Best Cranberry Limoncello Cosmo - Mighty Mrs | Super Easy Recipes (2024)

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This week's co*cktail, the Cranberry Limoncello Cosmo, is inspired by a former co-workers and friend of mine, who happens to be a former long-term news anchor, now PR professional.

The working woman's drink

She loves her cosmos. And she's 100% the person you'd expect to see sipping a cosmo—dressed to the nines, relaxing after a long week of work, in the most posh bar in town. She works hard for her money, is self-made and proud of it. She's sweet as pie but will likely drop the f-bomb during a conversation in a moment of passion. You can't not love her.

Whenever I think of a cosmopolitan co*cktail, I think of a working woman who's be out there grinding away, making money moves for her families or maybe just for a better life for herself.

I feel like the cosmo embodies many of the qualities of a strong woman.

What makes a cosmo so special?

Cosmos are known for their luminescent color, are usually garnished with a flair, and come in a hour-glass shaped vessel that needs to be handled very delicately so it doesn't spill!

My favorite cosmos have a sugar rim because that first sip can pack a punch! If you're not a big cosmo drinker, you might not realize that they are mostly alcohol so you do need to be a little careful that you drink them slowly or things could get ugly quick, ha!

If you're curious to know more about the cosmo and it's origins, you can check out the full history of the cosmopolitan co*cktail here.

How to Make a Cosmo at Home

There are a few things you're going to need in order to get the full experience of this iconic co*cktail at home.

First, you're going to want a proper martini glass. Since half the fun of this co*cktail is how it looks, you definitely want to be sure you're sipping it out of the right glassware. If you need a set of martini glass, you can grab some on Amazon or you may even be able to score a cheap set at your local grocery or dollar store like I did!

How to Garnish Your Cosmo

Second thing is the garnish. The lemon twist, in this case. It's actually super easy to make!

If you've never done it before, here's how to make a lemon twist garnish:

1. Cut a round slice of lemon.
2. Then cut the rind in one spot.
3. Cut away the flesh of the lemon, leaving just the rind.
4. Twist the rind tightly into a curly-Q shape. It will spring out just a bit but otherwise will hold its shape and will sit nicely on the side of your cosmo glass!

How to Make this Cranberry Limoncello Cosmo

Watch this how-to video that shows how to mix this drink, and also how to make the fun lemon twist garnish!

Special equipment you'll need

Last thing you may want is a co*cktail shaker. If you don't have one, you can use a mason jar with a lid or you can get a shaker set on Amazon which comes with a shot glass to measure the ingredients.

You can also use a standard 2 ounce shot glass to measure your liquor and juice which is what I do since the co*cktail shaker I own didn't come with any extras.

Why is this the best limoncello cranberry cosmo?

Final thing I want to just mention is the reason I'm calling this the "best" limoncello cranberry cosmo. It is because I've tried several recipes and they are surprisingly BAD. They were too tart, too saturated with alcohol, didn't make enough to fill the glass, etc.

So this recipe has a nice balance between tart and sweet, isn't overly saturated with alcohol (although it is strong so sip slowly!), and the proportions fit nicely inside a standard sized, 6 ounce martini glass.

Other co*cktails to try making at home

Browse all my co*cktail recipes that are easy to make at home.

This limoncello cranberry cosmo was featured on South Your Mouth!Inspire Me Monday!

Best Cranberry Limoncello Cosmo - Mighty Mrs | Super Easy Recipes (1)

Best Cranberry Limoncello Cosmo - Mighty Mrs | Super Easy Recipes (2)

Best Cranberry Limoncello Cosmo

Author: Angela G.

Cosmos are known for their luminescent color, are usually garnished with a flair, and come in a hour-glass shaped vessel that needs to be handled very delicately so it doesn’t spill!

Read Comments

Course: co*cktails

Cuisine: American

Skill Level: Easy

Recipe Type: Alcoholic Beverage, Summer, Thanksgiving

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 Servings

Yield: 1 cosmo

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz limoncello
  • 2 oz cranberry juice
  • Sugar for the rim
  • Grenadine to taste optional
  • Fresh cranberries and lemon slice for garnish

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Instructions

  • Start with creating your lemon twist. See instructions above or watch the video below if you're not sure how to make a lemon twist garnish.

  • Once you're make your lemon twist, take the leftover flesh of the lemon and use that to rub onto the rim of your martini glass in order to make it sticky.

  • Pour a good amount of sugar onto a flat plate then dip the lemon-rubbed rim of the glass into the sugar until the rim is nice and sugary. (I typically pour the remaining sugar back into my sugar canister when done)

  • Next, add vodka, limoncello, and cranberry juice to a co*cktail shaker with ice and shake. If you prefer a sweeter cosmo, add a splash of grenadine too. Strain into your sugar-rimmed glass and garnish by floating a fresh (or frozen) cranberries in the drink and then rest the lemon twist on the edge of your glass.

  • Sip and enjoy!

Video

Recommended equipment listed may contain affiliate links.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg

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Related:

  • Classic Moscow Mule
  • Grandpa's Green Stinger Drink
  • Island Time co*cktail
  • Thin Mint co*cktail
Best Cranberry Limoncello Cosmo - Mighty Mrs | Super Easy Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What should limoncello be mixed with? ›

A Limoncello spritz is sure to whisk you away to the south of Italy, where Italians sip on the bright, sweet, and tart Limoncello liqueur as an aperitif or after-dinner drink. Add in Prosecco, club soda, and a few citrus slices and you have a festive sparkling co*cktail.

What is the best way to have limoncello? ›

Limoncello is best enjoyed when consumed slowly. This allows you to fully appreciate the intricate flavours imparted by the lemon zest. Whether served in a shot glass, a small stemmed glass, or a ceramic cup, take your time to savour each sip.

What can I substitute for cranberry juice in a cosmo? ›

Blackberry Cosmopolitan: Replaces the cranberry juice with the juice from muddled blackberries. Rude Cosmopolitan: Substitute tequila for the vodka. Blueberry Pomegranate Cosmopolitan: Replaces the cranberry juice with pomegranate and muddled blueberries.

Does a cosmo have sugar on the rim? ›

You only need four ingredients to make the perfect cosmo — citron vodka, triple sec or cointreau, cranberry juice and a lime (none of that bottled stuff. I try to keep fresh limes handy at all times.) If you want to be fancy, get yourself some martini glasses. I like to line the rim with sugar.

Do you refrigerate limoncello? ›

The best-tasting Italian Limoncellos come from the Amalfi coast of Italy and use the sfusato Amalfitano lemon. It's used in many dishes and gives Limoncello its light and zingy taste. You should always store Limoncello either in the refrigerator or the freezer.

What pairs with limoncello? ›

Limoncello and its ingredient pairings

Its dominant orange, lemon and citrus aromas can be paired with grapefruit, mango, black currant, blueberries, ginger, cinnamon, cheddar and triple sec.

Can you get drunk on limoncello? ›

As limoncello has a relatively high ABV, you can indeed get drunk off limoncello. It is for this reason that we encourage you to take care and drink responsibly.

What can I do with a bottle of limoncello? ›

For simple yet sublime dishes, pour chilled limoncello over fresh fruit, gelato or pound cake. Whisk it into ricotta or mascarpone cheese and serve it alongside grilled fruit or rustic cakes. Limoncello also makes a zippy icing for treats such as ricotta cookies or polenta cake.

How do you get the bitterness out of limoncello? ›

Re: Redistilling bitter limoncello

Try adding a teeny pinch of salt. It kills bitterness.

What's the difference between a cosmo and a cosmopolitan? ›

A cosmopolitan, or simply "cosmo," is a vodka co*cktail made with triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. The drink was invented in the 1930s, but rose in popularity in the 1990s.

What vodka is best in a cosmo? ›

It actually tastes like lemon or rather lemon peel, in limoncello-ish way. Most importantly, it enhances the drink's flavors. Absolut Citron was the original brand used in the Cosmopolitan, I often use Stoli Citrus, but every vodka brand makes a citrus flavor and I'm sure any one of them is just fine.

Which is better, Triple Sec or Cointreau? ›

While Cointreau is a premium option with a higher price point and ABV, triple sec is a more affordable and sweeter alternative. Regardless of your preference, Red & White offers both options for purchase, making it a convenient one-stop-shop for all your liquor needs.

Which is better in a Cosmo Cointreau or Grand Marnier? ›

Cointreau is a little less expensive, but it has a delicious, pronounced “clean” citrus aroma which I love. I use it in most of my co*cktail recipes (rather than Triple Sec or Grand Marnier), especially when I'm serving a drink that is served straight up – like this Cosmopolitan.

What alcohol goes in a cosmo? ›

Here's what's in a classic Cosmopolitan co*cktail: Vodka – Despite the drink's history, I make mine with regular, not flavored, vodka. Cointreau or triple sec – The sweet orange liqueur adds citrusy depth to the drink. Cranberry juice – For tart flavor and pretty pink color.

Does limoncello need a mixer? ›

It can be sipped on its own as digestif, mixed into sparkling water, shaken or stirred into co*cktails, like limoncello with tequila, limoncello gin or mixed melon and limoncello sangria.

How do Italians use limoncello? ›

Limoncello is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestif. Along the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, it is usually served in small ceramic glasses that are also chilled. This tradition has been carried into other parts of Italy.

What should good limoncello taste like? ›

What Does Limoncello Taste Like? Limoncello is a very sweet liqueur with an intense flavor of lemons. It lacks the tartness of lemon juice and is more like a spiked, highly-concentrated, citrus-flavored syrup that's very delicious.

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