Easy Cosmo Martini Recipe You’ll Love

Looking for a classic cocktail that’s crisp, refreshing, and easy to make? The Cosmopolitan blends vodka, cranberry, and a hint of citrus for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether you’re mixing up drinks for a party or just unwinding at home, this 4-ingredient Cosmo martini recipe is always a good idea.

This iconic cocktail became popular in the late ‘90s as the go-to girls' night out drink from Sex and the City. (Fun fact: I have the complete series on DVD.)

But the truth is, a well-made Cosmo never goes out of style. With its bright, citrusy flavor and signature pink hue, it’s as fun to sip as it is to shake up—no special occasion required.

Here's What You'll Need

Making a perfect Cosmo is easy. You'll need just a few key ingredients to shake up this classic cocktail.

• Vodka – Choose a good-quality vodka since it’s the base of the drink. I prefer a plain top-shelf vodka, but you can also use a citron vodka.
• Cranberry Juice – Sweetened cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail works best.
• Orange Liqueur – Grand Marnier, Cointreau or triple sec all bring that essential orange flavor.
• Fresh Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed is key—skip the bottled stuff for the best taste.

You'll also need ice for shaking and chilling the glass for your drink.

Bar Equipment

You don't need a lot of equipment, but a few basic bar tools will help you craft the perfect Cosmo.

• Cocktail Shaker – This mixes and chills the drink to perfection. A built-in strainer makes pouring easier.
• Jigger or Measuring Tool – Precise pours keep the flavors balanced. A measuring shot glass makes it easy to measure ounces.
• Chilled cocktail Glass – A classic martini glass is perfect for serving.

Instructions

Making the perfect Cosmo is all about precision and technique. Follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Prepare The Glass

Stash the glass in your freezer for 30 minutes to chill or fill it with ice water while you prep your ingredients. Empty the glass before serving and dry it with a clean cloth.

Step 2: Mix The Drink

Pour the vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice into a cocktail shaker. Add plenty of ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty. This gives you a perfectly diluted and chilled drink.

Step 3: Serve It Up

Strain into your prepared glass. For an ultra-smooth texture, double strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any tiny ice shards.

Want to dress it up? Cut a thin strip of orange peel and remove any bitter white pith. Gently squeeze it over the drink to release its oils, then run it along the rim before garnishing with it.

Fun Variations

Looking to mix things up? Try these tasty Cosmo variations:

• Strawberry Cosmo – Use muddled fresh strawberries instead of cranberry juice for a summery spin.
• Blue Cosmo – Swap cranberry juice for white cranberry juice and use blue Curacao as the orange liqueur for the blue color.
• Pomegranate Cosmo – Add a splash of pomegranate juice for a tart, fruity variation.

Keep the spirit-to-juice ratio similar for that signature Cosmo balance. Play around with garnishes, too—fresh berries, citrus twists, or even edible flowers all work beautifully.

More Fruity Martini Recipes

Love fruity martinis? Here are a few delicious fruit flavored cocktail recipes:

• Pineapple Martini – Vodka, pineapple juice, and a touch of simple syrup make a tropical, refreshing sip.
• Green Apple Martini – Tart and sweet, this bright green drink is always a party favorite.
• French Martini – A mix of vodka, pineapple juice, and black raspberry liqueur for a sophisticated, fruity twist.

However you shake it, this Cosmo martini recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat!