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Cosmopolitan Recipe cocktail in glass with garnish

Cosmopolitan Recipe: The Iconic Pink Cocktail

Born from late-20th-century New York bar culture and famously popularized in the 1990s by cocktail writers and TV, the Cosmopolitan is a crisp, pink martini that balances vodka, tart lime, orange liqueur and cranberry. The best Cosmos are bright and not cloying—use a clean vodka, real lime juice, a quality orange liqueur like Cointreau, and just enough cranberry to add color and acidity. Packaged or overly sweet mixes ruin it. One practical tip: chill your glass and shake the drink hard with plenty of ice, then double-strain into a cold coupe to keep it silky and clear. Stop by Buffalo House Liquor and Wines in Tonawanda for ingredients and friendly advice.

Prep5 min
Servings1 cocktail
GlassMartini or coupe glass
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

1 ½ oz Citrus vodka (or regular vodka)
1 oz Cranberry juice
½ oz Triple sec or Cointreau
½ oz Fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake hard for 12-15 seconds.
  3. Double-strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
  4. Express oils from an orange peel over the surface (flame for theatrical flair).
Garnish: Flamed orange peel
💡 Pro tips: Use real cranberry juice (not cranberry cocktail mix) for a less-sweet, more sophisticated drink. Fresh lime juice is essential — bottled juice will make the cosmo taste flat. A flamed orange peel adds a subtle smoky aroma that elevates the whole drink.

Shop the Bottles for Your Cosmopolitan

Pick up everything you need at Buffalo House Liquor & Wines in Tonawanda, NY — same-day delivery across Buffalo, Kenmore, Williamsville, and surrounding areas, or grab them in-store.

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Want more cocktail inspiration? Browse our full cocktail recipes collection, or pair this drink with our latest spirits guides. For questions about any bottle, call us at (716) 770-1230.

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