Cosmo Recipe (How to Make a Cosmopolitan) - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Cosmo Recipe (How to Make a Cosmopolitan) - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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This Cosmo Recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and tart. Learn how to make a Cosmopolitan for yourself or for a whole party! This classic co*cktail is one of my absolute favorites!

Cosmo Recipe (How to Make a Cosmopolitan) - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

What’s in this Cosmopolitan Recipe?

This Cosmo recipe has just the right balance of sweet, sour, and tart ingredients. You can make a whole pitcher, set it in the refrigerator until party time, and then shake and serve each one individually! So much easier than making one drink at a time while the party is already underway.

  • Citrus Vodka: Infuses the co*cktail with a bright citrus flavor.
  • Cointreau: Adds a sweet and slightly bitter orange flavor.
  • Cranberry Juice: Gives this co*cktail its signature tart flavor and pinkish-red hue. I prefer to use 100% cranberry juice, but you can use cranberry juice co*cktail for a sweeter flavor.
  • Lime Juice: Adds a tangy and slightly sour note.

Pro Tip: Garnish with a flamed orange peel for the perfect presentation!

Variations on a Cosmopolitan co*cktail

There are a number of well-known variations on this classic co*cktail. Make the classic recipe, then give some of these twists a try:

  • White Cosmo: Swap out the cranberry juice for white cranberry juice.
  • Cosmobellini: Add some prosecco for a bubbly take!
  • Cosmocello: Swap out the lime juice for limoncello.
  • French Cosmopolitan: Swap out the Cointreau for Grand Marnier and add a dash of grenadine.
Cosmo Recipe (How to Make a Cosmopolitan) - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

Cosmo Recipe (How to Make a Cosmopolitan) - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

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    • Make sure you shake and serve each drink individually, even if you make it in a pitcher beforehand. That is an important step to a good Cosmo.
    • Serving in a chilled glass makes all the difference.
    • If you really want to perfect it, make sure you try making the Flamed Orange Peel (click to watch video)!
      • For every serving, cut a 1×2-inch slice of peel off an orange (try to get just a small amount of orange pith on the slice). Hold a lit match under the peel (with the orange side of the peel directly over the co*cktail) and squeeze the peel until a small amount of orange oil is released. The oil will flame very quickly and then die down. Drop the orange peel in the cosmopolitan and serve immediately. Enjoy!

    Nutrition Information

    Serving: 1drink Calories: 195kcal (10%) Carbohydrates: 13g (4%) Protein: 0.2g Fat: 0.1g Saturated Fat: 0.03g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g Sodium: 3mg Potassium: 37mg (1%) Fiber: 0.1g Sugar: 12g (13%) Vitamin A: 15IU Vitamin C: 5mg (6%) Calcium: 3mg Iron: 0.1mg (1%)

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    More Classic co*cktail Recipes We Love

    • Tequila Sunrise
    • Hot Toddy
    • Pina Colada
    • Hurricane
    • Aperol Spritz
    • Red Sangria
    • Whiskey Sour
    • Bloody Mary
    • Margarita
    • Mojito
    • Sex on the Beach

    What’s in a Cosmo?

    This classic co*cktail consists of citrus vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Simple and delicious!

    Why is it called a Cosmo?

    While the origin of the co*cktail is widely disputed, allegedly, the first person to taste it exclaimed “How cosmopolitan!”

    What vodka is best for a Cosmo?

    The classic choice is a citrus vodka, but plain vodka will also work.

    Is triple sec the same as Cointreau?

    Cointreau is a type of triple sec. Triple sec refers to a category of dry orange liqueurs. Other common brands include Grand Marnier and Curacao.

    How much alcohol is in a Cosmo?

    That depends on the type of vodka you use. If you choose a standard 40% alcohol vodka, this co*cktail comes out to about 22% ABV. A stronger or weaker vodka will lead to a different ABV.

    Is there a lot of sugar in a Cosmo?

    There are 12 grams of sugar in each drink.

    Cosmo Recipe (How to Make a Cosmopolitan) - The Cookie Rookie® (7)

    How to Store

    If making a pitcher of cosmos, mix the ingredients together and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake individual servings in a co*cktail shaker with ice to refresh.

    Serving Suggestions

    These refreshing cosmos pair perfectly with finger foods like antipasto skewers, shrimp ceviche, goat cheese bruschetta, avocado egg rolls, bacon wrapped dates, or jalapeno poppers.

    For an entrée, choose light and refreshing orange glazed salmon or cilantro lime shrimp scampi.

    Cosmo Recipe (How to Make a Cosmopolitan) - The Cookie Rookie® (8)

    5-Star Review

    “This is my go to recipe whenever making Cosmos for a crowd! Just made this for a party tomorrow Everyone always loves it Thanks for a great recipe!” – Laura

    Recipe

    Cosmo Recipe (for One or for a Crowd)

    4.60 from 97 votes

    Author: Becky Hardin

    Prep: 5 minutes minutes

    Total: 5 minutes minutes

    Cosmo Recipe (How to Make a Cosmopolitan) - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

    Serves6 drinks

    Print Rate

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    This Cosmo recipe takes the classic co*cktail and makes it easy to serve at parties. Learn how to make a Cosmopolitan for one, or for a crowd!

    Cosmo Recipe (How to Make a Cosmopolitan) - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

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    Ingredients

    For an Individual Drink

    • 1 ounce citrus vodka
    • ¾ ounce Cointreau
    • ½ ounce 100% cranberry juice
    • ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
    • 1 orange zest twist or orange wheel, for garnish

    For a Pitcher (6 Servings)

    • 1 cup citrus vodka
    • ¾ cup Cointreau
    • ½ cup 100% cranberry juice
    • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
    • 6 Orange zest twists 1 per co*cktail (see note)

    Instructions

    For Individual Servings

    • Add all the ingredients except orange peel to a shaker and fill with ice.

      1 ounce citrus vodka, ¾ ounce Cointreau, ½ ounce 100% cranberry juice, ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

    • Shake, and strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

    • Garnish with a flamed orange peel or orange wheel. (see note)

      1 orange zest twist

    For a Crowd (6 servings)

    • Stir all ingredients except orange peel into a large pitcher.

      1 cup citrus vodka, ¾ cup Cointreau, ½ cup 100% cranberry juice, ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

    • When ready to serve, add ice to a co*cktail shaker and shake each serving before pouring into a martini glass.

    • Garnish with a flaming orange wedge. (see note)

      6 Orange zest twists

    Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

    Becky’s tips

      • Make sure you shake and serve each drink individually, even if you make it in a pitcher beforehand. That is an important step to a good Cosmo.
      • Serving in a chilled glass makes all the difference.
      • If you really want to perfect it, make sure you try making the Flamed Orange Peel (click to watch video)!
        • For every serving, cut a 1×2-inch slice of peel off an orange (try to get just a small amount of orange pith on the slice). Hold a lit match under the peel (with the orange side of the peel directly over the co*cktail) and squeeze the peel until a small amount of orange oil is released. The oil will flame very quickly and then die down. Drop the orange peel in the cosmopolitan and serve immediately. Enjoy!

      Nutrition Information

      Serving: 1drink Calories: 195kcal (10%) Carbohydrates: 13g (4%) Protein: 0.2g Fat: 0.1g Saturated Fat: 0.03g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g Sodium: 3mg Potassium: 37mg (1%) Fiber: 0.1g Sugar: 12g (13%) Vitamin A: 15IU Vitamin C: 5mg (6%) Calcium: 3mg Iron: 0.1mg (1%)

      Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

      Cosmo Recipe (How to Make a Cosmopolitan) - The Cookie Rookie® (11)

      Cosmo Recipe (How to Make a Cosmopolitan) - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

      Upload A PhotoTag on
      Insta
      Leave A Rating

      More Classic co*cktail Recipes We Love

      • Tequila Sunrise
      • Hot Toddy
      • Pina Colada
      • Hurricane
      • Aperol Spritz
      • Red Sangria
      • Whiskey Sour
      • Bloody Mary
      • Margarita
      • Mojito
      • Sex on the Beach

      Cosmo Recipe (How to Make a Cosmopolitan) - The Cookie Rookie® (13)

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      FAQs

      How to make a New York Cosmo? ›

      Combine the vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice with ice in a co*cktail shaker. Shake to combine and chill. Pour into 2 glasses filled with ice, and garnish each with 1 twist of lime. Serve immediately.

      What do you mix with Mr consistent Cosmo? ›

      The Cosmo was made famous by a movie, but perfected by Me, Mr. Consistent. This mix is everything a Cosmo should be - the perfect blend of sweet, tart and sour. Simply shake My Cosmo Mixer with vodka or gin for the perfect Cosmo in 30 seconds.

      What is the difference between a Cosmo and a Cosmo martini? ›

      The Martini has a strong, distinct flavour that is dominated by the botanical notes of the gin. The vermouth adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the drink. In contrast, the Cosmopolitan has a much lighter, sweeter flavour that is dominated by the fruit juices and triple sec.

      What is a Cosmopolitan made of? ›

      vodka, 1 oz. cranberry juice co*cktail, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, and ¾ oz. triple sec in a co*cktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is very cold, about 20 seconds.

      What is a true Cosmopolitan? ›

      Ingredients. 1 ½ ounce vodka. ¾ ounce fresh lime juice. ½ ounce triple sec. ½ ounce cranberry juice.

      What vodka is best for Cosmo? ›

      What Is the Best Vodka for a Cosmo? While purists will insist on a lemon-accented citron vodka such as Absolut Citron (and I recommend as much), there are more than a few ways to approach the cosmopolitan. The citrus accents to the vodka are somewhat key, however, unless you want to add lemon juice on your own.

      What alcohol goes in a cosmo? ›

      Here's what's in a classic Cosmopolitan co*cktail: Vodka – Despite the drink's history, I make mine with regular, not flavored, vodka. Cointreau or triple sec – The sweet orange liqueur adds citrusy depth to the drink. Cranberry juice – For tart flavor and pretty pink color.

      How much alcohol is in a Cosmo? ›

      27% ABV | 54 PROOF

      Made with Vodka, 100% real cranberry juice, 100% real lime juice, and orange curacao; the Cosmopolitan is a modern classic in its own right.

      What to pair with a cosmo? ›

      What to serve with Cosmos. I think Cosmos are the sort of co*cktail that are ideal to serve with finger food. Try Crostinis with your choice of toppings, Mini Quiche or Smoked Salmon Appetizer Bites, or have a browse through all my Party Foods.

      Do you stir or shake a cosmo? ›

      A common rule of thumb is to shake if there's citrus, stir if there's not. If the co*cktail ingredients are mostly, or entirely, spirits (such as in a Manhattan, Martini or Negroni), you should stir. If a co*cktail includes juice (such as in a Margarita, Daiquiri or Cosmo), you should shake.

      What is in a skinny girl Cosmo? ›

      And because we use white cranberries and premium vodka, you don't have to worry about spills and stains due to that oh-so-functional martini glass. So pour yourself a glass, garnish with a few cranberries on a toothpick, and enjoy a Skinnygirl® Cosmo without worrying about spills – or calories.

      What is a substitute for triple sec in Cosmo? ›

      Easy triple sec substitutions to try
      • Grand Marnier. Grand Marnier is our top triple sec substitution. ...
      • Cointreau. Cointreau liqueur also makes a great substitute for triple sec. ...
      • Curaçao. ...
      • Combier Liqueur d'Orange. ...
      • Maraschino Liqueur. ...
      • Orange extract. ...
      • Grenadine. ...
      • St-Germain.
      May 11, 2023

      Which is better in a Cosmo triple sec or Cointreau? ›

      The ever-popular Cosmopolitan co*cktail is a delicious and relatively easy co*cktail to make at home. It's usually made with Cointreau or generic triple sec (we definitely recommend Cointreau, if we're being honest).

      How much does it cost to build the Cosmopolitan? ›

      At a final cost of $3.9 billion, it was the most expensive Las Vegas resort built up to that point.

      What's the difference between a margarita and a Cosmopolitan? ›

      The cosmopolitan is a vodka daisy, which is a sour made with fresh citrus and a liqueur like curacao. Where its siblings, the margarita and the sidecar, play it fairly straight, the cosmopolitan's nod to the cranberries of Cape Cod makes it an almost singular pleasure.

      What is the best vodka for a Cosmo? ›

      16 Best Vodkas For A Cosmopolitan
      • Tito's Handmade Vodka. Miro Vrlik Photography/Shutterstock. ...
      • Nikka Coffey Vodka. barinart/Shutterstock. ...
      • Clear Creek Vodka. Instagram/Clear Creek Distillery. ...
      • Air Vodka. Instagram/Air Company. ...
      • Hangar 1 Straight Vodka. The Image Party/Shutterstock. ...
      • Absolut Elyx. ...
      • Grey Goose Vodka. ...
      • Ketel One Vodka.
      Aug 26, 2022

      What's the main alcohol in a Cosmopolitan? ›

      Cosmopolitan co*cktails are a classic, elegant vodka co*cktail made famous by the ladies of Sex and the City! Not to sweet, not too tart, super quick to make made with cranberry juice, lime juice, vodka and cointreau. Serve this for elegant pre dinner drinks, to ring in the New Year or an evening in with the girls!

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