5 Twists On The Classic Cosmopolitan That Are Just As Delicious (& Easy)

The Cosmopolitan, also lovingly known as the Cosmo, is a cocktail that has a loyal fan base worldwide. After all, what’s not to love about this signature cocktail? There is no palate that wouldn’t appreciate the satiating lemon zest, cranberry juice, vodka, triple sec and lime juice that creates a varied taste profile! 

Over time, the drink has been the subject of experimentation with unique results. For instance, the vodka is sometimes swapped with cachaça – a spirit made from sugarcane in Brazil. Here are some variations of the Cosmo for your next celebratory party. 

The Royale 

For this fizzy delight, you’ll need 30 ml vodka, 15 ml elderflower liqueur, 90 ml cranberry juice and a splash of champagne (50 ml). In a shaker, mix the vodka, elderflower liqueur and cranberry juice, pour in some ice and shake well. Strain the mix into a martini cocktail glass and then top it off with some champagne. You can also garnish it with some dried elderflower buds or a lemon twist. And there you have it! We've got to thank the French for this fizzy twist on a delicious cocktail that is widely popular across the globe.

The Cosmo Blossom 

First discovered in Kyoto, Japan to welcome the arrival of spring, this twist on the traditional recipe is loved for its floral and delicate notes. If you love your floral teas, this recipe could soon become your go-to. For this, you need 45 ml floral gin, 1 tbsp hibiscus syrup (Bring 2 cups water, half a cup of white sugar, one-third of a cup of dried hibiscus flowers, one-fourth of a cup of brown sugar and a handful of thinly sliced ginger to a boil. Strain the syrup and use it after it is cooled), 90 ml cranberry juice and 30 ml lemon juice. Fill a shaker with ice, and add the floral gin, hibiscus syrup, cranberry juice and lemon juice. Shake for 20 seconds and strain into a martini cocktail glass. You can garnish this with some edible flowers or a lemon twist. 

The Cosmo Noir  

First discovered in the jazz clubs of New Orleans, this cocktail is a hit amongst jazz enthusiasts and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Because you’re making this at home, be sure to invest in a good jazz record to truly enjoy the drink the way it is meant to. For this, you’ll need 30 ml blackberry-infused vodka, 15 ml crème de cassis (a sweet liqueur made from blackcurrants), 120 ml cranberry juice and 50 ml lemon juice. Fill a shaker with ice and add the vodka, crème de cassis, cranberry juice and lemon juice and shake well. Strain into a martini cocktail glass and garnish with fresh blackberries. 

The Mango Cosmo Paradise 

This recipe hails from Mumbai, where the fruit is available in abundance during the summer months. For this recipe, you’ll need 30 ml vodka, 15 ml triple sec, 2-3 tbsp mango puree, 100 ml cranberry juice, 30 ml lemon juice, and mango slices. To prepare the puree, you’ll need to blend finely chopped chunks of a ripe mango. Then, add some ice in a shaker, add the vodka, triple sec, mango puree, cranberry juice and lemon juice. Strain the mixture into a martini cocktail glass and garnish with mango slices. 

The Cosmo Elixir 

This cocktail was discovered in the gorgeous city of Istanbul. For this delicious rendition, you’ll need 30 ml lychee-infused vodka, 15 ml triple sec, 90 ml cranberry juice and 90 ml rose water. Fill a shaker with ice and add your vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and rose water. Shake well. Strain into a martini cocktail glass. Garnish with rose petals.