Hey y’all, it’s Austin here from Beyond The Bayou Blog! Today we’re shaking things up with a classic – The Cosmopolitan Cocktail. Now, I know what you’re thinking “Austin, a cosmo? That’s so 90s!”
But hear me out. A few months back, I was craving one of these pretty pink drinks after re-watching an old episode. Unfortunately, the cosmo I ordered at a trendy bar totally missed the mark. It was like drinking tart cranberry juice with a hint of cheap vodka. A tragedy, really.
That’s when I decided to nail down my own perfectly balanced Cosmo recipe to restore this drink to its former glory. Believe me, this version captures that ideal combo of citrusy, cranberry zing with a smooth vodka kick. It’s dangerously refreshing and vintage-chic. Let’s get mixing!
Cosmo Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Strainer
- Chilled glass
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice or as needed
- 1 1.5 fluid ounce jigger vodka
- 1 ½ fluid ounces cranberry juice
- ½ fluid ounce orange-flavored liqueur such as Cointreau®
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 twist lime zest garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add 1.5 fluid ounces of vodka to the shaker.
- Pour in 1.5 fluid ounces of cranberry juice.
- Add 0.5 fluid ounces of orange-flavored liqueur (such as Cointreau).
- Squeeze in 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice.
- Cover and shake until the outside of the shaker frosts.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lime zest.
Nutrition
Let’s Explore Some Variations!
Now that you know the basic Cosmopolitan recipe, it is time to get creative with some fun variations. Here are a few twists to try:
- Peach Cosmo: Swap in peach vodka for a fruity, fresh take on the classic. This Peach Cosmo is deliciously fun!
- Carnival Cosmo: Add limoncello to the mix for a bright and unique twist. It’s a delightful and refreshing change.
- Mocktail Cosmo: For an alcohol-free option, use a non-alcoholic spirit like Seedlip. It provides the same botanical flavors as gin or vodka without the alcohol.
- Fruity Cosmo: Prefer a sweeter drink? Add a drizzle of raspberry or strawberry syrup for a deliciously fruity twist.
What to Serve with Cosmo?
