Purple Cosmopolitan
Average
Herb & Fruity
4 Minutes
Coupe Glass
Ingredients
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.
How To Make a purple cosmopolitan cocktail
Bar tools you’ll need
Jigger
Boston Shaker
Citrus Elbow
Hawthorne Strainer
Knife
How to Mix
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Fill a Boston Shaker with Ice Cubes.
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Use a Knife to cut a lime in half then use a Citrus Elbow to juice the Lime.
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Use a Jigger to measure and pour Lime Juice into the shaker.
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Measure and pour White Cranberry Juice into the shaker.
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Measure and pour in Violet Liqueur, followed by Absolut Vodka.
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Give everything a good shake until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker.
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Use a Hawthorne Strainer to strain the cocktail into a chilled Coupe Glass.
Watch how to make a Purple Cosmopolitan:
All about the Purple Cosmopolitan
A Purple Cosmo is a variation of a classic Cosmopolitan cocktail and features the same timeless combo of vodka, cranberry juice and lime juice. However, 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.
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.
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 that instance, 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…
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.
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? Check out our full list of Cosmopolitan variations.
The Purple Cosmo is known for its unique hue and offers loads of opportunity to 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 color match for a Purple Cosmo.
- Dial up the glam and dip your upturned coupe glass in sugar crystals for a glittery finish to the serve.
Purple Cosmo FAQ
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.
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.
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.
