How to Make a purple cosmo

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Purple Cosmopolitan offers a vibrant and flavorful spin on the traditional Cosmo. While it keeps the Cosmopolitan’s signature balance of sweet and tart with a distinct vodka base, the purple variation introduces a new dimension of flavor. Violet liqueur adds delicate, complex floral notes, plus unique visual appeal.

While the end result sets it apart from the usual Cosmopolitan, this is a straightforward recipe that even novice bartenders can create at home. Whether it’s to tie in with a special night or just to add something new to the mix, a Purple Cosmopolitan is certainly worth a go.

Ingredients

ml Parts

Ice Cubes

Ice Cubes
30 ml Absolut Vodka

1 Part Absolut Vodka
45 ml White Cranberry Juice

1 ½ Parts White Cranberry Juice
20 ml Violet Liqueur

⅔ Parts Violet Liqueur
8 ml Lime Juice

¼ Parts Lime Juice

Number of Servings

Rate this recipe

2.55 from 373 votes

How to Mix a Purple Cosmopolitan

Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
Add Absolut Vodka, white cranberry juice, lime juice and violet liqueur.
Shake to combine and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass – a coupe Martini glass works well.

Watch How to Mix a Purple Cosmopolitan

What is a Purple Cosmopolitan Cocktail?

A Purple Cosmo is a variation of the classic combo of vodka, cranberry juice and lime juice. It swaps out the red cranberry juice for white, and uses violet liqueur in place of triple sec, resulting in a uniquely colored cocktail suited to a range of occasions.

What Does a Purple Cosmo Taste Like?

A Purple Cosmopolitan has a unique flavor profile, with a sweet-tart edge. While a standard Cosmopolitan derives most of its character from the cranberry juice, white cranberries have a more delicate taste. So, although cranberry is present, it’s not the dominant flavor. The most prominent taste here is violet liqueur – not only does it transform the drink with its characteristic color, but it also provides a floral note and distinctive fragrance.

The History of the Purple Cosmopolitan

The Purple Cosmo is a twist on the classic Cosmopolitan. Like so many iconic cocktails, the Cosmopolitan’s exact origins are hazy, although one cocktail book from the 1920s mentions a drink named the Cosmopolitan. In this case, the recipe called for a rather interesting blend of whiskies, vermouths, punch and vodka – making it a far cry from the modern Cosmo we know!

There are also claims that the Cosmopolitan was invented in both the 80s in Miami and the 70s in Golden Valley, Minneapolis. Each of these combined elements of lemon with existing cranberry juice cocktails. Like many cocktails today, we may never truly know when the first one was made…

Tips for Making the Perfect Purple Cosmopolitan

A great Purple Cosmo is all about the quality of the ingredients and stylish serving. These tips will help you make the best Purple Cosmo:

Always use fresh lime juice rather than cordial – we’re positive you’ll notice the difference.
Try to find your favorite premium white cranberry juice. After all, it’s one of the main flavors in this cocktail.
Use plenty of ice in the cocktail shaker. When it comes to a purple vodka drink like this one, temperature is key!
Similarly, if you can chill your coupe glass for 30 minutes before pouring, the cocktail will stay cooler for longer.
Don’t be afraid to strain twice, just to be sure there’s no remaining ice or pulp.

Variations of a Purple Cosmopolitan

Looking for a twist on the Purple Cosmo? Try out these alternative touches.

If you like your cocktails on the drier side, use plain, unsweetened white cranberry juice. For that extra sweetness, mix with cranberry juice drink instead.
Don’t have any limes or lime juice? Lemons will work just fine and offer a slightly different citrus note.
For those that want to take their Purple Cosmo down a new route, try out a different flavored vodka. Something like Absolut Wild Berri could work well with the floral aroma of violet liqueur.

Interested in trying out some other variations on the Cosmo? Try our full list of Cosmopolitan variations.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Purple Cosmopolitan

With such a unique hue, how you present your Purple Cosmo can make those colors pop even more. Here are some ideas.

A few edible flowers – especially violets – floating on the top of this purple vodka cocktail can add an extra touch of elegance.
Some choice herbs can bring a fun flourish to proceedings. Purple basil should definitely be on your list, for obvious reasons!
A couple of well-chosen blueberries in the glass will be a certain colour match for a Purple Cosmo.
The flavors in this cocktail might not be best suited to a salt rim, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dial up the glam. Dip the upturned coupe glass in sugar crystals for a glittery finish to the serve.

Purple Cosmopolitan FAQs

What Gives a Purple Cosmo its Color?

A Purple Cosmopolitan turns its characteristic shade thanks to the addition of violet liqueur against the background of white cranberry juice. This also gives it a distinctive floral note.

Do I Have to Use White Cranberry Juice in a Purple Cosmopolitan?

If you don’t have white cranberry juice – or don’t want to use it – then there are a few alternatives. Regular red cranberry juice will give a similar result, while pomegranate juice has a dry fruity taste that cranberry lovers might also enjoy. The only thing you’ll have to sacrifice is that delicate purple hue.

Does a Purple Cosmo Have to be Served in a Coupe Glass?

For that classic elegant presentation, you can’t beat a coupe or Martini glass when serving a Purple Cosmopolitan. But, if you don’t have one to hand or would prefer to use something else, a rocks glass can also work. Whatever you serve it in, just make sure you can see that iconic violet color.