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A Cosmopolitan Cocktail is a simple four-ingredient vodka drink that is so easy to make at home. It’s my absolute favorite drink and it’s so easy to make it at home – save your money and host happy hour with a bunch of these martinis!
Best Cosmopolitan Drink
A classic cosmo cocktail is my absolute favorite martini recipe and I never realized how easy they are to make at home. This drink became all the rage in the 1990s – that’s when I discovered how much I like it.
I love going out for a drink, but sometimes drink prices – especially for cocktails – are so expensive…plus I like being in my pajamas. So, I say let’s have an at-home happy hour, shall we? And I have the perfect drink for you to try: a classic cosmopolitan! You just need fresh lime juice, vodka, cranberry juice, and triple sec.
I’ve been making this cocktail for years – I first fell in love with it the night I got engaged – and have been loving them ever since.
Cosmopolitan Cocktail Ingredients
You only need four ingredients to make it. It’s sweet, tart and pink – perfect for a girl’s night happy hour, but the fellas love them, too (my husband included).
- Vodka – pick your favorite brand! I love Tito’s but I know Absolut Citron Vodka is good too, it adds more citrus flavor. Just use a top shelf vodka so you enjoy the drink more.
- Triple sec – also called orange liqueur or cointreau, this adds a pop of orange flavor
- Cranberry juice – Use unsweetened cranberry juice to give the drink it’s signature pink color and adds tartness, but you can also use sweetened if you like a sweeter drink.
- Lime juice – adds a fresh splash of citrus, plus a slice of lime for garnish.
- Simple Syrup – I do not add simple syrup to my drink becuse I find the triple sec adds enough sugar. But if you want a sweeter drink add some to taste.
How to Make a Cosmo Martini
- Add all ingredients to a shaker full of ice, secure the cap and shake it for at least 10 seconds. I took a mixology class once and the bartender told us the secret to a good martini is how long you shake it!
- Open it up strain the drink into the glass. Add a slice of lime for garnish!
Tip From Dorothy
Expert Tips
- You will also need a martini glass and a cocktail shaker. Use a chilled cocktail glass for an even icier cocktail!
- The shaker makes a big difference in preparing the drink. It’s an easy way to mix the ingredients, but it also quickly chills the drink with ice. That way, you don’t have to add ice to the actual drink which can dilute it.
- Some restaurants will serve this drink with an orange twist or orange peel, but I prefer a lime garnish.
- Don’t like vodka? Substitute gin!
FAQs
I think this is the perfect cosmopolitan recipe, but feel free to play around with it and adjust to your liking! You can add or reduce the vodka to adjust the strength.
This is the perfect balance of sweet and tart for my taste but if you want a sweeter drink you can add some simple syrup or more juice or triple sec. For a stronger or less sweet drink, reduce the triple sec.
Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- ½ ounce lime juice
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for at least 10 seconds.
- Strain into martini glass. Garnish with a slice of lime.
Recipe Notes
Recipe Nutrition
Favorite Martini Recipes
Last Updated on December 26, 2023
I infused my vodka with cranberries and made the cosmos it was delish!!
This recipe came in my email just about cocktail hour! Yippee ! I checked my pantry and I had all the ingredients. It is super yummy! It’s a keeper !!
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