Originally Posted On May 10, 2023 and Last Updated On October 28, 2023

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Types of Cosmopolitan Drinks Variations

Do you love a great cosmopolitan but are looking for ways to change up on the same old recipes you’ve been drinking? Want a few types of cosmopolitan drinks, maybe even a few cosmopolitans without cranberry juice?

The great thing about any drink is that there are always variations to be made, and that includes cosmos as well. A simple twist on an old idea can make something good, great. And that’s what I’m trying to do with these cosmos variations, add a little pizazz.

What is in a Cosmopolitan?

Cosmopolitan cocktails or Cosmos are drinks typically made with citron vodka, triple-sec (orange-flavored liquor), cranberry juice, and lime juice.

The drink’s simplicity, owing to the few ingredients and savory taste that’s not too overwhelmingly sweet, has made the cosmopolitan a favorite beverage among drinkers.

Thanks to Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Carrie Bradshaw, in Sex and the City the Cosmo has gained an even broader following than ever before. And of course the fame of this drink has followed the show and later the movies.

But the truth is, it was always a great drink. It just needed a little spot light for people to notice it once again.

And although the cosmopolitan is usually popular among the ladies, however, this does not in any way mean that the cosmo cannot be enjoyed by men. I’ve served plenty of cosmopolitan drinks to men, some who have taken variations of the drink, such as a pomegranate cosmo.

Cosmopolitan Garnishes

The drink is almost always served with a lemon twist that can garnish the side of the glass or be placed into the drink itself. But of course you can either throw tradition aside, or just go with what you have.

Orange slices, lime slices or wedges, even rimming the glass with a little sugar all make for nice looking garnishes. Or if you’re using one of the variations listed below, go with what ingredients are being replaced, like a slice of blood orange for a blood orange cosmo.

Although these cocktails are usually shaken, they can also be stirred depending on the drinker’s preference.

As mentioned above, although cosmos are usually made with citron vodka, triple sec, cranberry and lime juice, different variations of the drink can be made. My personal favorite is the blood orange cosmopolitan or the pomegranate cosmopolitan I’ve already mentioned above.

I’ve listed a few cosmo cocktail recipes below. I’m constantly adding new recipes as I see fit, so please check back often or contact me with your own variation and I’ll add it to this list.

What Does a Cosmopolitan Taste Like?

Cosmos are very drinkable, which can be good or bad depending on your alcohol intake tolerances. These yummy drinks have a touch of tartness from the lime juice and an “orangey” sweetness from the Cointreau just below the freshness of the cranberry juice. And if you’re wondering what’s the best cranberry juice to use in a comso, follow the link and see!

And although you wouldn’t think these random flavors would mix well, they do indeed. To a point of making this vodka drink taste almost like a mocktail. Think Long Island Ice Tea here.

That’s why I say they are very drinkable, because you can barely tell there is alcohol in these.

Cosmopolitan Without Cranberry Juice?

There are a few recipes that change out the cranberry juice for other ingredients. I have a few listed below like the Blood-Orange Cosmo that changes out the cranberry for blood orange juice. Or the Pink Cosmo that substitutes cranberry juice with pink lemonade.

These alternatives to cranberry juice not only change the flavor of these drinks, but also the colors to give an even larger range of alternatives and substitutes to this classic drink.

Types of Cosmopolitan Drink Recipes

Even More Cosmopolitan Variations

Raspberry Rendezvous Cosmopolitan

• 1.5 oz Raspberry Vodka
• 0.5 oz Raspberry Liqueur
• 0.5 oz Triple Sec
• 0.5 oz Lime Juice
• Raspberries on a cocktail pick for garnish

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

Grapefruit Zest Cosmopolitan

• 2 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Grapefruit Juice
• 0.5 oz Triple Sec
• 0.5 oz Lime Juice
• Grapefruit twist for garnish

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a twist of grapefruit.

Orange Overload Cosmopolitan

• 1.5 oz Orange Liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
• 0.5 oz Orange Vodka
• 0.5 oz Lime Juice
• 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
• Orange peel twist for garnish

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Lingonberry Love Cosmopolitan

• 1.5 oz Lingonberry Juice
• 1 oz Vodka
• 0.5 oz Triple Sec
• 0.5 oz Lime Juice
• Fresh lingonberries for garnish

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with fresh lingonberries.

Hibiscus Elegance Cosmopolitan

• 1.5 oz Hibiscus Tea (cooled)
• 1 oz Vodka
• 0.5 oz Triple Sec
• 0.5 oz Lime Juice
• Hibiscus flower for garnish

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a hibiscus flower.

How Much Alcohol is in a Cosmo?

There are two ounces of alcohol in a cosmo or 59.1471 ml. Depending on the shot glass you are using to measure out the drink, it can be either 1 1 1/2 ounce shot plus a half a third, or if you have one ounce shot glasses, it would be 2 shots.

This does change when you are dealing with cosmo variations and the different types of cosmopolitan drinks. Each of these have their own amounts of alcohol and vary from one ounce to typically two ounces.

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.

Grape Cosmo – This is the drink for those of you that love grape vodka! A twist on the classic, this is also one stunning looking cocktail.

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!

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.