Cosmopolitan
A vibrant vodka classic combining cranberry, orange liqueur and lime. Bright, citrusy and lightly tart, with a clean, refreshing finish.
Cosmopolitan Recipe
- Vodka 40 ml
- Orange liqueur 15 ml
- Cranberry juice 30 ml
- Lime juice 15 ml
- Fresh orange 1 twist, optional
- Ice 150 g
Make it properly
- Add vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice and lime juice to a shaker.
- Add plenty of ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD COSMOPOLITAN?
A good Cosmopolitan is bright, crisp and well balanced. Vodka provides a clean base, orange liqueur adds citrus sweetness and depth, cranberry brings tart fruit character and lime provides fresh acidity.
Shaking hard with plenty of ice properly chills and dilutes the drink while bringing the flavours together. The finished cocktail should be vibrant and refreshing rather than overly sweet, with a fresh orange twist adding a final burst of citrus aroma.
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COSMOPOLITAN: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a classic Cosmopolitan, from choosing the right vodka and orange liqueur to balancing cranberry, lime and citrus sweetness for a bright, refreshing cocktail.
THE STORY OF THE COSMOPOLITAN
The Cosmopolitan became one of the defining modern cocktails of the late 20th century. Its exact origins are debated, but the drink became particularly popular during the 1980s and 1990s before gaining worldwide recognition.
Built around vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry and lime, the Cosmopolitan combines the structure of a classic sour with a distinctive tart fruit character and vibrant pink colour.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A COSMOPOLITAN
A clean vodka provides the foundation without overpowering the citrus and cranberry. Drinkero recommends Absolut Vodka for its smooth, versatile character.
For the orange liqueur, Cointreau brings bright orange character and a relatively dry finish that works particularly well alongside cranberry and lime.
Cranberry juice provides the cocktail's distinctive colour and tart fruit character, while lime adds the fresh acidity needed to keep the drink crisp and balanced.
HOW TO MAKE A BALANCED COSMOPOLITAN
Add the vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice and lime juice to a shaker with plenty of ice. Shake firmly until thoroughly chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe glass.
The key is balance. Too much cranberry can dominate the drink, while too much sweetness can hide its fresh citrus character. The finished Cosmopolitan should be cold, bright and lightly tart, with the vodka and orange liqueur still clearly present.
Finish with an orange twist for a fresh citrus aroma.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COSMOPOLITAN
What is a Cosmopolitan made from?
A Cosmopolitan combines vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice and lime juice. Drinkero's recipe uses 40 ml vodka, 15 ml orange liqueur, 30 ml cranberry juice and 15 ml lime juice.
What vodka is best for a Cosmopolitan?
A clean, versatile vodka works particularly well because it allows the cranberry, lime and orange flavours to remain prominent. Drinkero recommends Absolut Vodka.
What orange liqueur should I use?
Drinkero recommends Cointreau. Its bright orange character and relatively dry finish complement cranberry and lime without making the Cosmopolitan overly sweet.
What cranberry juice should I use?
Choose a good-quality cranberry juice with a clear tart fruit character. Avoid an excessively sweet product, as the Cosmopolitan should remain crisp and refreshing.
Does a Cosmopolitan need a garnish?
An orange twist is recommended. Expressing the peel over the cocktail releases citrus oils that complement the orange liqueur and cranberry.
How do I make Cosmopolitans for a group?
Choose 6, 12, 24 or 48 Cosmopolitans in the Drinkero Cocktail Kit Builder. Drinkero calculates the vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, lime juice and other quantities you need.
Is the Cosmopolitan an official IBA cocktail?
Yes. The Cosmopolitan is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktail list as a Contemporary Classic. See the IBA’s official Cosmopolitan recipe for the classic specification.