Cosmopolitan
An icon of the 90s, the Cosmopolitan is a sharp, stylish, and unapologetically fun cocktail. Far from the overly sweet versions of the past, a well-made "Cosmo" is a perfectly balanced and sophisticated drink with a vibrant citrus kick.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Citrus Vodka
- 1 oz Cointreau
- 1 oz Cranberry Juice Cocktail
- ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- Garnish: Orange Peel
Instructions
- Chill Your Glass: The Cosmopolitan is best served ice-cold. Fill a coupe or martini glass with ice and water to chill it while you mix the drink.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the citrus vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the shaker is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain: Empty the ice from your chilled glass. Double-strain the cocktail into the glass to remove any ice shards and ensure a smooth texture.
- Garnish: For the classic, professional touch, take a swath of orange peel. "Flame" it by holding a lighter's flame between the peel and the drink, then quickly squeezing the peel to release its oils through the flame and onto the drink's surface. Drop the peel in.
Pro Tips for Perfection
Use Citrus Vodka: While you can use standard vodka, using a citrus-flavored vodka (like Absolut Citron) is the key to the authentic, bright flavor profile of a classic Cosmopolitan. It adds a layer of complexity that plain vodka lacks.
Cranberry Juice Matters: The goal is a beautiful, light pink hue, not a deep red. Use a "cranberry juice cocktail" which has some sweetness. Using 100% pure, unsweetened cranberry juice will result in a drink that is overly tart and unbalanced.