Simple Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe

Sometimes it's fun to make your own cocktail creation, and other times, it's fun to stick to the basics. Let's be honest, you can never go wrong with a classic cocktail, especially the cosmopolitan. According to Vinepair, the cosmopolitan's origins were first seen in 1968, when the company Ocean Spray wanted to market its cranberry juice to adults using a similar recipe called "The Harpoon." Even though the cosmopolitan's inception is murky, the iconic cocktail is believed to have emerged from night clubs around Miami and Provincetown, Massachusetts. 

Recipe developer Catherine Brookes came up with this time-honored recipe that doesn't stray far from the original recipe. "This classic cocktail is colorful, refreshing, and delicious. It's full of sweet, sharp, and citrus flavor," Brookes raves. "This is a fun one to make for a cocktail night with friends, or to go alongside a date night dinner." Keep reading to find out how to make this killer cocktail.

Since this is a classic cosmopolitan recipe, you'll start with your go-to vodka. "Whichever vodka you prefer will work here," Brookes says. "I like to use Smirnoff." You will also need to grab triple sec orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau. To complete the list, grab cranberry juice and lime juice. Then, you can whip up this simple cosmopolitan. 

Grab your trusty cocktail shaker and add some ice; the ice helps chill the drink quickly as you shake it up. Next, add in the vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice."The zingy flavor of lime is a great pairing with the sweet and sharp cranberry, and citrusy orange," Brookes raves. Place the lid on your cocktail shaker, and shake until chilled. "Shaking the drink for about 15 to 20 seconds ensures everything is well combined, and chilled by the ice," Brookes says.

Once chilled, strain into 2 glasses of your choice, making sure to keep the ice out. Typically, people serve cosmopolitans in a martini glass, but you can use any glass you have on hand. The best garnish for a cosmopolitan is a lime wedge, so you can optionally add that. "You could also garnish with an orange twist if desired," Brookes notes. 

The cosmopolitan is a perfect happy hour drink that you can be served solo, or with a few bites. "A cosmopolitan pairs great with many snacking foods such as olives, bread, and cheese," Brookes suggests.