Winter Cosmopolitan

Make your own rosemary simple syrup for this delicious Winter Cosmopolitan or Winter Cosmo! It’s the perfect drink for the winter season. Enjoy the holiday flavors of cranberry and rosemary with a romantic dinner or ring in the new year with a loved one!

It’s time to ring in the new year! Are you ready? This beautiful vodka cocktail is the perfect way to celebrate, and it’s super easy to make your own simple syrup featured in the recipe. Make the simple syrup mixture ahead of time so you can easily assemble your drink when it’s time to celebrate.

What’s in a Cosmo?

A classic cosmopolitan, or “cosmo”, is a sweet cocktail made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. It’s usually served in a martini glass and garnished with a slice of lime or lime peel.

This original recipe alters the flavors a little so that one little sip reminds you of the holiday season! The main switch is using my homemade rosemary simple syrup mixture instead of triple sec.

Winter Cosmopolitan Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this festive drink:

• 3 ounces vodka
• 2 ounces Cranberry-Apple Juice (Ocean Spray makes a great variety)
• A splash of fresh lime juice

For the Rosemary Simple Syrup

• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• 4 sprigs of rosemary

How to make Rosemary Simple Syrup

Make this syrup earlier in the day so it’s ready when you need to pour your drinks!

1. First, stir together the sugar, water, and rosemary in a medium saucepan. Heat it over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
2. Boil for 1 minute or until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let it stand for 1 hour.
3. Pour the liquid through a wire mesh strainer into a jar or other airtight container, discarding the rosemary sprigs. Cover and chill for 3 hours before using.

Store your simple syrup tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 1 month when stored properly.

How to Make a Winter Cosmopolitan Cocktail

1. Add 1 ounce of rosemary simple syrup along with the vodka, cranberry-apple juice, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker full of ice.
2. Shake well, then strain into a chilled martini glass. For a festive touch, garnish with a sprig of rosemary or even some sparkling sugared cranberries on a small skewer or toothpick!

Other Presentation Ideas

• You can press the rim of your martini glass into water, then sugar for a “snowy” cosmopolitan.
• Drop a cranberry or two into the bottom of your martini glass before pouring.

What kind of vodka is best for this cocktail?

It doesn’t really matter which brand of vodka you choose to use. However, there are some points to consider when making your choice:

If you make vodka cocktails often, you might want to purchase a middle-of-the-road or cheaper brand. But if you’re splurging for a special event or cocktail, why not purchase a higher-end “top-shelf” bottle?

The alcohol content varies in vodka from 45-90% by brand, so that is something else to consider.

There are also flavored vodkas which can alter the taste of the cocktail slightly. If you choose a flavored variety, go for something with berry or citrus undertones that mesh well with the lime and cranberry flavors in this cocktail.

Can you make Winter Cosmopolitans ahead of time?

You can make a pitcher of drinks ahead of time. I recommend making them the morning of for the best taste but will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Be sure to refresh your drinks by shaking and serving each one individually.

More Cocktail Recipes

If you need some other drinks to serve this holiday season or anytime you have a guest, try one of these great drinks:

• This rich Brown Sugar Bourbon Cocktail combines the warm flavors of fig and brown sugar with bourbon to make this delicious classic cocktail! Make this for an after-dinner treat, or enjoy one sitting by the firepit with friends!
• This Apple Cider Sangria is a cocktail full of rich Autumn flavors. Made with white wine, apple, pear, club soda, and brandy, this cocktail is perfect for your Fall holiday parties or weekend evenings! Don’t forget the sugar rim and cinnamon stick! 
• This Pomegranate Lime Martini is another festive cocktail made with champagne, vodka, lime, and pomegranate juice. It’s so easy and beautiful!
• I love this lighter version of a margarita I call a Skinny Sparkling Margarita. I use fresh lime juice, light agave nectar, and white tequila and top it with some prosecco (or champagne). It’s so refreshing and light, you’ll love it alone or with your favorite Mexican dish!

This post was originally published December 29. 2017. It has been updated in format and with pictures on November 28, 2024.