Cosmopolitan recipe
The pink drink that conquered the 90s — and it's actually delicious.
Method: Shake ·
Glass: Coupe glass (chilled) ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Sidecar Family
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Citrus Vodka (Absolut Citron or Ketel One Citroen)
- 0.75 oz Cointreau
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Cranberry Juice (100% cranberry, not cocktail)
How to make a Cosmopolitan
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
- Shake for 10-12 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe.
- Flame an orange peel over the surface — hold a lit match between the peel and the drink, squeeze the peel to spray the oils through the flame.
Garnish
Flamed orange peel.
Pro tip
Use real cranberry juice (100% juice, not Ocean Spray cocktail). The real stuff is tart and concentrated — you only need a splash. The flamed orange peel isn't just for show; it caramelizes the citrus oils and adds a subtle smoky note.
History of the Cosmopolitan
Popularized by bartender Toby Cecchini at The Odeon in New York in 1988, though Cheryl Cook in South Beach claims the original version. It became a cultural phenomenon through 'Sex and the City' in the late 1990s. After years of being dismissed as a 'girly drink,' it's now recognized as a legitimately well-balanced cocktail.
Flavour profile
Tart, Citrus, Berry, Clean
Variations
- White Cosmopolitan — Use white cranberry juice and elderflower liqueur
- Mezcal Cosmo — Replace vodka with mezcal for a smoky version
Practise making the Cosmopolitan in the free Virtual Bar game.