Pink Cosmo Recipe

by | Jan 6, 2026 | Cocktail Recipes, Holiday Cocktails, Popular Cocktails, Seasonal Cocktails

pink cosmo on marble counter top with lime wheel garnish and fresh cut limes in the background

This Pink Cosmo is a bright, flirty twist on the classic Cosmopolitan. It keeps the signature vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry, and lime base, then adds a tiny hit of raspberry for that cloudy flamingo pink color people expect from a great cosmo.

If you are searching how to make a pink cosmo drink or wondering what a cosmopolitan is made of, this recipe walks you through the exact ratios, bartender tips, and easy swaps to dial sweetness and color to your taste.

Quick navigation: jump to ingredients, steps, tips, and FAQs.

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  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 0 minutes
  • Total time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail
  • Glassware: Martini glass or coupe
  • Flavor profile: Citrus, crisp, lightly sweet, tart
Color check: A great cosmo should be a soft, cloudy pink. If it turns bright red, you likely used too much cranberry or syrup.

Ingredients for a Pink Cosmo

For the cocktail

  • 2 oz vodka (citrus vodka like Absolut Citron is ideal, but any vodka works)
  • 1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
  • 1 oz cranberry juice (use cranberry cocktail for sweeter, 100% cranberry for tarter)
  • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 oz raspberry syrup (or grenadine, optional but recommended for pink color)
  • Ice

For the garnish

  • Lime wheel or lime twist
  • Orange peel (optional)
  • Fresh raspberry (optional)

How to Make a Pink Cosmo

  1. Chill the glass. Place a martini glass or coupe in the freezer for 5 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you mix.
  2. Build the drink in a shaker. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and raspberry syrup.
  3. Shake hard. Shake for 12 to 15 seconds until the shaker is very cold. This chills the drink fast and gives the slightly cloudy look people associate with a great cosmo.
  4. Strain and garnish. Empty your chilled glass. Double strain into the glass (optional for ultra smooth). Garnish with a lime twist, orange peel, or a fresh raspberry.

Bartender Tips for the Best Pink Cosmo

  • Use fresh lime juice. Bottled lime makes the drink taste flat fast.
  • Balance sweet vs tart. Start with cranberry cocktail and no extra syrup if you want it less sweet.
  • Control the pink. Add raspberry syrup in 1 teaspoon increments until the color looks right.
  • Double strain for a clean sip. It removes ice shards and any pulp for a smoother martini style finish.

Pink Cosmo Variations

  • Classic Cosmopolitan: Skip the raspberry syrup. Use 2 oz vodka, 1 oz Cointreau, 1 oz cranberry, and 1/2 oz lime.
  • Pink Cosmo with pomegranate: Replace 1/2 oz cranberry with pomegranate juice for a deeper fruit note.
  • Less sweet version: Use unsweetened cranberry and omit syrup. Add a 1/4 oz simple syrup only if needed.
  • Sparkling Pink Cosmo: Shake everything except bubbles, then top with 1 to 2 oz prosecco or club soda.

Big Batch Pink Cosmo Pitcher (8 Cocktails)

For a Valentine’s party, batching saves time and keeps drinks consistent. Mix the following in a pitcher and chill. Shake each serving with ice before pouring.

  • 16 oz vodka
  • 8 oz orange liqueur
  • 8 oz cranberry juice
  • 4 oz fresh lime juice
  • 2 oz raspberry syrup (adjust to taste and color)

Tip: Do not add ice to the pitcher. Ice belongs in the shaker so the cocktail stays bright, not watered down.

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Mixers and garnishes

Pink Cosmo Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

Nutrition varies by brand and pour accuracy. These estimates assume standard vodka, Cointreau, and cranberry cocktail.

  • Serving size: 1 cocktail
  • Calories: ~210
  • Carbohydrates: ~16 g
  • Sugars: ~14 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Sodium: ~10 mg

Pink Cosmo FAQs

How do you make a pink cosmo drink?

Fill a shaker with ice, then add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz orange liqueur, 1 oz cranberry juice, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, and a small splash of raspberry syrup for pink color. Shake hard until cold and strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.

What is a Cosmopolitan drink made of?

A Cosmopolitan is typically made with vodka, orange liqueur (like Cointreau or triple sec), cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice. It is shaken with ice and strained into a chilled martini style glass, usually with a citrus garnish.

Should a Cosmopolitan be red or pink?

A well made cosmo is usually a soft, cloudy pink. If it looks bright red, the drink often has too much cranberry or added coloring. Aim for a balanced sweet tart profile and a gentle pink tone.

What four ingredients are in a Cosmopolitan?

The classic four are vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime juice. A pink cosmo may add a small amount of raspberry syrup or a similar fruit accent for color and flavor.

More Valentine’s Cocktails to Try

Planning a Valentine’s Party?

Use our Alcohol Shopping List Calculator to estimate bottles for cosmos and champagne cocktails, or explore the Valentine’s cocktails collection for a full party lineup.

Want to enjoy the night instead of bartending? Check availability and hire a bartender on Long Island.