Cosmopolitan Recipe: How to Make a Cosmo
A Cosmopolitan, or Cosmo, combines vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry and lime. Our house recipe uses 50 ml vodka, 30 ml cranberry juice, 20 ml Cointreau and 20 ml fresh lime juice. Shake with ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Ingredients for one Cosmopolitan
- 50 ml citrus vodka, or plain vodka
- 30 ml cranberry juice drink
- 20 ml Cointreau or another triple sec orange liqueur
- 20 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice for shaking
- A strip of orange peel or a lime wedge to garnish
How to make a Cosmo
- Chill a coupe or martini glass.
- Measure the vodka, cranberry, orange liqueur and lime into a shaker.
- Add ice and shake until well chilled.
- Strain into the empty chilled glass, leaving the ice in the shaker. Add the garnish.
These are Cocktailored's house proportions. Other versions differ; compare the IBA Cosmopolitan recipe if you want another starting point.
Cosmopolitan questions
Which cranberry juice should I use?
Use a cranberry juice drink as the starting point and check its label. Unsweetened pure cranberry juice is much more tart, so an equal-volume swap changes the balance. Our Cosmopolitan taste guide explains how to adjust sweetness and acidity.
Can lime cordial replace triple sec?
No. Triple sec is orange liqueur; lime cordial is a sweetened lime mixer. They perform different roles. This recipe uses both orange liqueur and fresh lime juice.
A familiar pink cocktail
The Cosmo is often associated with Sex and the City, but you do not need a television occasion to make one. For serving options, see our cocktail glass guide.
Explore cocktail-inspired clothing and accessories in the Cosmopolitan collection.
