Grape Cosmo: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Originally Posted On October 28, 2023 and Last Updated On October 28, 2023

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How to Make a Grape Cosmo: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Our Grape Cosmo recipe is a colorful twist on the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail. With its vibrant purple hue and a burst of grape flavor, it’s a refreshing and visually stunning choice for your next cocktail soirée.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to create the perfect Grape Cosmo, complete with ingredient details, serving suggestions, and tips to make it shine, so you can become the ultimate home mixologist.

Grape Cosmo Recipe

Ingredients and Brands

Before you start making your Grape Cosmo, it’s essential to gather the necessary ingredients so you have everything on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pinnacle Grape Vodka: Pinnacle offers a delicious grape-flavored vodka perfect for this cocktail.
• DeKuyper Triple Sec Liqueur: Known for its sweet orange flavor, DeKuyper Triple Sec is a staple in many cocktails.
• DeKuyper Razzmatazz Schnapps Liqueur: This raspberry liqueur adds a fruity twist.
• Orange Slice: The orange slice not only garnishes your drink but also adds a hint of citrus aroma.

Measurement (ML)	Measurement (Ounces)	Ingredient
60 ml	2 oz	Pinnacle® Grape Vodka
30 ml	1 oz	DeKuyper® Triple Sec Liqueur
15 ml	0.5 oz	DeKuyper® Razzmatazz® Schnapps Liqueur
Garnish	–	Orange Slice

Equipment

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s make sure you have the right bar tools to create your Grape Cosmo:

• Shaker: A shaker is necessary for combining all the ingredients and chilling the cocktail as there is no ice in the final drink.
• Strainer: To strain the cocktail into the cosmo glass and catch any ice or fruit pulp.
• Cosmo Glass: A classic cosmo glass enhances the cocktail’s presentation, and a martini glass will do if you don’t have the proper bar glass types.
• Jigger: This will help you accurately measure the ingredients in ounces for a perfectly balanced Grape Cosmo.

Tip: You can find cocktail shaker sets that include a strainer and jigger, making it easy to acquire all the necessary equipment.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making a Grape Cosmo:

1. Chill the Glass: Begin by chilling your martini glass. You can do this by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice from your ice machine and cold water while you prepare the cocktail. This ensures your Grape Cosmo is served at the perfect temperature.
2. Measure the Ingredients: Use a jigger to measure the following into your shaker:
   • 2 oz Grape Vodka
   • 1 oz Triple Sec
   • 0.5 oz Razzmatazz Schnapps Liqueur
   • A handful of ice cubes
3. Mix in the Shaker: Secure the lid of your shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This chills the cocktail and thoroughly combines all the ingredients.
4. Strain into the Cosmo or Martini Glass: Using a strainer, pour the Grape Cosmo into your chilled martini glass. The strainer will catch any ice or pulp, ensuring a smooth drink.
5. Garnish with Fresh Grapes: For a final touch, skewer a few fresh grapes on a cocktail pick or skewer and place them on the rim of the glass. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall grape flavor.

Your Grape Cosmo is now ready to be served. The sweet, grape-infused aroma and the vibrant purple color make it an instant eye-catcher at any gathering.

Tasting Notes: The Grape Cosmo is a delightful balance of sweet grape, citrus from the Triple Sec, and a hint of raspberry from the Schnapps. It’s a fruity and refreshing cocktail with a vibrant purple color.

Customizing Your Grape Cosmopolitan

One of the great things about the Grape Cosmo is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste or experiment with different flavors. Here are some ideas for variations:

• Garnish Options: Besides fresh grapes, you can garnish your Grape Cosmo with other fruits like lime wedges, edible flowers, or even a twist of grapefruit peel for a more sophisticated look.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add a bit more simple syrup. Conversely, if you like it less sweet, reduce the syrup quantity or skip it altogether.
• Exploring Different Spirits: While grape vodka is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other grape-based spirits or flavored vodkas. A grape liqueur can also be a fun twist.
• Frozen Grape Cosmo: Blend all the ingredients with ice to create a frozen Grape Cosmo, perfect for hot summer days. You can use an ice crusher at home to make the slush by hand.

Serving and Presentation

A well-presented cocktail enhances the overall drinking experience. Here are some tips for serving and presentation:

• A proper cosmo glass should be used, but if you don’t have one, use a martini glass with a stem to keep the drink cold longer and avoid warming it with your hand.
• For an extra flourish, you can rim the glass with sugar, which complements the Grape Cosmo’s sweetness.
• Add a cocktail stirrer for a final touch. A grape-themed stirrer or one that matches the garnish can elevate the presentation.

Pairing Suggestions

Pairing your drink with the right food can elevate your overall dining experience. Here are some great pairing options:

• Appetizers: Serve your Grape Cosmo with light appetizers like shrimp cocktail, bruschetta, or a cheese platter with grapes and crackers.
• Salads: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette or a citrusy chicken salad can be a perfect accompaniment.
• Main Courses: For a full meal, pair your Grape Cosmo with seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp or salmon, or even with chicken dishes.
• Desserts: If you have a sweet tooth, pair the Grape Cosmo with fruity desserts like berry tarts or a citrusy sorbet.
• Cheese: Cheese and cocktails are a great match. Consider serving your Grape Cosmo with a selection of cheeses, including brie, camembert, or gouda.

Tips and Tricks

To make your Grape Cosmo truly exceptional, here are some expert tips and tricks:

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better your Grape Cosmo will taste.
• Experiment with different grape vodka brands to find the one you like the most, as the flavor can vary.
• For a more intense grape flavor, muddle a few fresh grapes at the bottom of the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
• If you prefer a less tart Cosmo, reduce the lime juice slightly or increase the simple syrup.
• Ensure your cocktail is properly chilled and diluted by shaking it vigorously with plenty of ice, but not for too long or you’ll add too much water from the melted ice.
• Practice your garnish presentation. A well-garnished cocktail is more visually appealing and can make a lasting impression.

History and Trivia

The Cosmopolitan cocktail, often known as the “Cosmo,” gained popularity in the 1990s, thanks to its frequent appearance on the TV show “Sex and the City.”

It’s a descendant of the Daisy family of cocktails, which typically consist of a base spirit, citrus juice, and a sweetener. The Grape Cosmo is a creative twist on this classic, showcasing the delicious essence of grapes in the grape vodka.

One other interesting tid bit is that the drink doesn’t get its grape color from the grape vodka, which is clear, it actually gets all its coloring from the Razzmatazz Schnapps Liqueur.

Safety and Responsible Drinking: Remember to enjoy this cocktail responsibly. It contains alcohol, so be mindful of your alcohol intake and don’t drink and drive. Always prioritize safety.

Final Thoughts

Our Grape Cosmo recipe is a delightful and visually striking cocktail that’s sure to impress anyone who sees it, and it’s easy enough to make at home even with minimal equipment. With its fruity and refreshing flavors, it’s a unique twist on a true classic.

And if you have any ideas on how to make this better, let me know in the comments below. We love to hear what our readers are up to!

Some Yummy Cosmopolitan Variations

Pomegranate Cosmopolitan – This recipe doesn’t include any cranberry juice at all and uses pomegranate juice as opposed to cranberry juice to create a new refreshing twist.

Pink Cosmopolitan – This very pretty colored drink is made by substituting homemade pink lemonade for cranberry juice and is super easy to make!

Blood Orange Cosmo – Another play on this classic is taking out the cranberry for blood orange juice. The color is awesome and it gives a slightly different taste on regular orange juice. A must try cocktail!

Blue Cosmo Recipe – This beautiful blue cosmo recipe is great for any occasion and looks stunning with its electric blue color.

Skyy Vodka Cosmo – Made with Skyy vodka, this is close to the classic with a smooth vodka to make it even yummier.

More Cosmo Stuff!

Types of Cosmopolitan Drinks – Check out all the variations you can make using many of the substitutions we’ve listed on this page.

Best Cranberry Juice for Cosmopolitan – When making a great cosmo, you should be using the best ingredients possible. See which juices are worth grabbing and which to leave at the store!

Substitutes for Cranberry Juice in a Cosmopolitan – Don’t want or have cranberry juice, no worries. Check out our article to find the best substitutions.