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Watermelon Cosmo Cocktail

There is something so refreshing about this watermelon cosmo recipe, which doesn’t stop at just quenching your thirst. It is pretty and delicious, too. But you’ll want to plan ahead to make this cosmo because it calls for homemade watermelon infused vodka.

The classic martini glass in front of the shaped one filled with the cosmo with some chunks of watermelon in it

Once you sip this delightful watermelon cosmo, you will want it to have a starring role in your cocktail rotation! So, take advantage of watermelon season and make a big batch of watermelon infused vodka. That way you can have this delicious cocktail even when watermelon season is over.

Although nowadays you can get watermelon almost year round, nothing is as good as vodka infused with fresh watermelon.

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If you are having a party and plan to serve this drink, know that watermelon vodka takes a week to infuse properly. Don’t be intimidated by alcohol infusions. They are super easy to make and taste so much better than the flavored versions you buy in the liquor store.

Infusing your own also allows you to control the ingredients, which is a great thing.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you click the link and buy something. You can read my disclosure here.

The cosmopolitan grows up

I remember the day when a cosmopolitan was made one way and one way only. Vodka, triple sec, lime and a splash of cranberry.  Today, we have so many variations of the classic drink, it’s mind boggling. But in a good and delicious way.

What type of cosmo do you like? Do you like the original or do you like the ‘newfangled’ ones?

Inquiring minds would like to know.

I’ll freely claim that my favorite cosmo is the blueberry mint.

Helpful tips

  • Originally, I made this cocktail with a popular, pre-sweetened brand of cranberry juice, BUT… now I use a natural non-sweetened juice, so if you use the popular brand, your drink will not be as dark as the one I make here. It is because the juice I use is a more robust, purer juice. I’ll keep the photo of my original watermelon cosmo at the bottom of this post so you can see what to expect.
  • If you opt to use pre-sweetened cranberry juice, OMIT the simple syrup as it would make it too sweet.
  • If you don’t want to infuse your own vodka, you can usually find different brands that make a watermelon vodka like Veil, Skyy and Smirnoff in the liquor store.
  • Although the vodka in the old photo below is pinkish, if you infuse your own vodka, you won’t always get that result. The vodka I infused for the new photos has a different tinge. Don’t be alarmed, it all tastes delicious.
  • If you are just washing a few limes, use a natural, unscented hand soap and rub your hands with the soap over the fruit. Run cold water over the limes as you use a vegetable brush on the skin.
  • Make your own simple syrup as it is easy. Here’s how:  measure equal parts of water and white sugar and place in a sauce pan, turn the heat on medium and bring the mixture to a boil, stir, then lower to a simmer for 5 minutes. Cool completely before using.

Ingredients and substitutions

  • Watermelon infused vodka – I really recommend infusing your own, but if you don’t want to go to the trouble, there are brands that are acceptable in this cocktail. (See helpful tips above.)
  • Cointreau – It is a delightfully delicious orange liquor. I’m very vocal about using mid-level to premium ingredients in cocktails.  I use Cointreau because the taste is superior to triple sec. I suggest you buy Cointreau because once you do, you’ll never go back to a cheaper brand. Since most cocktails take just a small amount of Cointreau, it’s a great investment and one bottle goes quite far. But if you are budget conscious, triple sec will do.
  • Lime juice – Always squeeze your own limes.  There is no substitute to freshly squeezed juice.
  • Cranberry juice – I stated in the notes that I use an unsweetened juice. I prefer to control the sweetness in cocktails and not leave it up these brands to determine how much sugar goes into my creations.
  • Simple syrupUse only if you use unsweetened cranberry juice, otherwise it will be too sweet. See helpful tip above on how to make your own.
  • Fresh watermelon – Perfect for garnish.

How to make the watermelon cosmo

Pre-step

Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice and get two martini glasses. Divide six watermelon chunks between two martini picks and set aside.

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

Step one

Gather the ingredients – watermelon infused vodka, Cointreau, lime, cranberry juice and simple syrup.

As you can see, the watermelon chunks are still in the vodka. I wanted to show you what it looks like after a week spent infusing in the refrigerator. (But don’t eat these chunks or use them as garnish! They taste terrible.)

Watermelon infused vodka, Cointreau, lime, cranberry juice and simple syrup on a black board

Step two

Measure 4 ounces of watermelon infused vodka.

Watermelon vodka measured out with the shaker filled with ice and chunks of watermelon on martini picks

Step three

Measure 1.5 ounces of Cointreau.

Cointreau measured out with the bottle in the background

Step four

Measure 1.5 ounces of lime juice.

lime juice measured out with the shaker and watermelon skewered on some picks

Step five

Measure 3/4 ounce simple syrup.

simple syrup measured out with the bottle in the background

Step six

Measure 1.5 ounces of cranberry juice.

cranberry juice measured out and the bottle in the background

Step seven

Cap the shaker and shake for 15 seconds.

Strain and divide between the two glasses and place a skewer of watermelon in each cocktail.

The classic glass in front filled with the watermelon drink. The watermelon chunks are in the glasses

See how robust and dark it is?  That’s what I was talking about earlier. Here is the old photo where I used sweetened cranberry juice.

The cosmo cocktail with the different cranberry juice poured out and ready to imbibe

Shall we see the vertical view?

Vertical view of the fancy martini glass filled with the cosmo with watermelon chunks garnishing them

Yum, right?

It is so delicious!

I hope you enjoyed this watermelon cosmo recipe!

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

If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below.  I love hearing from you!  You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOKTWITTERINSTAGRAM and PINTEREST  to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

Watermelon Cosmo in a classic martini glass - square

Watermelon Cosmo Cocktail

This watermelon cosmo is so refreshing and easy to make. It is perfectly sweetened and a delicious addition to your cocktail rotation.
5 from 11 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: Cocktails
Keyword: cosmo, watermelon cosmo
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 Cocktails
Calories: 241kcal

Ingredients

What’s in this?

  • 4 ounces watermelon vodka
  • 1.5 ounces Cointreau (or triple sec)
  • 1.5 ounces lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1.5 ounces cranberry juice (unsweetened)
  • .75 ounce simple syrup (ONLY IF USING UNSWEETENED CRANBERRY JUICE)

Garnish

  • 6 chunks watermelon

Instructions

Make it Don’t Break it

  • Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice and place 3 watermelon chunks on each martini pick
    6 chunks watermelon
  • Add vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, cranberry juice and simple syrup
    4 ounces watermelon vodka, 1.5 ounces Cointreau, 1.5 ounces lime juice, 1.5 ounces cranberry juice, .75 ounce simple syrup
  • Cover shaker and shake for 15 seconds
  • Strain and divide between the two martini glasses
  • Place watermelon chunks in glass
  • Sip
  • Smile
  • Enjoy
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Notes

Helpful Tips:
  • Originally, I made this cocktail with a popular, pre-sweetened brand of cranberry juice, BUT… now I use a natural non-sweetened juice, so if you use the popular brand, your drink will not be as dark as the one I make here. It is because the juice I use is a more robust, purer juice. I’ll keep the photo of my original watermelon cosmo at the bottom of this post so you can see what to expect.
  • If you opt to use pre-sweetened cranberry juice, OMIT the simple syrup as it would make it too sweet.
  • If you don’t want to infuse your own vodka, you can usually find different brands that make a watermelon vodka like Veil, Skyy and Smirnoff in the liquor store.
  • Although the vodka in the old photo below is pinkish, if you infuse your own vodka, you won’t always get that result. The vodka I infused for the new photos has a different tinge. Don’t be alarmed, it all tastes delicious.
  • If you are just washing a few limes, use a natural, unscented hand soap and rub your hands with the soap over the fruit. Run cold water over the limes as you use a vegetable brush on the skin.
  • Make your own simple syrup as it is easy. Here’s how:  measure equal parts of water and white sugar and place in a sauce pan, turn the heat on medium and bring the mixture to a boil, stir, then lower to a simmer for 5 minutes. Cool completely before using.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 25mg | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin C: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
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Originally published in June of 2017.

Website | + posts

From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.

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26 Comments

  1. This looks like my ultimate cocktail! I’m a cosmo girl through and through and this twist sounds amazing!

    1. Thanks Cliona. One of my cousins love, loves, loves cosmos. So, I’m always trying to figure out a different drink for her!

  2. woohoo~ Infused watermelon vodka at home! Love this! Watermelon and citruses sound fantastic together. Happy Friday! Time to find someone to enjoy to drink with! 😀

  3. What a delicious, not to mention ‘pretty’ drink! Perfect for this season when watermelons abound the supermarkets! Perfection!

  4. Watermelon infused vodka sounds to die for. I love this idea and could see it being tasty in so many different cocktails. I am huge fan of cosmopolitans! Cheers!

  5. Watermelon and Cosmo – what a combo! Love this idea. I will drink it all summer long.

  6. This is the perfect cocktail for the summer now that watermelon is in season! I love this! I will be making this for my next girls night in.

  7. The cosmo has always been a favourite of mine (thanks to Carrie Bradshaw!) I love this new and delicious version. Looks and tastes great!

    1. I’m sorry I didn’t see this comment, MoVan. In the recipe card there is a slider where it says servings. You can adjust the servings there and set it for how many people will be enjoying the drink. Hope that helped.

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