Cosmopolitan

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A Cosmopolitan is the perfect balance of tart cranberry, citrus brightness, and smooth vodka. Refreshing yet sophisticated. It’s the kind of cocktail that turns an ordinary evening into a stylish occasion.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Martini Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (130ml)

Vodka Citron
40 ml
Cointreau
20 ml
Cranberry Juice
30 ml
Lime Juice
10 ml
Orange Peel
1 twist

Recipe credit: Toby Cecchini

Instructions

3 minutes to make

Step

Chill your coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while you prepare the cocktail

Step

Add 40ml citrus vodka, 20ml Cointreau, 30ml sweetened cranberry juice, and 10ml fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker

Step

Fill the shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes

Step

Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to properly chill and dilute the drink

Step

Double strain the mixture through both a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer into the chilled coupe or martini glass

Step

Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink’s surface, then drop the twist into the glass as garnish

Equipment

Shaker

Hawthorne Strainer

Fine Mesh Strainer

Jigger

Description

The Cosmopolitan is an iconic cocktail that rose to fame in the 1990s, celebrated for its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrus flavors. This sophisticated drink combines citrus vodka with Cointreau, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice to create a vibrant pink cocktail that’s both refreshing and elegant. Made famous by Sex and the City, the Cosmo remains a timeless classic that exemplifies cocktail perfection when made with quality ingredients and proper technique.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (130ml)

Calories

151

ABV

18.5 %

Alcohol

19.2 g

Carbs

8.5 g

Carbs from Sugar

8 g

Fat

0 g

Protein

0.1 g

Sodium

2 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

Use citrus-flavored vodka for the authentic Cosmopolitan flavor profile - it's traditional and essential to the drink's character
Cointreau is the gold standard for triple sec in a Cosmo, providing superior balance and quality compared to cheaper alternatives
Always double strain your Cosmopolitan to achieve that silky, professional texture that separates a great Cosmo from a good one
Chill your glass beforehand - this keeps the cocktail crisp and cold longer, enhancing the overall drinking experience
Use sweetened cranberry juice, not pure cranberry juice, which would make the drink unbearably tart and unbalanced

Can I use regular vodka instead of citrus vodka?

While you can use regular vodka, citrus vodka is traditional and preferred for the classic Cosmopolitan flavor profile. It provides the essential citrus character that defines this cocktail.

Why is my Cosmopolitan too tart or too sweet?

Balance issues usually come from using pure cranberry juice (too tart) or low-quality cranberry cocktail (too sweet). Use a good quality sweetened cranberry juice and stick to the 30ml measurement for perfect balance.

Should I shake or stir a Cosmopolitan?

Always shake a Cosmopolitan vigorously with ice. Shaking provides proper dilution, chills the drink effectively, and creates the slightly frothy texture that makes this cocktail special.

Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?

Lime juice is traditional and provides the specific tartness that balances the cranberry sweetness. Lemon juice will change the flavor profile significantly, though some variations do exist using lemon.