This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.
The cranberry cosmopolitan is a crisp, vibrant cocktail that brings together sweet, tart and citrusy notes in every sip. With just a few ingredients, this cocktail is easy to mix but makes a big impression. The rich red color and zingy lime twist give it a polished, party-ready feel, while the balance of vodka, cranberry juice and orange liqueur makes it as tasty as it is elegant. This is a timeless drink with a festive flair.
This cranberry cosmopolitan blends vodka, cranberry juice, lime and orange liqueur for a bold, fruity cocktail that’s smooth, bright and easy to make.
Snacks you might enjoy served with cosmos include shrimp ceviche, boiled peanuts or, for the sweet-toothed, some vanilla cookies.
Why You’ll Love It
Simple ingredients: Everything you need is easy to find.
Quick to make: Shake, strain and serve in just a few minutes.
Beautiful presentation: Vibrant color and citrus garnish make it stand out.
Customizable flavor: Adjust lime or sweetness to suit your taste.
Great for any occasion: Works for casual evenings or cocktail parties.
Cranberry Cosmopolitan Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Vodka: The clean, neutral base that carries the other flavors.
Orange liqueur: Brings in a smooth citrus sweetness.
Cranberry juice cocktail: Adds tartness and a bright red color.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed to balance the sweetness with acidity.
Ice cubes: To chill the drink and dilute it slightly for a smoother sip.
How to Make a Cosmopolitan Cocktail with Cranberries
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Combine ingredients: Add vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, orange liqueur and ice to a cocktail shaker.
Shake the mixture: Shake until cold and well mixed.
Strain into a glass: Pour into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish and serve: Add a twist of orange peel for aroma and style.
Substitutions and Variations
Use lemon juice instead of lime: For a slightly different citrus edge.
Try white cranberry juice: For a softer color and milder tartness.
Swap plain vodka for citrus vodka: Adds an extra burst of flavor.
Add a splash of soda water: For a lighter, sparkling version.
Serving Suggestions
With savory snacks: Pair your cranberry cosmos with brie cranberry bites, cowboy caviar dip or cheesy jalapeno corn dogs.
With something sweet: Enjoy chocolate marshmallow cookies or lemon blueberry sweet rolls with your cocktail.
How to Store Cranberry Cosmos
Store: You can store this for up to a couple of days. Don’t add the ice until serving.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing these.
Top Tips
Use fresh lime juice: It makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Chill your glass: Helps keep the drink cold and crisp.
Shake well with ice: Ensures proper chilling and dilution.
Garnish with care: A twist of orange peel adds aroma and visual appeal.
Cranberry Cosmopolitan FAQs
No, cocktail is sweeter and works better for this drink.
Yes, just scale up the ingredients and chill before serving.
A martini glass is traditional, but a coupe glass works too.
Cranberry Cosmopolitan
Ingredients
- 3 Ounces vodka
- 1 Ounce orange liqueur
- 3 Ounces cranberry juice cocktail
- 3 Teaspoons lime juice, freshly squeezed, more if needed
- 1 Cup ice cubes
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the ice, vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice and orange liqueur.
- Shake until well combined.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Twist orange peel over a cocktail and add to glass.
Notes
Chill your glass: Helps keep the drink cold and crisp.
Shake well with ice: Ensures proper chilling and dilution.
Garnish with care: A twist of orange peel adds aroma and visual appeal.
Nutrition
The cranberry cosmopolitan is a bright, refreshing cocktail that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any gathering. With its vibrant color and balanced flavor, it’s a great choice when you want something fruity, tart and just a little fancy. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this cocktail delivers on both presentation and taste. Make the perfect cosmopolitan with this easy cranberry cocktail recipe.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
The presentation is gorgeous and it looks like it tastes amazing!
Cosmopolitan is one of my favourite cocktail. I think I have never tried with cranberries.
Oh my, this is a blast from the past for me. Cosmo was my go-to cocktail when feeling fancy “back in the day” at bars and clubs, thanks to Sex and the City LOL!! Gotta make this myself now!!
Such a yummy cocktail, perfect to chill at the end of the week
Yes please, I would love to sip on this. It sounds and looks incredible.
Oh this is definitely up my alley. I love the combination of this flavors. Cin cin!