Ingredients

For Mrs. Claus’ Cosmo, you’ll need the following ingredients to capture the essence of the holidays. Each element plays an important role in balancing flavor, color, and overall festive charm.

Core Ingredients:

2 oz vodka – A neutral vodka works best, but feel free to experiment with a cranberry- or vanilla-flavored vodka for added depth.
1 oz triple sec – This orange-flavored liqueur adds a citrusy note that balances the tart cranberry. Popular choices include Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
1 oz cranberry juice – Provides both the holiday red hue and a touch of sweetness to the cocktail.
1/2 oz fresh lime juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for a bright, zesty twist. It also balances the sweetness of the cranberry juice.
1/2 oz simple syrup (optional) – If you prefer a sweeter drink, simple syrup adds a touch of holiday warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Ice cubes – Necessary for shaking and chilling the cocktail to perfection.

Garnishes:

Fresh cranberries – Freeze these beforehand to double as edible “ice cubes” that won’t dilute the drink.
Lime wheel or twist – Adds visual interest and a hint of citrus aroma.
Edible glitter or sanding sugar for rim – Adds a frosty sparkle for that winter wonderland look.

Instructions

Preparation

Preparing Mrs. Claus’ Cosmo is simple and can be done in minutes, perfect for entertaining or even as a special treat after a long day of holiday preparations.

Step 1: Rim your glass with festive flair. For a frosty effect, dip the rim of a martini or coupe glass in a bit of lime juice, then press it into a plate of sanding sugar or edible glitter. This step adds an eye-catching sparkle that brings holiday cheer right to your fingertips.

Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, add a generous handful of ice cubes. The ice will chill the drink as you shake, ensuring it’s cool and refreshing from the first sip to the last.

Step 3: Pour the vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup into the shaker. This combination of ingredients creates a vibrant, flavorful drink that balances tart and sweet.

Step 4: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This ensures all the ingredients blend together, and the drink is perfectly chilled. The cocktail shaker should feel cold to the touch when it’s ready.

Step 5: Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass. To achieve a smooth drink with no ice shards, use a fine strainer or double strain as you pour. This will enhance the presentation and provide a velvety texture.

Step 6: Garnish with frozen cranberries for a festive look and a lime wheel or twist on the side. The cranberries will keep your drink cool, adding both function and beauty to the cocktail.

Notes

Using fresh ingredients makes a huge difference in the quality of your cocktail. Freshly squeezed lime juice provides a brightness that complements the flavors perfectly. If possible, opt for 100% cranberry juice rather than cranberry cocktail juice to avoid added sugars that can change the drink’s flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: None

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 200
Sodium: 0g
Protein: 0g