Virgin Cosmopolitan
This Virgin Cosmopolitan is a refreshing mocktail that captures all the sophistication of the classic cocktail without the alcohol. Tart cranberry juice, fresh lime, and bright orange create a perfectly balanced drink that's ready in just 5 minutes.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with tight lid
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Citrus juicer
- Fine-mesh strainer if shaker doesn't have built-in strainer
- Martini glass or coupe chilled
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 ounces cranberry juice 60ml, use 100% juice for tart flavor or cocktail cranberry for sweeter
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice 30ml, about half a lime
- 1 ounce fresh orange juice 30ml, freshly squeezed
- ½ ounce simple syrup 15ml, adjust to taste
- 2-3 dashes orange bitters optional, adds complexity
- ice cubes for shaking and serving
- 1 lime wheel or orange twist for garnish
Instructions
- Place your martini glass or coupe in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, or fill with ice water while preparing ingredients.
- Roll lime and orange on counter with firm pressure, then cut in half and squeeze to get 1 ounce each of fresh lime and orange juice.
- Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add cranberry juice, lime juice, orange juice, simple syrup, and orange bitters if using.
- Secure lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until outside of shaker becomes frosty and very cold.
- Remove chilled glass from freezer and strain mocktail into it in one smooth motion, filling almost to the rim.
- Garnish with lime wheel or orange twist and serve immediately while ice-cold.
Notes
- Always use fresh citrus juice for the best flavor - bottled juice doesn't compare to freshly squeezed.
- Choose 100% cranberry juice for a tarter, more sophisticated flavor, or cranberry juice cocktail for a sweeter drink.
- Make your own simple syrup by heating equal parts sugar and water until dissolved, then cool.
- Shake vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds to properly chill and dilute the drink.
- For parties, mix all juices and simple syrup in a pitcher ahead of time, then shake individual portions with ice to order.
- Fresh juice can be squeezed up to 4 hours ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For a sparkling version, top with 1-2 ounces of club soda or sparkling water just before serving.
- Adjust sweetness by starting with ½ ounce simple syrup and adding more to taste if needed.
- Orange bitters add complexity that mimics the triple sec in traditional Cosmos - highly recommended but optional.
- Serve immediately after shaking for best temperature and flavor - don't let it sit and warm up.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cocktailCalories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 1gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 145mgSugar: 20gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 58mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 2mg
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