All-American Cranberry Cosmo
5 min
|
easy
|
gluten-free,
lactose-free,
low-fat,
pescatarian
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 min | 0 min | 5 min |
Introduction
This all-American cranberry cosmo is bright, tangy, and just sweet enough for an easy at-home cocktail night.
It’s perfect for holiday parties, girls’ night in, or any time you want a fun, colorful drink that feels a little fancy.
Citrus vodka, cranberry juice, and a splash of lime come together in a crisp, refreshing sip with a pretty blue-sugar rim.
Ingredients (1 serving)
Ingredients
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How to Make All-American Cranberry Cosmo
-
Chill the glass and prep the garnish
Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes so it gets nicely chilled.
Slice a thin lime wheel and set it aside for garnish.
-
Rim the glass with blue sanding sugar
Pour a little blue sanding sugar onto a small plate.
Run a lime wedge around the rim of the chilled glass, then dip the rim into the sugar until coated.
-
Combine the cocktail ingredients
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
Add the citrus vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.
-
Shake and strain
Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds, until the shaker feels very cold and the drink is well chilled.
Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
-
Garnish and serve
Float the lime wheel on top or slot it onto the rim, then serve immediately.
Substitutions
- Citrus vodka -> regular vodka
- Use plain vodka and add a splash more fresh lime juice or a strip of citrus peel. You still get that bright, zesty flavor, just a little lighter on the citrus perfume.
- Triple sec -> Cointreau or another orange liqueur
- Swap triple sec for Cointreau or a good orange liqueur for a slightly smoother, more complex orange note. The drink tastes a bit richer but still stays crisp and refreshing.
- Cranberry juice -> cranberry juice cocktail
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, use cranberry juice cocktail instead of 100% juice. It softens the tart edge and makes this feel more like a dessert-style party drink.
Tips
- Use plenty of fresh ice in the shaker
- Old or melty ice gives you a watery drink instead of that crisp, restaurant-bar texture.
- Shake longer than you think
- Keep shaking until the outside of the shaker is almost too cold to hold for a second.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste
- If it tastes too tart, add a tiny splash of simple syrup or more triple sec.
- Batch for a party
- Multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher, then shake individual portions with ice right before serving.
- Serve in chilled, smaller glasses
- A smaller martini glass keeps each drink colder and helps the color stay vivid to the last sip.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 153 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 0 | g |
| Total Fat | 0 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Can I make this cranberry cosmo without alcohol?
- Yes, you can make a really fun mocktail version. Use cranberry juice, lime juice, and orange juice, then top with lemon-lime soda or sparkling water. Serve it in the same glass with the blue sugar rim for the same festive look.
- What if I do not have a cocktail shaker?
- Use a large mason jar with a tight lid instead. Add the ice and ingredients, screw on the lid, then shake just like you would with a shaker.
- How do I keep the blue sanding sugar from sliding off the rim?
- Make sure the glass is dry on the outside before you rim it. Only wet a thin strip around the rim with lime, and press gently into the sugar. Let it sit upright for a minute so the sugar sets before pouring in the drink.
- Can I scale this recipe for a crowd ahead of time?
- Yes, mix everything except the ice and sanding sugar in a pitcher and chill it well. When guests arrive, rim the glasses, add ice to a shaker, and shake each portion to order.
Serving Suggestions
This bright red cosmo looks amazing with a tray of mini sliders or a classic chips and salsa spread.
For a fun bar-style twist, garnish with a skewered lime wedge and a few fresh cranberries when they are in season.
You can also swap the lime wheel for a star-cut apple slice for a playful patriotic vibe.
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