Cosmopolitan Drink Recipe

A classic Cosmopolitan is made with vodka, Cointreau, fresh lime juice and cranberry juice cocktail. The vodka provides the base, Cointreau adds a smooth orange flavour, fresh lime brings a bright citrus kick and the cranberry gives the drink its signature pink colour with just a touch of sweetness. When these ingredients are shaken with ice they create a refreshing cocktail that's perfectly balanced.

A good quality vodka will always give the best results because there are only a few ingredients in the drink. A smooth clean tasting vodka works beautifully, while citrus vodka is a classic choice that adds an extra layer of fresh citrus flavour. There's no need to buy the most expensive bottle but choosing a vodka you enjoy drinking will make a noticeable difference.

Yes but the flavour will be slightly different. Cointreau gives the cocktail a smooth bright orange flavour that many bartenders consider the gold standard. If you don't have it, another good quality orange liqueur or triple sec can be used instead. The cocktail will still be delicious although it may be a little sweeter or less refined depending on the brand.

You can but you'll need to make a small adjustment. Pure cranberry juice is much sharper and more tart than cranberry juice cocktail so the drink can taste overly sour. If you're using pure cranberry juice, try adding a small splash of simple syrup or slightly reducing the lime juice until the flavours are balanced to your taste.

A sugar rim is an optional finishing touch if you prefer a slightly sweeter cocktail. Before you start mixing the drink, pour a little caster sugar onto a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your chilled martini or coupe glass, then gently dip the rim into the sugar, turning the glass until it's evenly coated. Set the glass aside and continue with the recipe as normal. Once you've shaken and strained the cocktail, carefully pour it into the prepared glass without disturbing the sugar rim.

A Cosmopolitan should always be shaken. Shaking quickly chills the drink, mixes the citrus and cranberry perfectly and adds just the right amount of dilution to soften the vodka. A good shake for around 12 to 15 seconds will leave you with a smooth, crisp and refreshing cocktail that's served ice cold.

The most common reason is that the cocktail isn't balanced properly. Using too much vodka, too little lime juice or not shaking the drink long enough can leave it tasting harsh. Fresh lime juice, the right amount of cranberry juice cocktail, plenty of ice and a good shake all help create a smoother drink. Finishing with an orange peel garnish also adds fresh citrus aroma making the drink taste brighter and more balanced. We've included these useful steps for a good reason out of experience because it makes a difference to your end result.