Cosmopolitan cocktail
The Cosmopolitan (or Cosmo) is a cocktail made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice. A Cosmopolitan is usually served in a large cocktail glass.
A true Cosmopolitan cocktail should have a slightly tart taste and have a pinkish hue as a result of the shaking with the lime juice.
- Prep Time:
- Total Time:
- Type: Cocktail
- Units: 2
Equipment
- Cocktail glass
Ingredients
- 50 ml vodka
- 25 ml orange liqueur (triple sec)
- 50 ml cranberry juice
- 12.5 ml lime juice
- lemon or orange zest
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ¾ full with ice.
- Add the vodka, orange liqueur, lime and cranberry juice to the cocktail shaker.
- With the lid on, shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds, until cold.
- Strain all the ingredients in the shaker into a cocktail glass – the drink should be ice free!
- Finally garnish with lemon or, more traditionally some orange zest flamed over the drink.
FAQ
When did it become popular?
The Cosmo rose to fame in the 1980s and 90s, and its status was cemented by Sex and the City, where it became the cocktail of choice for Carrie Bradshaw and friends.
What garnishes work best?
A lime wheel or orange zest twist are most common. The garnish helps lift the citrus notes, much like the orange twist in a Negroni.
Is a cosmo a girly drink?
No, cosmopolitan cocktail can be enjoyed equally by both, a man and a woman. The drink’s bright pink colour doesn’t make it “girly”.
Is a cosmo shaken or stirred?
The correct way to mix a cosmopolitan cocktail is to shake the ingredients in a shaker.
Is a cosmopolitan strong?
The typical cosmopolitan is 2 units, so it is certainly alcoholic, but not as strong as some other cocktails, but as always you should drink responsibly.
What vodka cocktails are best?
If you like a vodka drink like the Cosmopolitan cocktail, we also have a roundup of our top ten cocktails with vodka, its not official, but we think you’ll find these cocktails are all worth trying.