Sep 02 2026
RestaurantsRiver Oak ChophouseZesty Cosmopolitan Recipe

Zesty Cosmopolitan Recipe

Time10m
Serves1

Make Zesty Cosmopolitan Recipe in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Cocktail

Garnish & Finish

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Chill glass

    Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the drink stays cold longer.

  2. 2

    Prepare citrus

    Roll a lime and an orange on the counter with the palm of your hand to release oils. Cut a lime in half and juice until you have 0.75 oz (about 1/2 a medium lime). Cut a thin strip of orange peel (about 1/2 inch wide) and set aside for express zesting and garnish.

Mixing

  1. 3

    Add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz orange liqueur, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, and 1 oz cranberry juice into a cocktail shaker. If you prefer a slightly sweeter Cosmopolitan, add 0.25 oz simple syrup.

  2. 4

    Fill the shaker with ice (about 1 cup) until roughly 3/4 full. Secure the shaker lid.

  3. 5

    Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds (until the shaker is very cold to the touch). A brisk shake aerates the drink and gives a slight froth and proper dilution.

  4. 6

    If desired, double-strain the cocktail through the shaker’s strainer and a fine strainer into the chilled glass to remove small ice shards and any pulp for a clean, smooth presentation.

Garnish & Serve

  1. 7

    Express the orange zest: hold the orange peel over the surface of the drink and give it a quick twist, skin-side down, so the oils spray onto the cocktail. Rub the rim of the glass lightly with the peel if desired.

  2. 8

    Drop the lime twist or place a lime wheel on the rim as a garnish. Optionally rest the orange twist on the rim or float on the surface.

  3. 9

    Serve immediately while cold.

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