Classic Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe (5 Minutes)
The Cosmopolitan is a cocktail that exudes elegance and sophistication, often associated with the glamour and style of New York City. Originating in the 1980s and gaining popularity in the 1990s, this vodka-based drink is renowned for its stunning pale pink hue and a perfect balance of tart and sweet. The Cosmopolitan is a modern classic cocktail that can enhance any dining experience, whether it's a chic solo night or a festive gathering.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker with built-in strainer
- Martini glass (coupe glass also works)
- Jigger or measuring cup for accurate pours
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Fine-mesh strainer (for a double-strain with no ice shards)
Ingredients
- 1½ oz vodka citrus or plain, 45ml
- ½ oz triple sec such as Cointreau, 15ml
- 1 oz cranberry juice 100% unsweetened, not cranberry juice cocktail, 30ml
- ½ oz lime juice freshly squeezed, 15ml
- 1 cup ice enough to fill cocktail shaker
- 1 piece lime wheel for garnish
- 1 piece orange twist optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.1 cup ice
- Add 45 ml (1½ oz) of vodka, 15 ml (½ oz) of triple sec, 30 ml (1 oz) of cranberry juice, and 15 ml (½ oz) of freshly squeezed lime juice.1½ oz vodka, ½ oz triple sec, 1 oz cranberry juice, ½ oz lime juice
- Shake vigorously until well chilled, about 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold to the touch.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or an orange twist for presentation, or serve ungarnished for a quick solo drink — both are perfectly acceptable.1 piece lime wheel, 1 piece orange twist
Notes
Storage: Pre-mix the vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice in a sealed jar and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Shake individual portions over ice as needed — do not add ice to the batch or it will dilute as it sits.
Make-Ahead: Fresh lime juice tastes best on day one. If batching ahead, add the lime juice day-of for the brightest flavour.
Substitution: If using budget triple sec instead of Cointreau, reduce it by 5 ml and add an extra 5 ml lime juice to compensate for the extra sweetness.
Sweetness Adjustment: Add a small splash (5 ml) of agave syrup for a sweeter version, or increase lime juice by 5 ml for extra tartness.
Pro Tip: Shake until the outside of the shaker is painfully cold to the touch — typically 15 seconds of hard shaking. This ensures proper dilution and a silky texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 172kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 76mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 74IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 0.2mg
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