The perfect cocktail to lend some sophistication to a special occasion, our Classic Cosmopolitan Cocktail recipe packs the perfect sour-sweet punch with a delicate crisp finish that will leave you wondering – why did the cosmo ever go out of fashion?

Cosmopolitan Drink Recipe

I can’t think of a cosmopolitan without thinking of Sex and the City. While the cosmo had been around for decades before SATC hit the air, those ladies made it the drink of choice for any woman wanting to enjoy a classy, sophisticated drink that actually tasted good.

And now that the ladies have returned to TV with And Just Like That, I think it’s time for the classic cosmo to make it’s own comeback!

A cosmopolitan cocktail is a vodka daisy – a cocktail made with fresh citrus juice and triple sec, so it’s similar to a margarita (tequila daisy) or a sidecar (cognac daisy). It is slightly sour and has that crispness from the tart cranberries, with just the right hint of sweetness to balance it all out.

A classic cosmopolitan is made with vodka, triple sec, fresh lime juice and cranberry juice. Some versions use citron vodka (and that is what the International Bartender’s Association guide says to use) however, if you don’t have lemon vodka you can use regular and add a splash of lemon juice.

This classic cosmopolitan drink is perfect for a girls’ night or for sipping on a special occasion like Valentine’s day, birthdays, etc – it would also be cute to offer at a gender reveal party alongside a Blue Hawaii cocktail.

Make it a mocktail: if you have guests that aren’t drinking and still want to include them in the cosmo-fun, swap out the vodka for lemonade and the triple sec for a splash of orange juice.

How to make the lime twist garnish: use a paring knife to cut a slice of lime, then take the knife and use it to cut the rind away from the flesh of the lime – trimming off as much of the pith as possible. You should have a circular strip of lime rind. (Alternatively, you can use a vegetable peeler to cut off a strip of the lime zest, but this can sometimes make the lime twist too delicate and it will break when twisted.)

Take the strip and wrap it around a chopstick or simply twist with your fingers (I find the chopstick method easier). Hold it in place for at least 10 seconds before using to garnish your drink.

I often order my liquor from Drizly because they have a quick delivery time (sometimes within 40 minutes) and no expensive mark-ups. Purchasing from them supports local retailers, too. You can order the citron vodka needed for this recipe here.

Cosmopolitan Cocktail Ingredients

• Vodka, Citron preferably
• Triple Sec
• Fresh Lime Juice
• Cranberry Juice
• Optional Garnish: Lime Twist or Wedge 

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.

Tip: if you want the flavor of citron vodka but only have plain on hand, add a splash of lemon juice to the cocktail.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Liquid Measure or Shot Glass
• Cocktail Shaker
• Paring Knife
• Martini Glasses

How to Make a Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Prepare the lime twist first, as you may need to place it in the freezer quickly to get the twist to set.

Cut a strip of lime rind, removing as much of the pith as possible, and twist around a chopstick. Hold in place for 10 seconds, then set aside as you prepare the cocktail.

Pour the vodka, triple sec, lime juice and cranberry juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 1 minute.

Strain the cocktail into a martini glass.

Garnish your martini glass with the prepared lime twist. Serve immediately.

Pin this Classic Cosmopolitan Cocktail for your next girls’ night:

Grab your free printable recipe card for our classic Cosmopolitan cocktail recipe:

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Yield: 1 Cocktail

Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Print

The cosmopolitan cocktail is a classic for a reason, from it's sophisticated presentation to it's lip-smacking sour-sweet contrast and crisp finish. It's the perfect elegant cocktail for a special occasion.

Prep Time 3 minutes

Total Time 3 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Vodka, Citron preferably
• 1 oz Triple Sec
• 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/2 oz Cranberry Juice
• Optional Garnish: Lime Twist or Wedge

Instructions

1. Prepare the lime twist first, as you may need to place it in the freezer quickly to get the twist to set.
2. Cut a strip of lime rind, removing as much of the pith as possible, and twist around a chopstick. Hold in place for 10 seconds, then set aside as you prepare the cocktail.
3. Pour the vodka, triple sec, lime juice and cranberry juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 1 minute.
4. Strain the cocktail into a martini glass.
5. Garnish your martini glass with the prepared lime twist. Serve immediately

Notes

How to make the lime twist garnish: use a paring knife to cut a slice of lime, then take the knife and use it to cut the rind away from the flesh of the lime - trimming off as much of the pith as possible. You should have a circular strip of lime rind. (Alternatively, you can use a vegetable peeler to cut off a strip of the lime zest, but this can sometimes make the lime twist too delicate and it will break when twisted.) 

Take the strip and wrap it around a chopstick or simply twist with your fingers (I find the chopstick method easier). Hold it in place for at least 10 seconds before using to garnish your drink.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Absolut Citron Vodka, 750 ml, 80 Proof
• 
  CUNTZ Cocktail Glass Lead-Free Goblet Transparent Personality Bar Martini Glass Cup 145ML
• 
  Omishome Complete Bartender Mixology Kit - Elegant Gold Finish Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker Set with Bamboo Stand and 6 BONUS Sturdy Stainless Steel Straws - A Superb Bartending Set

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 195Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 2gSugar: 10gProtein: 1g

Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.

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