Skim by Section
★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★
This Cranberry Limoncello Cosmo, is inspired by a former co-workers and friend of mine, who happens to be a former long-term news anchor, now PR professional.
The working woman's drink
She loves her cosmos. And she's 100% the person you'd expect to see sipping a cosmo—dressed to the nines, relaxing after a long week of work, in the most posh bar in town. She works hard for her money, is self-made and proud of it. She's sweet as pie but will likely drop the f-bomb during a conversation in a moment of passion. You can't not love her.
Whenever I think of a cosmopolitan cocktail, I think of a working woman who's be out there grinding away, making money moves for her families or maybe just for a better life for herself.
I feel like the cosmo embodies many of the qualities of a strong woman.
★ How to Make this Cosmo ★
Here's how to make a Cranberry Limoncello Cosmo
Watch this how-to video that shows how to mix this drink, and also how to make the fun lemon twist garnish!
How to Garnish Your Cosmo
Second thing is the garnish. The lemon twist, in this case. It's actually super easy to make!
If you've never done it before, here's how to make a lemon twist garnish:
- Cut a round slice of lemon.
- Then cut the rind in one spot.
- Cut away the flesh of the lemon, leaving just the rind.
- Twist the rind tightly into a curly-Q shape. It will spring out just a bit but otherwise will hold its shape and will sit nicely on the side of your cosmo glass!
★ Tips & FAQs ★
Many cosmos go bad becuase they are too tart, too saturated with alcohol, or don't make enough to fill the glass.
This recipe has a nice balance between tart and sweet, isn't overly saturated with alcohol (although it is strong so sip slowly!), and the proportions fit nicely inside a standard sized, 6 ounce martini glass.
Last thing you may want is a cocktail shaker. If you don't have one, you can use a mason jar with a lid or you can get a shaker set on Amazon which comes with a shot glass to measure the ingredients.
You can also use a standard 2 ounce shot glass to measure your liquor and juice which is what I do since the cocktail shaker I own didn't come with any extras.
Cosmos are known for their luminescent color, are usually garnished with a flair, and come in a hour-glass shaped vessel that needs to be handled very delicately so it doesn't spill!
My favorite cosmos have a sugar rim because that first sip can pack a punch! If you're not a big cosmo drinker, you might not realize that they are mostly alcohol so you do need to be a little careful that you drink them slowly or things could get ugly quick, ha!
If you're curious to know more about the cosmo and it's origins, you can check out the full history of the cosmopolitan cocktail here.
There are a few things you're going to need in order to get the full experience of this iconic cocktail at home.
First, you're going to want a proper martini glass. Since half the fun of this cocktail is how it looks, you definitely want to be sure you're sipping it out of the right glassware. If you need a set of martini glass, you can grab some on Amazon or you may even be able to score a cheap set at your local grocery or dollar store like I did!
★ More Cocktail Recipes ★
Browse all my easy cocktail recipes that are easy to make at home.
This limoncello cranberry cosmo was featured on South Your Mouth and Inspire Me Monday!
Best Cranberry Limoncello Cosmo
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz limoncello
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- grenadine to taste (optional)
Garnish
- 1 teaspoon sugar for the rim
- 3 fresh cranberries
- 1 lemon peel
Mighty Mrs. is a #WalmartPartner.
Instructions
- Create your lemon twist. See instructions above or watch the video to see how.
- Sugar the rim. Once you're make your lemon twist, take the leftover flesh of the lemon and use that to rub onto the rim of your cosmo glass in order to make it sticky.Pour sugar onto a flat plate then dip the lemon-rubbed rim of the glass into the sugar until the rim is coated in sugar.
- Mix cocktail. Add vodka, limoncello, and cranberry juice to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Optional: If you prefer a sweeter cosmo, add a splash of grenadine to the mix.
- Serve. Strain mixture into your sugar-rimmed glass and garnish by floating fresh cranberries in the drink, then rest the lemon twist on the edge of your glass. Sip and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- You can stir in grenadine after you taste your cocktail if you aren't sure how sweet you want it. Whisk it in with a fork or a swizzle stick.
Cyn says
Can we use Pomegranate juice instead?
Angela G. says
Yes, you can use Pomegranate juice. That's a very close substitute. Thanks for asking!
Joann says
This cocktail is great with a champagne topper!
Rosie says
This was our Thanksgiving Day cocktail- enjoyed by all. Thank you!
Stacey says
Is the limoncello alcohol or non-alcohol?
Angela G. says
Hi Stacy, this is written to include the alcoholic version of limoncello but you could actually use the non-alcoholic version if you'd like a less potent cocktail. Your choice! Amount would be the same.
Mayli says
Too sweet for me but I tries it this way and it’s great!
2 oz vodka
1/2 oz limoncello
1 1/2 oz cranberry juice
Angela G. says
Thanks for the feedback! Glad you found just the right balance for your taste buds. 🙂
Cindy says
@Angela G., do we use cranberry juice sweetened or unsweetened?
Angela G. says
I use Ocean Spray Original Cranberry Juice Cocktail but you can choose the type you prefer depending on level of sweetness you like.