Best Cosmopolitan Recipes

The Cosmopolitan has become a very popular cocktail due to a certain HBO show, what are the best cosmopolitan recipes for us to sample?

Let’s take a look and find out which are the best. It’s difficult to tell you when the Cosmopolitan was invented, even Wikipedia isn’t certain! Though we all know it became popular in the ’90s through that HBO show (I’m guessing you realise I’m talking about ‘Sex in the City’?)

#1. Classic Cosmopolitan

Here’s the classic recipe from TheSpruce.com:

1 1/2 ounces vodka or citrus vodka
1 ounce Cointreau orange liqueur
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1/4 ounce cranberry juice
Orange peel for garnish

Shake the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with an orange peel.

Tip: No matter which Cosmopolitan you choose to mix up, this is the time to break out the good vodka.

#2. Sweeter Cosmopolitan

Or this one adds simple syrup, if you want a sweeter cocktail.

RECIPE:

1.5 oz Citrus Vodka; .75 oz Cointreau; .75 oz lime juice; .75 oz cranberry juice; .25 oz simple syrup.

Shake and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

#3. Varieties on a Cosmopolitan

Due to the Cosmopolitan becoming so popular in the ’90s, this adult beverage also gave rise to some interesting variations. There were many bartenders out there who added their own twist to the Cosmo.

Here’s a couple of other recipes you might want to experiment with:

Cosmobellini

1.5 oz citrus vodka

1 oz Cointreau orange liqueur

0.5 oz fresh lime juice

Splash cranberry juice

0.5 oz white peach puree

Prosecco sparkling wine

Save the Prosecco until the you’ve shaken all the other ingredients and add it at the end. This one resembles a hybrid between a Cosmo and a Bellini!

Cosmocello

1.5 oz citrus-flavored vodka

1 oz Cointreau

0.5 oz limoncello

Splash cranberry juice

Lemon twist for garnish

The original lime juice is substituted for limoncello.

Strawberry or Raspberry Cosmo

1.5 oz citrus vodka

3-4 fresh strawberries or raspberries (plus 2-3 for garnish)

1 oz Cointreau

0.5 oz fresh lime juice

In both of these, you’ve guessed it, the cranberry juice is substituted for either fresh strawberries or raspberries, whichever you prefer.

If you decide the Cosmopolitan isn’t for you, check out our other vodka-based cocktails ideas at your local or home cocktail bar.

Lewis Gordon

Lewis Gordon is a successful businessman living in Boston, Massachusetts. When he’s not working, he enjoys travelling – especially tasting other cuisines, scuba diving, watching and playing soccer. Lewis also has a love of dogs and is the proud owner of an English Setter.

Best Cosmopolitan Recipes