Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Updated May 21, 2023

Written by Alison

Cosmopolitan is a popular cocktail that is composed of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime juice. Whether you are hosting a party or enjoying a night out, this drink is sure to please.

If you love this drink, try my Mexican Sunset or Adios Pink Lemonade cocktails!

History of the Cosmo

In 1978, Toby Cecchini created the modern version of the Cosmopolitan at New York City’s Odeon restaurant. His recipe called for vodka, lime juice, cranberry juice, and Cointreau or triple sec. This new take on the cocktail quickly caught on, and by the mid-1980s, the Cosmopolitan was being served at bars and clubs all over New York City.

The Cosmopolitan gained even more popularity in the 1990s thanks to its starring role in an episode of HBO’s Sex and the City.

Tips for Making a Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Cosmopolitan cocktails are a popular choice for a night out with friends. They’re easy to make and can be adjusted to your own taste. Here are some tips for making a cosmopolitan cocktail.

Choose a citrus-flavored spirit. Gin or vodka work well in cosmopolitan cocktails.
Add Triple Sec or other orange-flavored liqueur to the drink.
Use lots of ice and make sure it’s cold before you add the alcohol. This will chill the drink and help it blend better with other ingredients.
Use fresh lime juice.
Make sure cranberry juice is sweetened. Unsweetened would make this drink too tart.

What You’ll Need

Vodka – use your favorite brand of vodka. Lemon flavored will give it a more citrus taste.
Orange Liquor – Triple Sec is most common to use.
Lime Juice – fresh is best.
Cranberry Juice – use sweetened for the best taste.
Ice Cubes – the colder the drink the better tasting.
Lime Slices – to garnish.

Tools Needed for this Recipe

Cocktail Shaker – This is what you will use to mix all the ingredients and keep the drink chilled. A good cocktail shaker will have a tight seal and be made of stainless steel.

Jigger – A jigger is a bartending tool used to measure liquor, and is essential for making cocktails. To make sure your Cosmopolitan is properly mixed, be sure to use a jigger to measure each ingredient.

Citrus Squeezer – This tool is essential for getting the perfect amount of fresh lime juice for your drink. A good citrus squeezer will have a sturdy handle and a wide opening to accommodate different sizes of limes. Look for one that is easy to clean so you can enjoy your cosmopolitan again and again.

Martini Glass – This iconic glass is essential to the cosmopolitan’s chic presentation. Without it, your cosmopolitan just wouldn’t be the same.

There are several different types of martini glasses such as the classic, stemless or coupe. No matter which type of martini glass you choose, your drink will look as good as it tastes!

How to Make a Cosmopolitan

Add ice cubes into a cocktail shaker.
Measure out and pour in the vodka and orange liquor.
Squeeze in the fresh lime juice. Top off with cranberry juice.
Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds or until well-chilled.
Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a lime slice.