Shake and fine strain into a half-salted coupe
Margarita
Bright lime, clean tequila, and a crisp salted edge.
Shake hard and fine strain into a chilled coupe
Cosmopolitan
A bright modern sour that rewards exact measuring and a brisk shake.
Edited by CocktailSteps Editorial Team
- Time
- 5 minutes
- Level
- Intermediate
- Glass
- Coupe
- Approx. ABV
- 18% · Medium-high
- Tradition
- American
- Profile
- Sweet · Sour · Citrus
Ingredient totals
Ingredients
Amounts below make one drink. The method, Quick Check, and guided Make use these one-glass amounts.
1.5 ozCitron vodkaRecommended brandAbsolut Citron
0.5 ozOrange liqueurRecommended brandCointreau L’Unique
0.5 ozFresh lime juiceRecommended brandSunkist Persian Lime
1 ozCranberry juice cocktailRecommended brandOcean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail
1 pieceLemon peelOptionalRecommended brandSunkist Lemon
Measured method · one drink
How to make Cosmopolitan
These steps make one glass. For more drinks, use the ingredient totals above to set up, then repeat this method for each serving.
- 01
Measure the Cosmopolitan
1½ oz citron vodka · 1 oz cranberry · ½ oz orange · ½ oz lime
Add 1½ oz citron vodka, 1 oz cranberry juice cocktail, ½ oz orange liqueur, and ½ oz fresh lime juice to the shaker.
Measure the Cosmopolitan visual check - 02
Shake bright and cold
Shake with ice · 12 sec
Fill the shaker with cubed ice, seal it, and shake hard for 12 seconds.
Shake bright and cold visual check - 03
Fine strain
Fine strain into a chilled coupe
Fine strain the Cosmopolitan into a chilled coupe.
Fine strain visual check - 04
Express the lemon
1 lemon peel
Twist 1 lemon peel over the surface, then rest it on the rim, if using.
Express the lemon visual check
Fill the shaker with cubed ice, seal it, and shake hard for 12 seconds.
AI-assisted illustration of one step. Follow the measured method above; sound is optional.Key move
Measure the cranberry so the drink stays bright, not heavy
Technique note
Why this build works
Citron vodka, orange liqueur, and expressed lemon peel put citrus aroma in three places without requiring more sour juice. The 1 ounce of cranberry juice cocktail contributes both color and sweetness; lime provides the sharper edge. Shaking combines these juices with the spirits, while fine straining makes a smooth drink served without ice. The target is a light cranberry tint and a clear citrus finish, not the intensity of a tall vodka-cranberry.
Common failure points
- The drink is much more tart than expected.
- Read the cranberry label. Unsweetened pure cranberry juice is not the sweetened cranberry juice cocktail specified here; use the listed product before altering the lime.
- The lemon aroma is missing despite the garnish.
- Express the colored side of a fresh peel toward the surface before placing it on the rim. A dry peel resting on the glass contributes much less aroma.
Measure or substitute
Plain vodka can replace citron vodka at 1½ ounces, giving a less citrus-scented version. Keep the orange liqueur at ½ ounce initially; orange syrups lack its alcohol and can make the drink much sweeter.
Recipe references
These references describe the drink or its ingredients. Our measured build and teaching notes are CocktailSteps adaptations; proportions and methods may differ from the reference.
Set the station
Tools
JiggerRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Japanese Style Jigger
Cocktail shakerRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom KORIKO Shaking Tins
Fine strainerRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom COCO Mesh Cone
CoupeRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Leopold Coupe
Choose your bottle
Bottle buying guide
Best fit is our default. Spend less with Smart buy, or choose Upgrade when you want more character.
Citron vodka
Orange liqueur
Know the pour
Medium-high
A short citron-vodka sour softened by cranberry and shake dilution.
Contains alcohol. Serve only to adults of legal drinking age and enjoy responsibly.
