Learn how to make the ultimate Cosmopolitan cocktail with this simple and elegant recipe. A perfect blend of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime, the Cosmopolitan is a timeless classic that delivers a refreshing and balanced flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening, this easy-to-follow guide will help you mix the perfect drink every time!
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 2 minutes
Chill time: None
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz (45ml) Citrus Vodka (or regular vodka + a squeeze of lime)
- 0.75 oz (22ml) Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
- 0.75 oz (22ml) Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.25 oz (7ml) Cranberry Juice (unsweetened preferred for a less sweet drink)
- Orange peel, for garnish
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Ice
- Martini glass or coupe glass
- Citrus peeler or paring knife
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
- Make sure you have all the ingredients and the necessary tools ready.
Step 2: Add Ice to Your Cocktail Shaker
- Fill your cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice. This will chill and slightly dilute the drink.
Step 3: Measure and Add Citrus Vodka
- Using your jigger, measure 1.5 oz (45ml) of citrus vodka and pour it into the ice-filled shaker.
Step 4: Measure and Add Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
- Measure 0.75 oz (22ml) of Cointreau (or your preferred orange liqueur) and add it to the shaker.
Step 5: Measure and Add Fresh Lime Juice
- Squeeze fresh lime juice to get 0.75 oz (22ml) and pour it into the shaker. Freshly squeezed juice makes a big difference in the taste!
Step 6: Measure and Add Cranberry Juice
- Measure 0.25 oz (7ml) of cranberry juice and add it to the shaker.
Step 7: Close and Shake Well
- Securely close the lid of your cocktail shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled. You should feel the outside of the shaker become very cold.
Step 8: Strain into a Chilled Martini or Coupe Glass
- Remove the lid from the shaker and strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh strainer or the built-in strainer of your shaker into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass. Straining removes the ice shards for a smoother drink.
Step 9: Garnish with an Orange Peel
- Using a citrus peeler or paring knife, carefully remove a 2-3-inch strip of orange peel, avoiding the white pith as much as possible (it can be bitter).
- Twist the orange peel over the drink to release its fragrant oils.
- You can then either drop the peel into the glass or drape it over the rim.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
- Your perfectly made Cosmopolitan is ready to be enjoyed!
Enjoy your delicious and stylish Cosmopolitan! Remember to drink responsibly.
