Cocktail Art
  1. Home
  2. Cocktails
  3. Vodka
  4. Cosmopolitan
Cosmopolitan cocktail in a cocktail glass
CITRUS VODKA · COCKTAIL GLASS · SHAKE

Cosmopolitan

★ 4.5 · 388 ratings in Cocktail Art

The Cosmopolitan is a modern classic cocktail known for its vibrant pink hue and balanced, tart flavor. Combining citrus-infused vodka with orange liqueur, fresh lime, and cranberry juice, it offers a crisp and refreshing sour profile. Popularized in the late twentieth century, it remains a favorite choice for parties and elegant evening gatherings.

  • IBA official
  • Short drink
  • Sour
  • Classic
  • Party
  • GlassCocktail glass
  • MethodShake
  • Time3 min
  • Strength≈ 15% ABV
Open in Cocktail ArtDownload on the App Store

How to make a Cosmopolitan

Shake it in a cocktail glass with ice cubes. About 3 minutes.

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add the citrus vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
  3. Shake the ingredients vigorously until the shaker is well-chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into a large cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish the drink with a lemon twist.

Bartender’s tips

  • If you do not have citrus vodka, you can substitute regular vodka and add a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
  • For the best presentation, chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for ten minutes before straining the drink into it.
  • Express the oils from the lemon twist over the surface of the drink before dropping it in to enhance the citrus aroma.

You may also like

If you enjoy the crisp, tart flavors of a Cosmopolitan, you might also want to try the Blue Lens, Margarita, Moscow Mule, or Cranberry Gin And Tonic.

Blue Lens cocktail

Blue Lens4.4

Citron vodka · Shake · 4 ingredients

Margarita cocktail

Margarita4.4

Silver tequila · Shake · 3 ingredients

Moscow Mule cocktail

Moscow Mule4.5

Vodka · Build · 3 ingredients

Cranberry Gin And Tonic cocktail

Cranberry Gin And Tonic4.5

Gin · Build · 4 ingredients

1 100+ more recipes in your pocket

Core recipes and your bar are free. Premium unlocks all collections, substitutes and AI photos for your own cocktails.

Recipe screen in the Cocktail Art app
Download on the App Store★ 4.6 · 584 ratings

Cosmopolitan questions

What is the best vodka for a Cosmopolitan?

The recipe specifies 40 ml of citrus vodka, which gives the drink its signature bright citrus base, though regular vodka can be used as a substitute.

Can I use Triple Sec instead of Cointreau?

Yes, you can substitute the 15 ml of Cointreau with Triple Sec or another dry orange liqueur, though Cointreau offers a more refined orange flavor.

How strong is a Cosmopolitan?

This cocktail has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of about 15 percent, making it a moderately strong short drink.