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Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan is a medium vodka sour, fruity and tart on the palate. Shaken and served in a cocktail glass. It's one of the International Bartenders Association's official contemporary classics cocktails.

Cosmopolitan cocktail: bright pink-red drink in a V-shaped martini glass, with an orange twist

Flavor profile

Tart
85 out of 100
Sweet
61 out of 100
Fruity
88 out of 100
Boozy
41 out of 100

How to make a Cosmopolitan

To make a Cosmopolitan, shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass: 1¼ oz absolut citron, ¼ oz lime juice, ¼ oz Cointreau and 2 oz cranberry juice.

You'll need

1 drink

Make it virgin: the Virgin Cosmopolitan.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Chill a cocktail glass: fill it with ice and water while you mix, then tip it out.

  2. 2

    Add Absolut Citron, lime juice, Cointreau and cranberry juice to a cocktail shaker.

  3. 3

    Fill the shaker with ice.

  4. 4

    Shake hard for 10-15 seconds, until the outside is frosty.

  5. 5

    Strain into the chilled cocktail glass.

Why shake? Lime juice and cranberry juice need a hard shake to mix and chill properly.

87% match

Cosmopolitan Martini

Shares 3 of 4 ingredients

81% match

Kamikaze

Shares 2 of 4 ingredients

74% match

Lemon Drop

Another vodka sour

72% match

Butterfly Effect

Shares 2 of 4 ingredients

Cosmopolitan questions

What does a Cosmopolitan taste like?

Mostly fruity and tart. It's a medium drink at about 12% ABV once mixed.

How strong is a Cosmopolitan?

About 12% ABV after mixing with ice, about as strong as a glass of wine.

What's the difference between a Cosmopolitan and a Cosmopolitan Martini?

Both use lime juice, Cointreau and cranberry juice. The Cosmopolitan adds absolut citron, while the Cosmopolitan Martini uses vodka. The Cosmopolitan Martini is the stronger of the two.

Should a Cosmopolitan be shaken or stirred?

Shaken: lime juice and cranberry juice need a hard shake to mix and chill properly.

What can I use instead of triple sec?

Cointreau or Grand Marnier will work.

Can I make Cosmopolitans in a batch?

Yes. For 6 drinks, mix 7½ oz absolut citron, 1½ oz lime juice, 1½ oz Cointreau and 12 oz cranberry juice in a jug and chill it. Add 4½ oz of cold water to stand in for the dilution from shaking. Pour over fresh ice to serve.