
1 part Cranberry juice
dash of Lime juice
1 Lime rind

4.59999990463257 1375

Leave some comments about the Cosmopolitan

i'll feed em to the pigs shall i?

. . . ,,its fabulous . . all girls gone wild with this cocktail drink . . . especially when i make it . . . , ?

This can be a great fun cocktail to make if you flambé an orange peel over the top. Cut an inch wide, 2 inch long strip of orange peel. Hold the orange peel in your thumb and forefinger and hold lighter in front (just touching) for about 3 seconds, then squeeze the peel hard, releasing all the oils which light and set fire. Then wipe around rim of glass and drop in, skin side up. Brilliant garnish!

by Dickon Morris

This drink went down a storm at a recent cocktail party, enjoy.

by Teresa Geraghty

its a nice and good drink there r no more comments

i love cosmopoltian due to me being a fat barbie.

by Steph mc evoy

Actually rather bland in all honesty and only popular due to its pink colour and fame from Sex and the city. Vodka drinkers will probably find drinks like a brown hen or russian seven far tastier if not as physically attractive or fashionable.

by Steve Porter

Delicious, perfect combination.

Perfect cosmo:50ml Absolut raspberri35ml Cointreauhalf a lime squeased75ml Cranberry juicePut all the ingredients into a boston shaker, muddle in 2 strawberries, add Ice and shake quick and hard, fine strain into a tall martini glass that has been rimmed with sugar, zest with orange peel, and garnish with a slice of strawberry! Perfecto!!

This drink is just fantastic so sex in the city!

We liked it but it was really strong so added a couple of parts of tonic water and another part of cranberry - it went down a treat!

too much cranberry original recipe was pink but too often cosmos are served red now. Also must be served w/ lemon vodka. Interesting variant is the Metropolitan w/ kurrant vodka. Flaming orange to finish.

this is the best drink ever . especially if you go to the LOUNGE in LARGS they make a killer cosmo .

Finish it off by cutting a circle of orange peel, bending it so it is concave and using a lighter to heat it up, after about 10 sec it will spit if u then point it at the glass and squeeze the oils in the orange peel will ignite in a big fireball and coat the surface of the drink giving a nice zesty taste, oh and dnt remove the lighter when u squeeze

Try make it with 1 1/2 parts cointreau, and 1 part vodka (instead of vice versa), add a few drops of sweet n sour mix, its beautiful

For a single serve in a martini glass you can assume 1 part = either 25ml or 35ml depending on the size of your glassware and on how generous you want to be!

Re. first comment. . a part is whatever you want it to be, that's the point. It depends on how many drinks you want to make. As long as the ratios remain the same then it doesn't matter what the measurement is. Just use one and a half times as much vodka as you do cranberry and cointreau. Not too difficult.

Think sophistication, think Cosmo; it's that simple.

When you say part, how much do you mean? a part could mean anything. how much in ml?

I drink these all the time thanks to Sex & thr City. . . . DE-LISH!

This is the nicest drink ever I first got aquainted in the carribaen and have been hooked ever since must admit its nasty if not mixed properly but perfectly yummie when mixed well!!

Reminds of the a day by the pool in sunny Florida. . .

very tasty,great after taste, the lime juice makes all the difference if prepared correctly.

this is such a chic drink, typical sex and the city and whoever drinks it gets my vote, carrie bradshaw all the way!

Very sharp, extremely tasty drink (when made correctly - which unfortunately doesnt seem to be that often!) *****

by Michael Craig

A new age "chic" classic. a versatile drink, gorgeous if made correctly. alot of argument over the perfect garnish. flamed orange peel makes all the difference.

by Chris Kitson (mixologist)

Got it's perfest PR via the SATC gals. A cocktail classic which when mixed right is the best

What Would we do without 'Sex and the city' *** Best Cocktail Ever. . . . . .

I love this drink, its got a sharp edge but a very smooth and fruity taste. I have about four or five in a night out and it tastes just as good as it looks. This is a real elegance drink strictly for the ladies who know they have style and wish to ooze sophistication and glamour!

The Indigo Bar in Chinatown, Honolulu, presents the mandarin cosmo (using Absolut Mandarin) for the vodka part. Ask barman George for it - its not on the menu.

I made this with white cranberry juice. It was preferred by most as it was not overy sweet.

LOOP IN CROYDON ASK 4 KIERON HIS COSMOS ARE JUST HEAVEN HE SHOWED ME HIS BLACK COSMO WHAT A MIND BLOWER

To Epsimax: Look in frozen section of grocer. It is hard to find, but some stores do have the pure jucie and not the 'coctail' version. You can also look in the natural foods section and find unsweetened pure cranberry juice.

Easy to drink and beautiful color its good for party,

Hi I'm french and i try to find cranberry juice but it's verry hard to find it. Anybody know how i can find it or can i subsitute it?

Perfect Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe

Not overly sweet or too tart, our cosmopolitan cocktail recipe is perfect to shake up for one or even prepare in advance for a crowd. Jump to the Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe or watch our quick recipe video showing you how we make it.

While there are many variations, ours comes from what we (and most of our friends) keep stocked in our pantry. Good vodka, triple sec (we like to use Cointreau) and fresh lime. A twist of sweet fragrant orange peel and you’re set.

We all struggle with what to cook for dinner and yes, I am definitely including Adam and I in that! So you never run out of inspiration, we want to send you a completely free weekly email with easy, delicious and fresh recipes perfect for dinner! Click here to sign up for free now!

Making our Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe

When choosing the vodka, go for something mid to high range. We’ll usually stock Stolichnaya or “Stoli,” but use what you know you enjoy. The other thing to remember, here is to use fresh lime juice – not the bottled stuff. We realize it’s a little more work, but the taste is so much better.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: How to make one of our favorite cocktails — The Old Fashioned. See our recipe and tips for making the best Old Fashioned at home.

Lastly, we love adding a little orange peel to this. Sure, it may look like an unnecessary garnish, but if you do it right, it’s adds a little sweetness and as you go into to take a sip of the cosmopolitan cocktail, 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 that spray out from the orange, fall into the drink. Rubbing the edges of the glass doesn’t hurt either.

It’s such a fresh, bright and happy drink. Don’t you think?

Recipe updated, originally posted December 2012. Since posting this in 2012, we have tweaked the recipe to be more clear and added a quick recipe video. – Adam and Joanne

Perfect Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe

PREP 5mins
TOTAL 5mins

Not too sweet or too tart, this cosmopolitan cocktail recipe is perfect to serve one or many. We like to use unflavored or citrus flavored vodka in this. If you can, since there is quite a lot of vodka in the recipe, choose vodka that is medium priced or that’s even top-shelf. We like to use Stolichnaya. We love adding a little orange peel to this. Sure, it may look like an unnecessary garnish, but if you do it right, it’s adds a little sweetness and as you go into to take a sip of the cosmopolitan cocktail, 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 that spray out from the orange, fall into the drink. Rubbing the edges of the glass doesn’t hurt either.

You Will Need

2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka

1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) triple sec

3/4 ounce (1 tablespoon + 1 1/2 teaspoons) cranberry juice

1/4 to 1/2 ounce (1 1/2 teaspoons to 3 teaspoons) fresh lime juice

One 2-inch orange peel/twist

Directions

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then add vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime juice. (We like the extra bite of extra lime juice, so we use 1/2 an ounce in our cosmopolitan cocktails. However, use what is best for your taste). Shake the cocktail shaker for about 30 seconds until well chilled. Then, strain into a martini glass.

Garnish with orange peel/twist. For an extra burst of flavor, peel the orange twist over the filled cocktail glass. This way, the orange oils spray into the glass.

Adam and Joanne's Tips

To make 4 drinks at one time, add 1 cup vodka, 1/4 cup triple sec, 1/3 cup cranberry juice, and 2 to 4 tablespoons of fresh lime juice to a pitcher. Stir and adjust to taste. Refrigerate. When ready to serve, pour into four martini glasses and garnish with orange peel/twist.
Nutrition facts: The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. We have used the USDA Supertracker recipe calculator to calculate approximate values.

If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #inspiredtaste — We love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook! Find us: @inspiredtaste

Food Travel: Our Lives Outside the Kitchen

A Perfect Weekend in Walla Walla, Washington

We’re in love with our hometown, Walla Walla. Read on for lots of insider’s tips for where to eat and drink, including some of our favorite wineries. Read More…

Hungry For More?

Wayne Snyman October 28, 2017, 7:18 am

This is not a great Cosmo… The Vodka is way too much… Didn’t enjoy it at all. Will use another recipe rather.

Hi Wayne, So sorry you didn’t enjoy the recipe. Next time, you could reduce the vodka — maybe start with 1 ounce and go from there.

Delicious Cosmopolitan. I used a bit more “real” cranberry juice cocktail than the recipe, and the twist of orange at the end, I squeezed the peel first. It made it special and smelled great. I almost left out the orange peel, but then decided what the heck and was very glad I added it!

I made this Cosmo but found I didn’t like how the lime juice tasted in it, so now I omit that. I didn’t have any triple sec so I used Gran Marnier. My cranberry juice was 100% juice and I did not find it necessary to add sugar or simple syrup. It was delicious – I had three!

Hi! We are Adam + Joanne

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Cosmopolitan Cocktail Dry or Sweet, It's Your Choice

3 mins
Prep: 3 mins,
Cook: 0 mins
Yield: 1 serving

The classic Cosmopolitan is a very simple drink and it quickly became one of the most popular cocktails of all time. Its peak was in the 1990s because of its multiple appearances in the HBO show, "Sex and the City" and it soon became the ultimate girly drink. However, the drink is much older than that.

Most bartenders know how to make this light, fruity martini and it is a great choice for a casual night out. There are hundreds of variations on the Cosmo; some use more or less cranberry juice, some triple sec instead of Cointreau, and some include citrus vodka. It's all a matter of personal preference.

This first recipe will create a Cosmopolitan with a drier profile. It is blush pink rather than red and not too sweet. Many cocktail enthusiasts consider this a traditional Cosmopolitan as it is more in line with classic Martinis.

If your tastes run to the sweeter side, there is a Cosmo below for you as well. You are encouraged to try both. After all, you will not know which you really prefer until you get a taste of each.

What You'll Need

1 1/2 ounces vodka or citrus vodka
1 ounce Cointreau orange liqueur
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1/4 ounce cranberry juice
Orange peel for garnish

How to Make It

Shake the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with an orange peel.

Tip: No matter which Cosmopolitan you choose to mix up, this is the time to break out the good vodka. Your taste buds will thank you.

The Sweeter Cosmopolitan

If you prefer a sweeter cranberry flavor in your Cosmo, then this is the recipe you're looking for. It is that signature crimson cocktail that is so often served in cocktail lounges and it is the version that most Cosmo fans are familiar with.

You will notice that the cranberry juice is significantly more in this mix than in the previous one. This is where most of the drink's sweetness comes from and it is a very tasty drink.

To make the drink, shake and strain 1 1/2 ounce citrus vodka, 1/2 ounce each Cointreau and lime juice, and 1-ounce cranberry juice.

How Strong Is the Cosmopolitan?

The Cosmo can be as strong or as tame as you make it. Of course, if you choose to make yours with more cranberry juice, it will be a littler drink than the first, blush pink recipe.

Here is how these two Cosmopolitan recipes stack up with an 80-proof vodka:

Cosmo Recipe #1: 27% ABV (54 proof)
Cosmo Recipe #2: 20% ABV (40 proof)

You can see a significant difference between the two. To put the Cosmopolitan into perspective, the average Vodka Martini is 28% ABV. The fruity Cosmo is not as innocent as she looks and the sweeter the drink is, the easier it is to have one too many.

The Story of the Cosmopolitan

One of the first references to the Cosmopolitan is a gin, Cointreau, lemon, and raspberry syrup mix that was published in 1934 in the Pioneers of Mixing at Elite Bars 1903-1933. It was not until the 70s that the drink really took off and transformed into the modern vodka-cranberry cocktail.

At that time, bartenders all over the U.S. were experimenting with a cranberry version of the Kamikaze. And, as is common in cocktail stories, many people made the claim to creating the Cosmo that we know today.

Whose story is true? It's very likely that a few of them happened simultaneously.

You have to remember that there was no internet to share your latest and greatest bar creations with the world. Instead, bartenders relied on word of mouth, bartending guides and organizations, and patrons to pass on recipes.

More Cosmopolitan Cocktails

The Cosmopolitan is so popular that it has inspired countless recreations over the years. Most of these have come out of the last few decades and play on the fantastic combination of vodka and cranberry.

Campari Cosmo - Adding Campari requires a fruit switch for this recipe though the orange does turn this into a lovely aperitif.
Crantini - If you really want to simplify the Cosmopolitan, skip everything except the vodka and cranberry.
Pink Honey Martini - Here we have a very interesting mix of vodka-cranberry sweetened with a honey liqueur and just a dash of sour mix.
Very Berry Cosmo - If you want something that's similar but unique, try this recipe that pairs acai-blueberry vodka with cranberry and brings Chambord into the mix.
Watermelon Cosmo - It's as simple as picking up a fun bottle of watermelon liqueur!

Cosmopolitan Cocktail

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Ingredients

- 1 1/4 ounces Absolut Citron vodka (about 2 1/2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 ounce Rose's lime juice (about 3/4 tablespoon)
- 1/4 ounce triple sec or Cointreau (about 3/4 tablespoon)
- 1/4 cup cranberry juice
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Garnish: lime twist

Preparation

1. In a cocktail shaker combine all ingredients. Shake well and strain into a Martini glass.
2. Garnish drink with lime.

Nutritional Info

Calories 159
Carbohydrates 14 g(5%)
Fat 0 g(0%)
Protein 0 g(0%)
Saturated Fat 0 g(0%)
Sodium 12 mg(1%)
Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Fiber 0 g(0%)
Monounsaturated Fat 0 g

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Leave a Review

Finally I can make an awesome Cosmo from scratch by myself! Delicious! Used regular Absolut vodka, Grand Marnier, regular lime and cranberry juices. This recipe is a keeper!

Riffed on this for a girls nite - unflavored vodka w lite pomegranate/blackberry juice cocktail, rose's lime and splash of Drambuie (!) when I realized I had no Cointreau, triple sec or Grand Marnier. Just the tiny hit of Drambuie gave it a nice complex spike and cut the sweetness. Blackberry garnish w lime slice. It was good enough to make over, and over, and over!

When I lived in Boston, one of my favorite bars would make me one with no cranberry, and a touch more vodka--I suppose in a modern world, someone will call this a "Citrus Martini," but it was delicious, and great for those of you afraid to hold a pink drink!

Lovely and refreshing! Easily doubled/tripled for guests. Throw some cranberries into each martini glas at Christmas time for a festive look!

Used Grey Goose L'Orange vodka, cheap triple sec and followed the recipe exactly. It is PERFECT!

Would I make this drink again? Silly question! About 3 times a week. I change it up using Pomegranate juice, of course for the anti-oxidants or the diet version with the unsweetened cranberry juice using Splenda to sweeten. Oh, and I use Grand Marnier, unflavored vodka, and plain lime juice, not Rose's. This is the best and easiest ever.

lovely. Used cran-raspberry juice and currant vodka. Garnished with lime and cranberry. Good proportions. A very pink drink.

With Stoli Raspberry vodka, this is delicious!!

Here are some changes to consider: Consider: for a less sweet version, use pomegranate juice instead. Also, I have grand marnier, so that's what I use. People rave about this pomegranate version. They love, love, love it!

Use raspberry vodka. Perfect.

For this recipe to be perfect, you MUST use Cointreau (not triple sec) and FRESH lime juice. Another nice variation is to substitute Chambord (rasberry liqueur) for the Cointreau.

This is a perfect cosmo recipe! I agree with the commenter who says to make a pitcher and set on ice. My guests loooooved this cocktail.

Fantastic . Yum. Yum. Better than what the best bartender could ever make. Make it by the pitcher and set in the ice bucket to keep chilled. The best way to get your vitamin C.

Perfect! My guests raved, even one who had never had a Cosmo before. They are sweet, but not syrupy sweet and go down quite smooooooothly.

One of the best Cosmopolitan recipes out there! I floated fresh cranberries in each glass for a festive holiday presentation. Will serve throughout the holiday season.

I make these for small dinner parties but always with fresh lime juice instead of Roses. They never fail to be a huge hit with guests.

but to beat that one, try using sky and sky citrus, equal parts of plain ole triple sec, plain ole cranberry juice, and a nice splash of rose's lime juice. the best one by far. *****

very good drink, I used plain vodka with a touch of fresh lemon and fresh lime juice. The fresh juice makes the difference.

much better if you use fresh lime juice. Even better with mandarin vodka, although I must try it with the vanilla vodka another reviewer suggested.

Quite tasty indeed!! Use Cointreau, it's much tastier than the triple sec.

very good drink. must admit I do not put in any triple sec. I just use the other ingredients. Also really good with vanilla vodka.

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Cosmopolitan

less than 30 mins

no cooking required

Make like a Manhattan socialite with this classy cocktail. Chill the glasses in the freezer beforehand for an ice-cold tipple à la Sex and the City.

Unfortunately we are unable to add this recipe to your favourites, please try again later.

Ingredients

35ml/1½fl oz vodka
15ml/½fl oz orange liqueur
squeeze fresh lime juice
25ml/1fl oz cranberry juice
twist orange peel, to garnish

Place the vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice and cranberry juice into a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake hard and then strain into a coupe glass or small Martini glass.

Hold the piece of orange peel over the glass and carefully flame with a match. Garnish the cocktail with the flamed orange peel and serve.

Cosmopolitan Cocktail #2 recipe

Scan me to take me with you

posted by anniewest @ 02:35PM, 8/01/07

posted by Kevin @ 02:53PM, 8/21/07

1.5 oz Absolut Citron

.25 oz fresh squeezed lime

.5 oz cranberry juice

posted by TR @ 07:01PM, 8/21/07

posted by lovely @ 09:09AM, 11/13/07

posted by pammy j @ 07:47PM, 1/04/08

For information on creating mixed drink recipes, bartending information, and measurements for alcoholic drinks, visit our Bartender Guide.

and the following drinks, with similar ingredients.

Perfect Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe

Making our Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: How to make one of our favorite cocktails — The Old Fashioned. See our recipe and tips for making the best Old Fashioned at home.

When you add the orange peel, peel it over the drink. This way, any oils that spray out from the orange, fall into the drink. Rubbing the edges of the glass doesn’t hurt either.

It’s such a fresh, bright and happy drink. Don’t you think?

Recipe updated, originally posted December 2012. Since posting this in 2012, we have tweaked the recipe to be more clear and added a quick recipe video. – Adam and Joanne

Perfect Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe

PREP 5mins
TOTAL 5mins

You Will Need

2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka

1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) triple sec

3/4 ounce (1 tablespoon + 1 1/2 teaspoons) cranberry juice

1/4 to 1/2 ounce (1 1/2 teaspoons to 3 teaspoons) fresh lime juice

One 2-inch orange peel/twist

Directions

Garnish with orange peel/twist. For an extra burst of flavor, peel the orange twist over the filled cocktail glass. This way, the orange oils spray into the glass.

Adam and Joanne's Tips

To make 4 drinks at one time, add 1 cup vodka, 1/4 cup triple sec, 1/3 cup cranberry juice, and 2 to 4 tablespoons of fresh lime juice to a pitcher. Stir and adjust to taste. Refrigerate. When ready to serve, pour into four martini glasses and garnish with orange peel/twist.
Nutrition facts: The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. We have used the USDA Supertracker recipe calculator to calculate approximate values.

If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #inspiredtaste — We love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook! Find us: @inspiredtaste

Food Travel: Our Lives Outside the Kitchen

A Perfect Weekend in Walla Walla, Washington

We’re in love with our hometown, Walla Walla. Read on for lots of insider’s tips for where to eat and drink, including some of our favorite wineries. Read More…