The Perfect Cosmopolitan co*cktail - Learn How To Make This Classic co*cktail (2024)

Cosmopolitan is a popular blush-pink co*cktail with a light, crisp flavor of sweet and tart notes from cranberry juice and fresh lime juice. It’s a simple combination of vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice, and cranberry juice that became an cultural sensation. You can find it at every bar and restaurant across the country but more importantly, you can make it at home in just a few minutes.

WHAT IS COSMOPOLITAN co*ckTAIL?

True to its name, no other co*cktail bares a more debated and sorted history than this one. Credit goes out to so many people with creation of this co*cktail, from San Francisco to Manhattan.

This co*cktail became nationally known after the debut on the popular HBO show Sex and the City. It was the co*cktail of choice for the main character, Carrie Bradshaw. Just as Carrie became the cultural icon, so did her co*cktail (and her fashion.) Although, this co*cktail saw many celebrities and was already popular even before its on-screen appearance.

Roots of Cosmopolitan go back to some old classics like The Gimlet or Kamikaze co*cktails but the most known one is the co*cktail created in San Francisco. It was a bright pink martini style co*cktail that, to be honest, sounds absolutely disgusting. (It had well vodka, Rose’s lime juice, and grenadine). When requests for this co*cktail appeared in Manhattan, this is where another credit for Cosmopolitan inventions come in.

A bartender named Tobey Cecchini at the The Odeon in New York got a request for this hot pink mess of a co*cktail. He reworked it to the modern classic that we know today. This co*cktail became so popular among the staff and the regulars (who happened to be well known celebrities) that it spread like wild fire.

It’s no wonder that this simple four ingredients can make a co*cktail that has a perfect balance between sweet and tart flavors. Cosmopolitan is not super sweet or overwhelming, does not taste strong, and wonderfully refreshing so you can sip on it all night.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED?

Vodka – I prefer to use the classic vodka and make sure to get the brand that you like to drink. Well vodka taste will come through in this co*cktail, so try not to use it. In the Manhattan original recipe, he used a citron vodka and you can try it as an alternate.

Orange liqueur – Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Triple Sec will work well here. Cointreau and Grand Marnier are considered top shelf and will cost more, while Triple Sec is your cheaper option.

Cranberry Juice – 100% cranberry juice is the best choice. Don’t get any mixed flavors or cranberry co*cktail juices, just simple cranberry juice.

Lime juice – fresh squeezed lime juice is the way to go.

HOW TO MAKE IT

Chill the glass – it’s best to serve martinis ice cold so you will want to chill the glass first. Add a few ice cubes to each martini glass and then fill them with cold water. Let the glasses chill while you prepare the co*cktail.

Mix ingredients – add some ice cubes into the co*cktail shaker and pour in vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice, and cranberry juice. Close the shaker well and shake vigorously for a few seconds.

Pour co*cktails – discard iced water from the martini glasses and pour the co*cktail in through the strainer.

Lime twist – to get the zest, peel off the outer green skin of the lime and try not to get any of the white part. White part of the rind tastes bitter so you don’t want to add that to your co*cktail. Twist and squeeze the green peel over the co*cktail. You will see some juice spritz out and oils surface. Rub the twisted lime peel over the rim of the martini glass and toss it into the co*cktail.

LET’S TRY SOME MORE CLASSIC co*ckTAILS

Mojito

Lemon Drop Martini

Margaritas

Whiskey Sour

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Originally published on Will Cook For Smiles on June 19, 2012. Updated on July 22, 2020.