In popular memory, the cosmopolitan cocktail had its heyday in the late ’90s and early aughts courtesy of Carrie Bradshaw and the women of Sex and the City. But the drink’s history actually predates World War II and iterations have made the rounds (in New York, Provincetown, San Fransisco, and elsewhere), ebbing and flowing in popularity since that time.
The modern version of this classic cocktail recipe is widely credited to Toby Cecchini, who served it at the Odeon in the late ’80s to celebrities like Madonna and Sandra Bernhard. Citrus vodka was newly on the scene and he saw the cosmo as a great vehicle for the spirit. Orange liqueur is the second component—the go-to is Cointreau, which is vibrant and not-too-sweet, but any floral, warm dry Curaçao would also work well. Our version calls for Rose’s lime juice, a sweet-tart syrup; for a more bracing cocktail, feel free to swap in fresh lime juice instead. Cranberry juice provides the signature rosy color and another hit of tang (sweetened cranberry juice cocktail, such as Ocean Spray, is the move here).
The usual garnish is a lime twist, which adds some balancing bitterness to the drink, but you could opt for an orange twist to bring out the floral flavors of the liqueur. For full SATC vibes, serve your cosmopolitan in a martini glass—or use another cocktail glass (we love a coupe or a Nick and Nora) for something a little more contemporary.
Recipe information
Total Time
5 minutes
Yield
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
In a cocktail shaker combine all ingredients. Shake well and strain into a martini glass.
Step 2
Garnish drink with lime twist.
Editor’s note: This recipe was originally published in the July 1995 issue of ‘Gourmet’ and first appeared on Epicurious in August 2004. Head this way for more of our best vodka cocktails→
Leave a Review
Reviews (24)
Back to TopFinally I can make an awesome Cosmo from scratch by myself! Delicious! Used regular Absolut vodka, Grand Marnier, regular lime and cranberry juices. This recipe is a keeper!
ataramt
Israel
8/30/2014
Riffed on this for a girls nite - unflavored vodka w lite pomegranate/blackberry juice cocktail, rose's lime and splash of Drambuie (!) when I realized I had no Cointreau, triple sec or Grand Marnier. Just the tiny hit of Drambuie gave it a nice complex spike and cut the sweetness. Blackberry garnish w lime slice. It was good enough to make over, and over, and over!
Anonymous
North of Boston
2/20/2012
When I lived in Boston, one of my favorite bars would make me one with no cranberry, and a touch more vodka--I suppose in a modern world, someone will call this a "Citrus Martini," but it was delicious, and great for those of you afraid to hold a pink drink!
mcpguru
1/19/2008
Lovely and refreshing! Easily doubled/tripled for guests. Throw some cranberries into each martini glas at Christmas time for a festive look!
Anonymous
Toronto, Canada
9/22/2007
Used Grey Goose L'Orange vodka, cheap triple sec and followed the recipe exactly. It is PERFECT!
123misskit
Eagle Rock, CA
5/22/2007
Would I make this drink again? Silly question! About 3 times a week. I change it up using Pomegranate juice, of course for the anti-oxidants or the diet version with the unsweetened cranberry juice using Splenda to sweeten. Oh, and I use Grand Marnier, unflavored vodka, and plain lime juice, not Rose's. This is the best and easiest ever.
SANDRALEEHUNT
Southampton, N.Y.
2/16/2007
lovely. Used cran-raspberry juice and currant vodka. Garnished with lime and cranberry. Good proportions. A very pink drink.
Anonymous
Washington DC
4/29/2006
See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips
23 Easy Vodka Cocktails for Your Next Happy Hour
Variations on the Bloody Mary? Yes. But lots more too.31 Fall Cocktails to Sip Your Way Through Cozy Season
Meet our favorite flavorful drinks for fall.
