The cosmopolitan martini is bright, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet. Vodka, lime, and a splash of cranberry, shaken up into a perfectly pink martini. Elegant and fun, all at once.
Cosmopolitan Martini
Sweet, tangy, and pink. What's not to like?
Ingredients
Instructions
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Fill a shaker with ice. Add vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, and cranberry juice.
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Shake well until chilled.
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Strain into a chilled martini glass.
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Garnish with a lemon twist if desired.
FAQs
Where did the Cosmopolitan originate?
The Cosmopolitan we know today was popularized by Dale DeGroff in the mid-1990s at New York’s Rainbow Room, though variations have been traced back to the 1970s in Ohio, Minneapolis, and Provincetown. It truly became iconic in the 1990s, thanks to its starring role in Sex and the City.
Can I use regular vodka instead of citrus vodka?
Yes, using unflavored vodka is perfectly fine and historically accurate to older versions of the drink. Citrus vodka adds an extra zing, but it’s all about personal preference.
What’s the best garnish for a Cosmopolitan?
A lemon twist is the most traditional garnish, but some bartenders opt for a lime wheel to play off the lime juice. Either works beautifully.
How sweet is a Cosmopolitan?
The Cosmopolitan strikes a balance between tart and sweet, with the cranberry juice adding a hint of sweetness and color without overwhelming the palate.
What other drinks are similar to a Cosmopolitan?
If you enjoy a Cosmopolitan, you might like a Kamikaze (vodka, lime juice, and triple sec) or a Sea Breeze (vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice). Both offer a similar refreshing tartness.
Bartender’s Note
Balance is key in a Cosmopolitan. Use fresh lime juice to get that perfect zing and adjust the cranberry juice splash for your desired sweetness.
