Cosmopolitan
A chic, perfectly balanced cocktail with a gorgeous pink hue and a crisp, refreshing taste. Tart cranberry meets smooth vodka, brightened with fresh lime and a whisper of orange liqueur. Shaken until ice-cold and served in a chilled martini glass, it's the ultimate girls'-night-out classic that feels sophisticated any day of the week.
For 1 serving
- prep
Chill the martini glass.
Place the martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes, or fill it with ice and cold water while you prepare the drink to get it perfectly cold.
TIPA well-chilled glass keeps the cocktail colder longer and prevents dilution. - prep
Juice the lime.
Cut the half lime in half again. Using a citrus juicer or your hands, squeeze the juice into a small bowl or directly into the jigger. Measure 15 ml (about a tablespoon).
- mix
Combine the ingredients in the shaker.
1.Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.2.Pour in 45 ml vodka, 15 ml triple sec, 30 ml cranberry juice, and the 15 ml fresh lime juice.3.Seal the shaker tightly. - mix
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Shake the sealed shaker hard until the outside becomes frosty and very cold to the touch—about 10 to 15 seconds. This chills and properly aerates and dilutes the drink.
- assemble
Strain into the chilled glass.
Discard the ice and water from the martini glass if you used that method. Using the cocktail strainer, pour the chilled mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass.
- garnish
Garnish with an orange twist.
Cut a thin strip of orange peel, about 1 inch long, avoiding the white pith. Twist it over the drink to express the citrus oils onto the surface, then drop it in or perch it on the rim.
TIPHold the peel, skin side down, between your thumb and fingers and give it a quick snap over the glass to release the oils.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use 100% unsweetened cranberry juice, not cocktail, for a tart, clean flavor.
- 2Chill the martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes to keep the drink cold.
- 3Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker is frosty for proper dilution and aeration.
- 4Express the orange peel over the drink to release essential oils onto the surface.
- 5Avoid using bottled lime juice; fresh lime juice is essential for brightness and balance.
- 6For a smoother finish, use a premium citrus vodka or a plain vodka with a hint of orange oil.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-sugar
Replace triple sec with a sugar-free orange liqueur or orange extract and a splash of soda. This reduces added sugar while keeping the citrus character for those watching their intake.
spicy cosmopolitanSpicy cosmopolitan
Muddle 1-2 thin slices of fresh jalapeño in the shaker before adding other ingredients. Infuses a gentle heat that contrasts beautifully with the tart cranberry.
pear cosmopolitanPear cosmopolitan
Replace cranberry juice with 30 ml pear nectar and add 15 ml fresh lemon juice. Offers a softer, sweeter fruit profile perfect for fall sipping.
mocktail versionMocktail version
Omit vodka and triple sec; use 60 ml non-alcoholic spirit (e.g., Seedlip Garden), 30 ml cranberry juice, 15 ml fresh lime juice, and 15 ml orange juice. All the sophistication with zero alcohol.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cranberry juice is a source of proanthocyanidins, which may help support urinary tract health.
Vitamin C Boost
Fresh lime juice provides a good hit of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function.
Low in Calories
When made with unsweetened cranberry juice and without sugary mixers, this cocktail is relatively low in calories compared to many sweet drinks.
No Added Sugars
Using 100% unsweetened cranberry juice and fresh lime keeps added sugars to a minimum, making it a cleaner cocktail choice.
Frequently asked questions
If it's too tart, you may have used lime juice from concentrate or squeezed too much. For sweetness, check that you're using unsweetened cranberry juice and not the sweetened cocktail version. Adjust by adding a teaspoon of simple syrup.
