Name: Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1.5 fluid ounces vodka; 0.25 fluid ounce lime juice; 0.25 fluid ounce triple sec; 0.25 fluid ounce cranberry juice; 1 cup ice; 1 lime wedge for garnish

Cosmopolitan Cocktail

4.7

(29)

22 Reviews

8 Photos

The cosmopolitan cocktail, typically referred to as the "cosmo," gained popularity during the 1990s when it was frequently mentioned on the television show Sex and the City. The combination of vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice, and cranberry juice have made it a timeless classic.

Recipe by Home Happy Hour

Updated on March 2, 2023

Prep Time:

5 mins

Total Time:

5 mins

Servings:

Yield:

1 cocktail

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Looking to take your at-home cocktail hour up a notch? We've got you covered. You'll feel like a legitimate mixologist when you make this foolproof cosmopolitan cocktail recipe.

Two cosmopolitan cocktails served in martini glasses and garnished with fresh cranberries and limes. — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

What Is a Cosmopolitan Cocktail?

A cosmopolitan, or simply "cosmo," is a vodka cocktail made with triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. The drink was invented in the 1930s, but rose in popularity in the 1990s. It became even more fashionable after it was frequently featured on Sex and the City.

Cosmopolitan Cocktail Ingredients

All traditional cosmos are made with roughly the same ingredients. Here's what you'll need for this cosmopolitan cocktail:

Vodka
Use high quality vodka for the most drinkable results.

Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice is best. Don't throw that peel away! You can use it as a garnish.

Triple Sec
Triple sec adds sweet, citrusy flavor and tones down the taste of the vodka.

Cranberry Juice
You can use bottled or fresh cranberry juice. If the finished cocktail is too strong, you can add more juice to taste.

How to Make a Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Two Cosmopolitan Cocktails on white doilies — Deb C

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below – but here's what you can expect when you make this perfect cosmopolitan cocktail:

Combine vodka, lime juice, triple sec, and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Cover, shake, and strain into a cosmopolitan or martini glass.

How to Serve a Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Traditionally, cosmopolitans are garnished with a twist of lime or lemon peel. For extra pizzazz, try garnishing with a Candied Lemon Peel or skewered fruits.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"A classic drink to enjoy with your girlfriends," according to Allrecipes Allstar RainbowJewels. "Perfect as written, wouldn't change a thing."

"I made these on Christmas Eve," says sassygirl. "They turned out really good. I actually made a pitcher of them and dipped the rim of the glass in sugar. Everybody wanted more."

"I used vanilla vodka and it was wonderful," according to Shari Williams.

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

1 ½ fluid ounces vodka
¼ fluid ounce lime juice
¼ fluid ounce triple sec
¼ fluid ounce cranberry juice
1 cup ice
1 lime wedge for garnish

Directions

Gather all ingredients.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Combine vodka, lime juice, triple sec, and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Add ice, cover and shake until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Garnish with a lime wedge.

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

131	Calories
6g	Carbs
0g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 1
Calories 131
% Daily Value *
Sodium 1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 6g	2%
Dietary Fiber 0g	1%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 7mg	36%
Calcium 3mg	0%
Iron 0mg	1%
Potassium 17mg	0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.