Perfect cranberry Cosmopolitan cocktail
This tart, refreshing cranberry Cosmopolitan has a gorgeous pink colour, tastes like summer in a glass, and is super easy to make.
You’ll hear plenty of stories about where the Cosmopolitan got its start. Some claim it emerged in the 1980s at the Strand in Miami, while others insist a mix of cranberry, vodka, and citrus had been around since at least the 1970s. Regardless of its true origin, the Cosmo earned a permanent home in modern cocktail culture.
Its sweet, tangy balance feels light and crisp, making it a perfect companion for hot summer evenings when you need something bright and uplifting in your glass.
Top tips: Choosing the right vodka for your Cosmopolitan can transform a decent drink into a great one. You want something that blends smoothly with the cranberry and citrus without overpowering them. Vodka at the lower end of the price range may bring a harsher taste so we recommend you start with a mid to high-range label, such as Smirnoff or Russian Bear. Citrus vodka, such as Skyy Vodka Citrus or Triple Three Citrus Vodka, also works well and complements the lime and orange liqueur. Choose fresh, not bottled lime juice. While it’s a little more work, the taste is much better.
Ingredients
- 50ml vodka
- 25ml cranberry juice
- 15ml orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Whole cranberries, orange peel or lime wheel for garnish
Method
- Place a cocktail glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water. This step keeps your drink cooler for longer.
- Pour the vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels icy cold.
- Discard the ice or water in your chilled glass, then strain the drink into it.
- Garnish with whole cranberries, an orange peel or a lime wheel, and sugar the rim.
