Sky's Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan, more commonly known as the "Cosmo," rose in popularity in the American west coast during the 1970s-80s. Then, resurged in popularity again in New York City in the 1990's after being featured in the hit television series "Sex and the City". The birth of the Cosmo first began in the 1960s as a recipe featured on Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice bottle labels, originally naming the cocktail the "Harpoon."

This Cosmo recipe took some extensive (and fun) experimentation to get it perfected. My BFF Sky, who has been a devoted Cosmo lover for years, made sure that I had every ingredient measured perfectly before publishing this recipe. Trust me... if this meets her satisfaction, it will definitely meet yours!

WARNING: This recipe is intended for responsible adults of legal drinking age who wish to try new drinks and find information about various types of alcoholic beverages. It is available on this site only for entertainment purposes. EAT LiKE MEN is not advocating the abuse of alcoholic beverages and hope that if you try the cocktail recipes on this site, you do so with moderation and caution. EAT LiKE MEN does not promote the abuse of alcohol, alcoholism, hazing, binge drinking or any other misuse of alcohol. EAT LiKE MEN cannot take any responsibility for the influence these alcoholic beverages may have on people. Information on this web site may contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Information may be changed or updated without notice. EAT LiKE MEN may also make improvements and/or changes in the recipes and/or posts at any time without notice.

For one 3 1/2 oz cocktail:

• 1 oz Absolut Citron Vodka

• 1 1/2 oz Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice

• 1/2 oz Cointreau

• Splash of fresh lime juice

• Lime zest/wedge for garnish

for a 70 oz pitcher:

• 20 oz Citron Vodka

• 30 oz Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice

• 10 oz Cointreau (orange-flavored triple-sec liqueur)

• 3 oz fresh lime juice

Martini or Coupe glass, cocktail shaker, ice, citrus peeler or zester, sharp knife, measuring shot glass/jigger, straw. fresh lime juice, lime zest.

The Martini Glass is a stemmed glass with a hollowed-down conical disc-shaped bowl, often used for serving stirred or mixed cocktails. The Coupe Glass is similar to a martini glass, but with a shallow, slender stem and a wider, curved bowl, originally used for champagne but more popular for Cosmopolitans. It's recommended to chill the glasses prior to adding the cocktail to them.

Fresh limes are always best for this recipe, but bottled lime juice can be substituted if making several cocktails. Use the remaining lime zest for garnish (see below for creating a lime twist) or simply add a lime wedge.

Cointreau is an orange-flavored triple-sec liqueur from France, which has a strong, sweet, and citrusy flavor. You can also substitute with Grand Mariner or another orange-flavored triple-sec.

Absolut Citron is a lemon-flavored vodka, known for its fruity citrusy taste without any added sugar, often used in Cosmopolitans and Lemon Drop Martinis. 

Prep: 3 min Ready: 3 min Serves: 1 Cocktail

Before you handle any food, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Clean your kitchen work area and pull back your hair or wear a cap. You want to avoid contaminating your meal with harmful bacteria that could cause food illness.

To make Sky's Cosmopolitan:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add the vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice.

3. Cover and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker has frosted.

4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled Martini or Coupe glass. Discard the ice.

5. Garnish with lime twist.

To make the Lime Twist garnish:

1. Wash the lime to clean it. Wipe dry with a paper towel.

2. On a clean cutting board, use a citrus peeler or zester to slice a long thin strip of lime zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.

3. Using a sharp knife, slice the edges off to form a straight strip.

4. Using a straw, twist the strip of lime zest around the straw, forming a spiral shape.

5. Garnish your cocktail. 

1 serving: 165 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1.7 mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (10 g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Some studies suggest that moderate vodka consumption may improve blood circulation, reduce the risk of blood clots, and lower cholesterol levels. Vodka can act as a relaxant, may help reduce stress levels, stimulate the digestive system and help relieve indigestion. 

For a Cosmopolitan without vodka, you can substitute with gin, tequila, or light rum for a different flavor profile, or explore non-alcoholic options like Seedlip. 

Alternatives for garnishes can include lemon or orange zest/wedge, or cucumber slice.