Cosmopolitan cocktail recipe

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Cosmopolitan is one of the most iconic cocktails and a symbol of modern cocktail culture. 

“It’s a citrus phenomenon,” says Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan – Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.  That’s right, the “Cosmo” has got all the citrus flavors going on – Cranberry Juice, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice, Lemon-Flavored Vodka, and Orange Zest.

Below we’ll show you how to make a Cosmopolitan with a recipe that’s easy to follow but sure to dazzle your friends.

How to Make a Cosmopolitan

What You’ll Need

• Boston Shaker
• Citrus Elbow (or Citrus Press)
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument
• Strainer
• Paring Knife
• Cocktail Glass
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Fine Mesh Strainer
• Peeler

Got a question about one of the tools? Check out our handy guide.

How to Mix

1. Use a Paring Knife and cut one Lime in half. 
2. Use a Citrus Press to squeeze one Lime half to extract the juice. 
3. Measure and pour Lime Juice into your Boston Shaker. 
4. Measure and pour Cranberry Juice into the Shaker.
5. Measure and pour Triple Sec into the Shaker. 
6. Measure and pour Absolut Citron into the Shaker. 
7. Add Ice Cubes into the Shaker. 
8. Shake vigorously until the Shaker is frosty on the outside. 
9. Double strain the mixture by placing a Hawthorne Strainer on the top of the large tin of your Boston Shaker, then pour the mixture through a Fine Mesh Strainer directly into your Cocktail Glass. 
10. Use a Peeler to peel a strip of Orange Zest, then press the Strip over your drink to express the oils before placing the strip into your Glass.
11. Sip and enjoy!

What is a Cosmopolitan?

Also known as the “Cosmo,” it’s a Vodka cocktail classic made with Absolut Citron, Triple Sec, Fresh Lime and a dash of Cranberry Juice. Served in a Martini Glass, the cocktail known for its vibrant pink color and citrusy flavor profile.

It gained widespread popularity in the 1990s and is often associated with sophistication and stylish living.

What Does a Cosmopolitan Cocktail Taste Like?

It’s all about the balance – tart yet seductively sweet. When done right, it’s sophisticated, stiff and sexy.  The Orange Twist garnish ties everything together, marrying perfectly the tartness of the Cranberry Juice and the delicious, smooth citrus flavors of Absolut Citron.

The History of Cosmopolitan

Like so many iconic cocktails, the Cosmopolitan’s exact origins are debated.

A 1927 cocktail book mentions a drink named the Cosmopolitan, however, made with Scotch Whisky, two types of Vermouth, Swedish punch, Irish Whisky, and Vodka, it bears no resemblance to the Cosmopolitan we know today.

A 1934 cocktail book features a recipe for a Gin Daisy cocktail and is very similar to the Cosmopolitan we know today. The Gin Daisy was made with Lemon instead of Lime, Gin instead of Vodka, and sweetened with Raspberry Syrup instead of Cranberry Juice to give the drink its signature pink color.

Some say it was developed as a variation of the classic Cape Codder cocktail, combining Vodka and Cranberry Juice. The addition of Triple Sec and Lime Juice gave birth to the Cosmo’s signature flavor profile.

One popular claim suggests the modern Cosmo as we know it was invented by a head bartender in South Beach, Miami, who based the cocktail on then newly released Absolut Citron. Absolut Citron was released in 1988 and has been our best-selling Flavored Vodka ever since.

Another story traces the cocktail’s origins back to 1975, when a bartender in Golden Valley, Minneapolis, decided to try combine elements Cape Codder, (Vodka and Cranberry Juice) and a Kamikaze shot (Vodka, Triple Sec, and Lemon Juice) to create a shaken drink served in a Martini Glass.

The Cosmo rose to prominence in the 1990s, becoming synonymous with cosmopolitan urban culture and modern cocktail sophistication. Its popularity surged, particularly in trendy bars and upscale social circles. Its stunning pink hue and fresh, citrusy taste contributed to its widespread appeal. 

Over the years, it has maintained its status as a classic cocktail, enjoyed in various social settings. Its enduring popularity and association with high living have solidified its place in cocktail history as an iconic drink.

Today, the International Bartenders Association lists the Cosmopolitan as being made with Vodka Citron (Lemon-Flavored Vodka), Triple Sec, Fresh Lime Juice, and Cranberry Juice. The rest, as they say, is history.

Variations of the Cosmopolitan Cocktail

• Blood Orange Cosmo
  Shake things up while keeping it citrusy by replacing Lemon-Flavored Vodka with Mandarin-Flavored Vodka. The Blood Orange Cosmo uses Absolut Mandrin together with Triple Sec, Blood Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice and Lime Juice and you’ve got one super bright, citrus-forward cocktail. Here’s how to make a Blood Orange Cosmo.

• Grand Cosmopolitan
  This “luxury” version of the Cosmopolitan elevates the Cosmo by swapping the drink’s signature Lemon Vodka for Absolut Vodka and replacing Triple Sec with a French Orange-Flavored Liqueur. The latter adds a deep, rich, and fruity maturity, resulting in a more sophisticated sipper overall. To make it, mix 30 ml / 1 oz Absolut Vodka, 30 ml / 1 oz French Orange-Flavored Liqueur, 30 ml / 1 oz Cranberry Juice, and 15 ml / 0.5 oz Lime Juice.

• Purple Cosmo
  A Purple Cosmo calls for Absolut Vodka, White Cranberry Juice, Violet Liqueur, and freshly squeezed Lime Juice, resulting in a cocktail that perfectly balances sweet, floral, and tart flavors. Discover how to make a Purple Cosmo.

• Virgin Cosmopolitan
  Can you make a Cosmopolitan without alcohol? You sure can. Grab a cocktail shaker and combine Sweetened Cranberry Juice, Lime Juice, Orange Juice, Simple Syrup, and Ice Cubes. Shake well, then strain into a Martini Glass.Add a couple of dashes of Orange Bitters and garnish with Orange Zest, and you’ve got yourself a mocktail that is refreshingly delicious and sophisticated. See our recipe for a Virgin Cosmopolitan.

• Blue Cosmopolitan
  If the color of this cocktail doesn’t grab your attention, then its delicious mix of citrus flavors mostly certain will. Mix Absolut Citron, White Cranberry Juice, Blue Curacao, Lime Juice
and Lemon Zest and you’ve got yourself a Blue Cosmopolitan! See our Blue Cosmopolitan recipe.

Serving and Garnish Ideas 

Be sure to chill your Cocktail Glass in the freezer. Anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours is fine.

To garnish your cocktail, use a Peeler to peel a long strip of Orange Zest. Hold the strip over the glass, expressing the oils by giving it a quick twist. Drop the zest into the cocktail or place it on the rim of the Glass to enhance those incredible citrus aromas. 

Tips for Making a Perfect Cosmopolitan

Don’t overdo the Cranberry
The secret behind a truly great Cosmo is to go easy on the Cranberry Juice. As Hedda Bruce, award-winning Bar Manager at Tjoget in Stockholm, Sweden explains, many people think a Cosmopolitan should be red, when it should in fact be red. “The Cranberry Juice should just add color to the drink, not flavor,” she says. Therefore, Hedda recommends using 10 ml / ¼ oz (¼ part) Cranberry Juice.

Always use Fresh Lime Juice
You’ll also want to use fresh pressed Lime Juice instead of something from a bottle. And yes, you’ll be able to tell the difference…big time.

Double strain your drink
No one likes getting bits of Ice or pulp in their cocktail. When you’ve finished shaking, double strain your Cosmopolitan using both a Hawthorne Strainer and a Fine-Mesh Strainer to get rid of all those pesky bits once and for all. Learn how to double strain a cocktail.