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This Cosmopolitan cocktail, or “Cosmo”, is light pink and not overly sweet. If it’s too red, it might taste like fruit punch, which isn’t the right flavor for a Cosmo. This recipe is quick, easy, and super delicious.
Table of Contents
Espresso martinis and cosmos are my favorite cocktails! When I go to a nice restaurant, I usually order a cosmo with dinner and an espresso martini for dessert.
I think the key to a perfect martini is that it shouldn’t be too sweet, it should be slightly strong with just the right touch of sweetness.
INGREDIENT NOTES
See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and complete instructions.
- Vodka – Tito’s Vodka or Absolut Citron are my go to vodkas for a cosmo! But feel free to use any plain vodka.
- Lime Juice – Lemon juice can also be used. Just make sure they’re nice and ripe.
- Cointreau – I highly recommend using Cointreau, but you may also use triple sec instead.
- Cranberry Juice – A tiny splash goes a long way! Make sure not to add too much otherwise, your cosmo will turn out too red and sweet. Make sure to use original cranberry juice.
- Simple Syrup – A must!
TOP TIPS FOR THE PERFECT COSMO
- Freeze your martini glasses beforehand so your cosmo stays chilled for a while.
- When making a martini, shaking the shaker hard is important. It helps mix the alcohol properly while also making the drink nice and cold, so be sure to shake it well!
- I love a really cold martini, but I don’t like ice chips in it. Be sure to strain the drink before pouring it into the martini glass.
- If your martini is too sweet from too much simple syrup or cranberry juice, just pour it back into the shaker, add more vodka, shake it up, and pour it back into the glass. The extra vodka will help balance out the sweetness.
- Cocktail shakers are great, but if you don’t have one on hand, no problem. You could mix this in a large glass with a spoon and ice, it might not get as cold as fast, but it will get there, then pour into your cocktail glass leaving the ice out. You could also increase the recipe and make in a jug if you have guests.
- If you want a restaurant-quality Cosmopolitan, I highly recommend adding a little simple syrup. You can use store-bought or homemade. To make it at home, just mix equal parts sugar and water, boil until the sugar dissolves, and let it cool completely.
WHAT DINNER RECIPES GO WELL WITH A COSMOPOLITAN?
A small appetizer like a shrimp cocktail pairs really well with a Cosmopolitan, but a nice steak also tastes great with it.
Tried this cosmopolitan recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Also, please consider following me on Facebook or Pinterest!
Cosmopolitan Drink Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Vodka , Plain or Citrus
- ½ ounce Cointreau
- ½ ounce Cranberry Juice , Original
- ½ ounce Lime Juice or Lemon Juice
- 2 teaspoons Simple Syrup, or to taste
- Ice
- Orange or Lemon Twist , optional
Instructions
- Into a cocktail shaker, add in the vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, simple syrup, cranberry juice, and ice. Seal the lid on tight and shake for about 30 seconds. Strain into a martini glass or coupe. Add your garnish and enjoy!
Notes
- If your martini is too sweet from too much simple syrup or cranberry juice, just pour it back into the shaker, add more vodka, shake it up, and pour it back into the glass. The extra vodka will help balance out the sweetness.
- Cocktail shakers are great, but if you don’t have one on hand no problem. You could mix this in a large glass with a spoon and ice, it might not get as cold as fast, but it will get there, then pour into your cocktail glass leaving the ice out. You could also increase the recipe and make in a jug if you have guests.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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