How to Make the Perfect Cosmopolitan

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 seductively sweet, a bit tart and a lot more alcohol-forward than one might think. It’s all about the balance. When done right, it’s sophisticated, stiff and sexy.  The Orange Zest 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 shrouded in mystery; some say it can be traced back to Provincetown, Massachusetts in the 1970s, while others say South Beach, Florida during the mid-1980s.

It’s also believed to have been developed as a variation of the popular Cape Codder cocktail, which combines Vodka and Cranberry juice. The addition of Triple Sec and Lime Juice gave birth to its signature flavor profile.

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.

Variations of the Cosmopolitan Cocktail

• Blood Orange Cosmo
  If you’re looking for a fun twist on the original Cosmopolitan, then look no further than the Blood Orange Cosmo. Simply swap out Absolut Citron for Absolut Mandrin, and you’ve got a super bright, zesty, and zingy cocktail with a Citrus punch and a subtle hint of Cranberry. Here’s how to make a Blood Orange Cosmo.

• 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 it.

• Virgin Cosmo
  Want to make a Cosmo without alcohol? Leave out the Vodka and Triple Sec, and you’ve got yourself a sophisticated and fruity Virgin Cosmopolitan. See our recipe.

• Blue Cosmopolitan
  If the color of this cocktail doesn’t grab your attention, then it’s citrusy goodness 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, using a Peeler, peel one Orange Zest strip per drink. 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 for an added touch of citrus aroma. 

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.