Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe – Vodka, Cranberry, and Lime Elegance

Vibrant, tart, and effortlessly stylish, the Cosmopolitan is the quintessential cocktail of confidence and flair. While it rose to fame in the 1990s, the Cosmo’s balance of citrus vodka, Cointreau, lime, and cranberry juice gives it staying power far beyond a TV trend. In this post, we walk you through crafting the perfect Cosmopolitan—complete with tips on achieving that iconic pink hue, using fresh ingredients, and making it the star of your next cocktail hour. Whether you're toasting to friendship or just looking for a bold sip with a splash of sophistication, the Cosmo delivers every time.

5/8/20251 min read

Ingredients (1 serving):

1 ½ oz vodka (a citrus-flavored vodka works beautifully, but plain works too)
1 oz Cointreau (or triple sec)
¾ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened preferred)
Ice

Garnish:

Lime wheel or orange twist

🛠️ Equipment Needed:

Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring tool
Fine mesh strainer (optional)
Martini or coupe glass

🍹 How to Make a Cosmopolitan:

Chill your martini glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- 1 oz Cointreau
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz cranberry juice
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
Strain into the chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim or an elegant orange twist.

✨ Tips for the Perfect Cosmo:

Use fresh lime juice—it makes a huge difference.
A light touch of cranberry keeps the drink from becoming too sweet or dark. You're aiming for a pale pink color.
If using sweetened cranberry juice, reduce the amount slightly and balance with extra lime juice if needed.