How to Make a Blue Cosmopolitan

Written by: Scott Van Dort

A Blue Cosmo is a variation of the classic Cosmopolitan Cocktail. While it tastes similar to the standard Cosmo, its vivid blue color and subtle flavor variations set this cocktail apart.

Just like the cocktail it’s based on, a Blue Cosmo recipe features a lemon-flavored Vodka and Lime Juice, but replaces Triple Sec and Cranberry Juice with Blue Curacao and White Cranberry Juice. It also features a Lemon Zest Twist instead of an Orange Zest.

Ready to give the Blue Cosmopolitan a try? Whip up a Blue Cosmo drink in no time, regardless of your experience, with these handy tips and tricks.

Ingredients

ml Parts

Ice Cubes

Ice Cubes
45 ml Absolut Citron

1 ½ Parts Absolut Citron
30 ml White Cranberry Juice

1 Part White Cranberry Juice
10 ml Blue Curacao

⅓ Parts Blue Curacao
10 ml Lime Juice

⅓ Parts Lime Juice
1 Twist Lemon Zest

1 Twist Lemon Zest

Number of Servings

Rate this recipe

3.95 from 910 votes

How to Mix a Blue Cosmo

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Add your ingredients.
Give everything a good shake.
Strain the contents into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a twisted lemon zest for a perfectly finished Blue Cosmo.

Watch How to Mix a Blue Cosmopolitan

What is a Blue Cosmopolitan?

A Blue Cosmo is a variant of the classic Cosmopolitan – an iconic cocktail, loved by many. Just like the original Cosmo, a Blue Cosmo Cocktail is shaken with ice and best served in a traditional Martini Glass. The color of the Blue Cosmo is usually the first thing that grabs people’s attention, followed by its delicious mix of citrus flavors.

What Does a Blue Cosmo Taste Like?

The Blue Cosmopolitan tastes a bit like the classic Cosmo, but it often features a slightly sweeter taste thanks to the added Blue Curacao and white cranberry juice. The cocktail can be best described as sweet and citrusy.

The History of the Blue Cosmopolitan

The Blue Cosmo is a colorful twist on the legendary Cosmopolitan cocktail, the origins of which are often debated. There are mentions of and similarities to the Cosmopolitan in various cocktail books from the 1920s and 1930s, yet the ingredients seem to differ from the classic Cosmo we know today.

Others claim the Cosmo was created by a head bartender in Miami, who based it on Absolut Citron, which was newly released at the time. But it wasn’t until the 1990s when the Cosmopolitan rose to fame. It became especially popular in hip bars and chic social circles and was beloved for its aesthetic pink hue and fresh citrus tase.

Today, the classic Cosmo still retains a well-respected status and is served in various social settings. There are also several variations of the classic recipe, including the eye-catching Blue Cosmo.

Tips for Making a Perfect Blue Cosmopolitan

Crafting the perfect Blue Cosmopolitan starts with a few important tips and tricks.

Use Fresh Lime Juice

Freshly squeezed lime juice can offer a more authentic and aromatic taste than bottled lime juice, which enhances the overall flavor of the cocktail.

Strain Your Blue Cosmo Well

Straining your cocktail can help to rid any unwanted ice shards and fruit pulp from your drink. But don’t just stop with one strain. Double straining your cocktail can make a big difference and help to elevate the quality of your cocktail.

Chill Your Cocktail Glass

A chilled martini glass can help keep your Blue Cosmo cooler for longer. The frosted glass can also enhance the visual aesthetic of your cocktail, perfect if you’re looking to level up your presentation skills.

Variations of a Cosmopolitan

With the Cosmopolitan such a classic cocktail, there’s a whole host of spin-offs and variations you can try at home.

Want to double down on the orange flavor from Blue Curacao? Try mixing with Absolut Mandrin for twice the citrus.
If you love lashings of lemon in your cocktail, swap out the lime juice from the Blue Cosmo recipe for freshly squeezed lemon.
Experiment with the ratios of vodka, white cranberry juice and Blue Curacao to create different shades of that iconic blue – from light baby blue all the way to ultramarine.
Create a richer, sweeter drink by adding in a small amount of French orange-flavored liqueur.

Check out our comprehensive run-down of Cosmopolitan variations.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Blue Cosmopolitan

Now that you’ve crafted your Blue Cosmo, it’s time to serve it up the best way. Here are some top presentation tips.

Chill your glass in the freezer for 30 minutes to two hours before serving. This will keep your Blue Cosmo cooler for longer, and you might get the added appeal of some frosting on the outside of the glass.
Make a classic lemon or orange zest twist with a peeler. Express some of the natural oils over the glass, and then rub it around the rim, to enhance the citrus notes.
Alternatively, try cutting a wheel of citrus fruit and place over the rim of the glass to bring in the decoration.
The deeper purple of a few choice cocktail cherries on a stick really stands out against the bright blue background of a Blue Cosmopolitan.

Blue Cosmopolitan FAQs

What Gives a Blue Cosmo its Color?

The bright blue hue of a Blue Cosmopolitan comes from Blue Curacao, which is a liqueur originating from the Caribbean and traditionally made with orange citrus fruit.

Does You Have to Use White Cranberry Juice in a Blue Cosmopolitan?

White cranberry juice is much paler than regular cranberry juice which allows the bold, bright color of Blue Curacao to really come through. The dark tone of red cranberry juice might give you more of a purple shade in the glass. Red cranberry juice is often slightly sweeter too, so consider how you want your Blue Cosmo to taste when deciding.