The Perfect Cosmo (Cosmopolitan Drink)

Of all the classic cocktails, the Cosmopolitan drink is my favorite. This recipe for The Perfect Cosmo drink is what I consider to be sheer perfection. With simple but quality ingredients and a tiny bit of know-how, you can shake up the perfect cosmo recipe too!

I'm so excited to share this cosmo drink recipe with you! It's one of my favorites. The colors are a playful shade of pink, perfect for all kinds of parties and celebrations.

I can see this as a flirty drink at brunch or a boozy cocktail for a bridal shower. It's basically the perfect thing to shake up when you have something to celebrate!

The Perfect Cosmo

I just love how simple it is to make this gorgeous drink! A cosmo is a classic drink that sounds and looks complicated but is actually not that at all!

The flavors combine in the perfect way. All the different citrus flavors enhance each other and bring out their unique notes. It's a delicate dance of tart cranberries, sour limes, and sweet citrus vodka.

Ingredients

Have you ever wondered, "What is in a cosmo?" Well, I'm about to break that mystery - it only has four simple ingredients.

• Vodka: Use citrus-flavored vodka for the best flavor.
• Orange Liqueur: I prefer Cointreau.
• Cranberry Juice: Use a no-sugar-added juice to get the strongest flavor. If you prefer really sweet drinks, use a cranberry juice cocktail.
• Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice: Jarred lime juice isn't as strong, so use fresh lime.

How to Make a Cosmopolitan Drink (Cosmo):

Today, I’m mixing up what I like to call "The Perfect Cosmo." Many cosmopolitan drink recipes claim to be perfect, and I’m sure a lot of them are, but this one is perfect for me.

I love a good cosmo, but it’s rare for me to order one out, especially around my little town, because I’m nervous about what I will get. Will it be too strong? Will it be too sweet? Will there be sugar around the rim? (This is a bad thing, by the way - never rim a martini glass with sugar for a cosmo.)

So when I want a good cosmo, I usually make them at home. What I've found over the years (and this applies to any martini) is that you must use very good ingredients.

Since most martinis are pretty much straight alcohol, this is not the time for cheap vodka. So pay a couple of extra bucks for the good stuff. Cointreau, versus an off-brand triple sec (an orange-flavored liqueur), also makes a big difference.

To make this cosmo, just pour all of the ingredients into your favorite cocktail shaker. Give it a good shake, and then pour it into your martini glass. Don't forget to garnish with a lime wedge!

Sidenote: I really love this Mason Jar Cocktail Shaker.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cosmo Drinks

Before I get to the printable recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about how to make a cosmo at home. If you don't see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

What does a Cosmo taste like?

I think a cosmo is the perfect blend of flavors. The lime adds sour, the Cointreau adds citrus and sweetness, and the cranberry adds berry and tartness. It's a really delicious combination!

I don't want to sound like a snob, but I think when any recipe is comprised of just a few ingredients, you should use the best ingredients possible. A lesson I learned from Ina Garten, actually.

What is the difference between a cosmopolitan and a martini?

This is a fantastic question. Actually, a cosmopolitan is a fruity mixed martini. It's a type of martini, so there really isn't a difference between them.

Why is it called a cosmopolitan?

The history of this drink goes back further than Sex And The City, surprisingly! Back in 1975, a bartender named Neal Murray at Cork and Cleaver steak house in Minneapolis added a splash of cranberry juice to a kamikaze. After a taster responded, "how cosmopolitan," the name just stuck.

Is Cointreau the same as Triple Sec?

A triple sec is a family of dry orange liqueurs. It's confusing, but Triple Sec is both a category name and the name of a specific orange liqueur. I think Cointreau has a smoother and stronger flavor, so it's my choice in this cocktail.

That's a Wrap on My Cosmo Drink Recipe!

I hope you enjoy this cosmo as much as I do! Serve it in a martini glass or another party glass. It's a fun and fruity drink with a complex dance of sweet and tart flavors.

Delicious, right? I told you! And that pink color is perfection. When I'm out and order a cosmopolitan, I can tell by the color whether it's going to be good even before taking a sip!

I hope you enjoyed this classic cosmo drink recipe. Shake one up and let me know what you think. Cheers!

Like this Cosmo drink recipe? Here are more of my favorite martinis:

• Birthday Cake Martini
• Watermelon Basil Martini
• Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini - Epic!
• Tiramisu Martini
• Caramel Apple Martin - Fall Favorite

Cosmopolitan Drink / Cosmo Recipe:

The Perfect Cosmo

Of all the classic cocktails the Cosmopolitan is my favorite. This recipe for The Perfect Cosmo drink is what I consider to be perfection. With simple but quality ingredients, you can shake up the perfect cosmo recipe too!

• 1½ oz citrus vodka
• ¾ oz Cointreau
• ¾ oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• Lime cut into wedges

1. Add the vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake vigorously.
3. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

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