The Cosmopolitan, also known as a Cosmo, is a cocktail made with vodka, orange-flavored liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime juice. It gained popularity after Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda were seen drinking it on “Sex and the City,” but it has actually been around for much longer.
What’s in a Cosmopolitan?
Vodka
When choosing vodka for a Cosmopolitan, it’s not necessary to go super high-end, but I’d avoid budget vodkas. A good, mid-range vodka will suffice.
Triple Sec
Triple Sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that originated in France. It can range in price from very cheap to very expensive, and while I don’t think Grand Marnier is necessary, I would suggest something like Cointreau.
Cranberry Juice Cocktail
It is important to use cranberry juice cocktail in this drink. 100% cranberry juice is not a good option. It will completely change the flavor, and not in a good way.
Lime Juice
Steer clear of the juice in a bottle. Always use fresh lime juice! You don’t need an electric juicer (although, I will admit I have one and love it), a simple reamer will do just fine.
Shaken or Stirred?
Cosmopolitans are shaken with ice and served in a martini glass with a lime slice or twist as garnish. The stemmed Martini glass is classic, but you could opt for the stemless one.
Cosmopolitan
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce cranberry juice cocktail (100% cranberry juice does not work well with this drink. You must use cranberry juice cocktail)
- 1/2 ounce Triple Sec I recommend Cointreau
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake 20- 30 times or until the cocktail shaker is very cold.
- Stain into a martini glass and garnish with a slice or twist of lime.
