Cranberry Cosmo

A sophisticated twist on a classic cocktail, the cranberry cosmo is an elegant blend of flavors perfect for any occasion. This drink features homemade cranberry vodka and brings a unique and vibrant twist to the traditional cosmopolitan. The tartness of the cranberries, combined with the smoothness of the vodka, creates a refreshing and delightful experience.

There are only three ingredients in this delicious cocktail. And the thing that is so amazing about this cranberry cosmo is that the beautiful color and wonderful flavor doesn’t come from adding cranberry juice.  It comes from the homemade cranberry infused vodka.

I was thinking to myself the other day, why don’t I make this cocktail more? And then I realized that it’s because I make the cranberry infused vodka that goes into this cocktail just during the winter season.

Sooooo, this year, I am buying a bunch of bags of cranberries and freezing them so I can make more infused vodka which means I can make this drink year round!

Health benefits of cranberries

• Because cranberries contain antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, they help reduce the the ability of bacteria to adhere to the walls of the urinary tract.  So, cranberries are said to help with urinary tract infections
• Proanthocyanidins are also anti-microbial so they help with preventing gum disease
• Cranberries are packed with fiber so they are said to help with digestion
• Cranberries contain a lot of vitamin C.  One cup of cranberries contains 22% of the recommended daily allowance, so eating cranberries can boost your immune system

I’ve mentioned just a few of the benefits.  If you would like to read more of how wonderful cranberries are, here’s a great article.

What if I don’t have cranberry infused vodka, can I use store bought?

You sure can.  But, if you do use store bought, then buy one that is not artificially colored or flavored.  Buy a cranberry vodka that is naturally colored and flavored.  That way your cocktail will be vibrantly colored like this one.

Do I have to use fresh cranberries and rosemary for garnish?

No, you don’t have to but it looks so beautiful and makes for a festive holiday cocktail. A good alternative would be a thin lime wheel, but it won’t have the same effect.

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Helpful tips

• Plan ahead if you’re going to make cranberry-infused vodka: Allow the cranberries to infuse the vodka for at least a week to achieve a rich, vibrant flavor.
• Although I always ask that you make the recipe as written, you can adjust the sweetness of your cosmo by adding simple syrup or cranberry juice to taste.
• Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that enhances the cocktail.
• Shake the cocktail mixture vigorously with ice to achieve a well-blended and chilled drink.
• Garnish creatively: I love using fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs, but you can garnish with a twist of lime, or a sugared rim for an elegant presentation.
• Experiment with flavors: Add a splash of orange liqueur like Cointreau, or triple sec, or even a dash of orange bitters to customize the flavor profile.

How to make the cranberry cosmo

Pre-step

Take out two martini glasses, two martini picks, grab a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice.

After measuring out each ingredient, pour it into the shaker.

Garnish

Take 6 fresh cranberries and place 3 on each martini pick. Also get 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary and set it all aside.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – cranberry vodka, limes, and simple syrup. (A)

Step two

Measure 4 ounces of cranberry infused vodka. (B)

Step three

Measure 2 ounces of fresh lime juice. (C)

Step four

Measure 1 1/2 ounces simple syrup. (D)

Step four

Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

Strain, pour, and divide the cosmopolitan cocktail between each martini glass and place one pick of cranberries on the rim of one glass and the other inside the other glass. Add the sprigs of rosemary to the martini glasses and you are ready to taste this delicious cocktail.

Delicious and pretty.

I hope you enjoyed this cranberry cosmo recipe.

Please leave me a comment, what is your favorite holiday cocktail?

Other holiday cocktails

• Mistletoe martini
• Mistletoe margarita
• Cranberry martini
• Holly jolly cocktail

And as always may all your dishes/drinks be delish!

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