California Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe (2024)

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A classic co*cktail with a serious twist, this California Cosmopolitan is an easy co*cktail option with a bright citrus flavor and a twinkling look.

Serve this at your summer party as a refreshing, sweet, and zesty co*cktail option or even as a holiday party to bring some brightness to the cold winter months.

California Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe (1)

If you’re looking for ideas on how to set up a party for the warmer months, how about hosting an outdoor luau or a Mexican fiesta.

If you’re looking for ideas for how to set up a party for the colder months, here are some elegant Christmas party themes.

Contents

Why You’re Going To Love This co*cktail

  • Full of tasty and refreshing citrus flavors that will ring in the holidays with every sip.
  • Lighter and healthier than Eggnog. As much as I love Eggnog, I need a fruit alternative to serve.
  • Easy to whip up: this recipe can be made up in 5 minutes, guys.
  • Make ahead of time: you can make this recipe earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge.

Ingredients and Supplies

  • Pinnacle vodka. I love Pinnacle Vodka as my preferred vodka but go ahead and use whichever brand is your favorite.
  • Triple sec. Works so beautifully with the citrus flavors.
  • Orange juice. Go ahead and squeeze your own if you like or pick up your favorite store-bought OJ.
  • Lemon juice. Balances like a dream with OJ.
  • Sanding sugar. I love the look of this bright yellow sanding sugar.
  • Martini glasses. You can, of course, use any other pretty co*cktail glass; this one is the classic choice.

How To Make This co*cktail

Here’s how to whip up this super simple recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the glasses

Dampen the rim of yourmartini glass with a wet paper towel. Dip the rim in sanding sugar to give them some sparkle and a touch ofsweetness.

I used yellow to complement the color of the co*cktail.

Step 2: Make the co*cktail

Combine vodka, triple sec, orange juice, and lemon juice in a pitcher. You can chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

California Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe (3)

And for my final garnish, I cut a round slice of orange, removed the juicy orange part, then thinned out the peel with a paring knife. I held it in a tight twist for a few seconds, and let go. It made the prettiest garnish!

What I love about this drink is the sweetness from theTriple Sec and the acidicpunchfrom the orange and lemon juices.It’s a nicely balanced co*cktail with fun boldness.

Tips and Substitutions

  • For the ultimate co*cktail, use freshly-juiced citrus.
  • Garnish with a twist of lemon or orange or a combination of both.
  • Adjust the sweetness with a splash of agave nectar or simple syrup if your juices are slightly sour.
  • If you have stored your co*cktail in the fridge, shake it quickly before serving it.
  • You can use some fresh limes if you don’t have lemons. Fresh lime juice takes a bit of time to squeeze but it’s delicious!

FAQs

What drink is California known for?

Being grape country – California is best known for its American wines.

What liquor serves as the base for the classic Cosmopolitan?

Vodka is the key alcohol in a classic Cosmo.

Is a Cosmopolitan sour?

It’s a well-balanced drink in fact – sweet and sour taste with a touch of bitterness.

What food goes well with this co*cktail?

We recommend parmesan crisps and veggies with our and delicious lemon chive goat cheese dip, or these delicious herb gruyère gougères.

Other co*cktails You Might Like

  • Sea Breeze co*cktail
  • Summer Citrus Sangria
  • Summer Blueberry Mojito
  • Cranberry Orange Martini
  • Champagne Mojitos
  • Mint Orange Bitters Mocktail Recipe

Let me know if you use this recipe at your co*cktail party. I’d love to hear what you think.

California Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe (6)

California Cosmopolitan co*cktail

Here’s our fun holiday to serve during the holidays. Most people think of eggnog or peppermint as their Christmas flavors of choice, but when I think winter… I think citrus!

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Course: co*cktail

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 250kcal

Author: Jillian Tohber Leslie

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Pinnacle vodka
  • ½ cup triple sec
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ cup sanding sugar for the rim of the glass

Instructions

  • Dampen the rim of your martini glass with a wet paper towel. Dip the rim in sanding sugar to give the glasses some sparkle and the drink a touch of sweetness. I used yellow to complement the color of the co*cktail.

  • Combine vodka, triple sec, orange juice, and lemon juice in a pitcher. You can chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

Notes

To garnish, I cut a round slice of orange, removed the juicy orange part, then thinned out the peel with a paring knife. I held it in a tight twist for a few seconds, and let go.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 64IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

California Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best vodka to use in a Cosmopolitan? ›

What Is the Best Vodka for a Cosmo? While purists will insist on a lemon-accented citron vodka such as Absolut Citron (and I recommend as much), there are more than a few ways to approach the cosmopolitan. The citrus accents to the vodka are somewhat key, however, unless you want to add lemon juice on your own.

Can you use Grand Marnier instead of Cointreau in a Cosmopolitan? ›

Grand Marnier is aged from cognac and therefore considered a curaçao style triple sec, while Cointreau is unaged and made from a neutral spirit. Because of this production difference, Grand Marnier is heavier and a bit sweeter. So can you still use it in your Cosmo recipe? Sure!

What is the difference between a Cosmopolitan and Metropolitan co*cktail? ›

The key difference is that instead of citrus vodka, metropolitans use black currant vodka. Absolut Kurant and Burnett's Blackberry are budget-friendly, quality options.

Which is better in a Cosmo Cointreau or Grand Marnier? ›

In our opinion, Cointreau is more versatile in co*cktails.

Grand Marnier is much heavier, which can throw off a lighter style co*cktail like a Corpse Reviver #2 or Cosmopolitan.

Is Cointreau and triple sec the same thing? ›

While Grand Marnier and Cointreau are brand names of specific products, Triple Sec is actually a category in and of itself. Many brands make Triple Sec — in fact, Cointreau itself is a triple sec. The alcohol content in different types of Triple Sec vary quite a bit – from about 15 percent to as much as 40 percent.

What type of person drinks a Cosmopolitan? ›

Those who pick a Cosmopolitan as their co*cktail of choice enjoy their freedom and independence and like to make a bold statement. Sipping a Cosmopolitan says to the world that you're a trendsetter, the life and soul of the party and a natural leader too.

What drink numbs your mouth at the Cosmopolitan? ›

with one of the most popular drinks in Las Vegas? and making your mouth go completely numb? you can find it at the Chandelier Bar. at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. it's called the Verbena co*cktail, and it has a lemonade type vibe.

What can you substitute for triple sec in a Cosmopolitan? ›

Easy triple sec substitutions to try
  • Grand Marnier. Grand Marnier is our top triple sec substitution. ...
  • Cointreau. Cointreau liqueur also makes a great substitute for triple sec. ...
  • Curaçao. ...
  • Combier Liqueur d'Orange. ...
  • Maraschino Liqueur. ...
  • Orange extract. ...
  • Grenadine. ...
  • St-Germain.
May 11, 2023

What is the best orange liqueur for a Cosmopolitan? ›

Dekuyper Triple Sec Liqueur

This is a classic for a reason—it's sweet but not overly so, and provides just the right amount of citrus flavor for any co*cktail, from a Margarita to a Cosmopolitan.

Why is Grand Marnier so expensive? ›

It all comes down to branding and creating a sense of exclusivity. Everything about the Grand Marnier brand, including the packaging, is designed to give a sense of sophistication. That is why a 750ml bottle of Cointreau will cost you $30-35 and the same size bottle of Grand Marnier will run you $35-45.

Why is triple sec so cheap? ›

Price. These orange liqueurs also fall under varied price ranges because of their different manufacturing processes. Since several brand names produce triple sec liqueur, this drink is more affordable than Cointreau. Not to mention this liqueur presumably uses less expensive ingredients and methods.

Is A Cosmopolitan stronger than a martini? ›

The Cosmopolitan is a great option for those who prefer sweeter drinks, while the Martini is a more classic and sophisticated choice for those who prefer a stronger, more complex flavour profile.

Which is better margarita or Cosmopolitan? ›

It's Essentially a Margarita

Made with vodka, fresh lime juice, Cointreau and cranberry juice, the Cosmopolitan is essentially the love child of a Margarita and a Vodka Cran. If you're a devoted fan of either co*cktail—especially the Margarita—you should give the Cosmopolitan another try.

What's the main alcohol in a Cosmopolitan? ›

Cosmopolitan co*cktails are a classic, elegant vodka co*cktail made famous by the ladies of Sex and the City! Not to sweet, not too tart, super quick to make made with cranberry juice, lime juice, vodka and cointreau. Serve this for elegant pre dinner drinks, to ring in the New Year or an evening in with the girls!

What alcohol is used in Cosmopolitan? ›

Here's what's in a classic Cosmopolitan co*cktail: Vodka – Despite the drink's history, I make mine with regular, not flavored, vodka. Cointreau or triple sec – The sweet orange liqueur adds citrusy depth to the drink. Cranberry juice – For tart flavor and pretty pink color.

What is the best citron vodka for cosmopolitans? ›

Absolut Citron was the original brand used in the Cosmopolitan, I often use Stoli Citrus, but every vodka brand makes a citrus flavor and I'm sure any one of them is just fine. That all being said, traditional vodka works great in a Cosmo too. Maybe use a lemon peel instead of an orange for garnish.

What is the best vodka with the highest alcohol content? ›

1. Polmos Spirytus Rektyfikowany Vodka. The world's strongest liquor is a rectified Polish spirit typically used by home distillers to create their own flavored vodkas. You can drink it straight, but since it's practically pure alcohol, it has a powerful kick so it's generally not recommended.

What is the famous drink at the cosmo? ›

with one of the most popular drinks in Las Vegas? and making your mouth go completely numb? you can find it at the Chandelier Bar. at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. it's called the Verbena co*cktail, and it has a lemonade type vibe.

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