How to Make the Perfect Cosmopolitan
Ingredients
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1 ⅓ Parts Absolut Citron40 ml Absolut Citron1 ⅓ oz Absolut Citron
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⅔ Parts Triple Sec20 ml Triple Sec⅔ oz Triple Sec
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⅔ Parts Lime Juice20 ml Lime Juice⅔ oz Lime Juice
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⅔ Parts Cranberry Juice (sweetened)
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1 Twist Orange Zest1 Twist Orange Zest1 Twist Orange Zest
WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT
The Cosmopolitan is one of the most iconic cocktails. Made with Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Triple Sec, and Lime Juice, the “Cosmo” is a symbol of modern cocktail culture.
The cocktail’s stunning appearance and bright citrusy flavors have made it a popular choice for summer parties, brunches, and cocktail hours everywhere. Below we’ll show you how to make a Cosmopolitan with a recipe that’s easy but sure to dazzle.
How to Make a Cosmopolitan
What You’ll Need
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger or Measuring Instrument
- Strainer
- Martini Glass
- Peeler
Got a question about one of the tools? Check out our handy guide.
How to Mix
- Fill a Shaker with Ice Cubes.
- Add all ingredients.
- Shake and strain into a Cocktail Glass.
- Garnish with an Orange Zest Twist.
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 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 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
A traditional Cosmopolitan should be served in a Martini Glass. Be sure to chill the glass in the freezer first. Anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours is fine.
After thoroughly shaking all the ingredients in a Cocktail Shaker until well-chilled, strain the liquid into a glass. It should have a vibrant pink color and a frothy texture.
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. You want the Cosmopolitan to be a blushing pink, not lobster red.
Fresh 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.
Shake it like you hate it – You can tell a well-shaken cocktail from a badly shaken one by looking for the foam head. If your cocktail doesn’t get a little bit foamy, shake it again without the Ice.
Double strain – No one likes getting bits of Ice or pulp in their cocktail. When you’ve finished shaking, double strain your cocktail using both a Hawthorne Strainer and a Fine-Mesh Strainer to get rid of all those pesky bits once and for all!
As one story goes, a bartender who is often credited with creating the cocktail tried various iterations of the Kamikaze cocktail before adding Cranberry Juice. After tasting the cocktail, one person exclaimed “How cosmopolitan!”, thus inspiring the cocktail’s name.
To adjust the sweetness of your Cosmo, opt for sweetened Cranberry Juice or unsweetened Cranberry Juice. If using unsweetened, consider adding a touch of Simple Syrup or Agave to balance out the tartness.
No, it’s not difficult. With the right ingredients and a Cocktail Shaker, you can easily mix up this classic cocktail at home. As always, the quality of your ingredients is the key to any great tasting cocktail.
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White Cosmopolitan
Absolut Citron, Triple Sec, Lime Juice, White Cranberry Juice, Orange Zest