Exploring the History of the Cosmopolitan Cocktail

National Cosmopolitan Day is just around the corner, and what better way to prepare than to dive into the history of this beloved, timeless cocktail?

The Origins of the Cosmo

If it only it was that simple. Like many iconic cocktails, the exact origins of the Cosmopolitan (aka the Cosmo) are a mystery.

Some trace it back to the mid-1970s in Golden Valley, Minneapolis, while others say it was invented in South Beach, Florida during the mid-1980s.

While its exact origins are debated, we do know that the Cosmopolitan belongs to the Gimlet family of cocktails and shares similarities with the  Kamikaze shot in terms of ingredients and flavor. Argument could be made that it evolved from the classic Cape Codder cocktail from New England, which combines Vodka and Cranberry Juice.

The Evolution of the Cosmopolitan Recipe

The Cosmopolitan has undergone various transformations over the years.

A 1927 cocktail book mentions a drink named the Cosmopolitan, made with Scotch Whisky, two types of Vermouth, Swedish punch, Irish Whisky, and Vodka—completely different from the version we know today.

However, a 1934 cocktail book features a recipe for a Gin Daisy cocktail, which is strikingly similar to today’s Cosmopolitan. This version was made with lemon instead of lime, gin instead of vodka, and sweetened with Raspberry Syrup instead of Cranberry Juice to give the drink its signature pink color.

As for the version we all know and love today, one claim suggests it was invented around 1988 by a head bartender in South Beach, Miami, who based the cocktail on the newly released Absolut Citron. Absolut Citron, our incredible Lemon-Flavored Vodka, was released in 1988 and has been our best-selling flavored vodka ever since.

Another story traces the cocktail’s origins back to 1975, when a bartender in Golden Valley, Minneapolis, combined elements of a Cape Codder and a Kamikaze to create a shaken drink served in a martini glass.

The International Bartenders Association lists the Cosmopolitan as being made with Vodka Citron (Lemon-Flavored Vodka), Triple Sec, Fresh Lime Juice, and Cranberry Juice. The rest, as they say, is history.

The Rise of Absolut Citron, the Cosmo Craze and its enduring popularity

The Cosmo soared to prominence in the 1990s, becoming a symbol of cosmopolitan urban culture and modern cocktail sophistication.

Now, did Absolut Citron inspire the creation of the iconic Cosmopolitan, or did trend-setting influencers elevate it to fame by ordering the “Cosmo” at the hippest bars and clubs worldwide?

No matter the answer, there’s no doubt that the Cosmopolitan’s popularity soared thanks to a certain TV show that aired between 1998 and 2004, featuring four stylish women navigating life, love, and friendship in New York City.

Since the 1990s, the Cosmopolitan has maintained its status as a classic cocktail, enjoyed in various social settings. Its enduring popularity and association with high living have solidified its place in cocktail history as an iconic drink.

Join us in raising a glass and saying cheers to the Cosmopolitan!

If you enjoying making cocktails at home and wowing your guests with great drinks, then muddling is a handy technique that’s good to master.

Learning how to muddle will transform your cocktails from “Oh, that’s nice” to “Whooah! This is incredible!”

But to muddle, first, you’ll need a home bartending tool known as a muddler, which essentially works like a pestle. In fact, a muddler is one of the most essential home bartending tools. There are a couple of different types of muddlers – one that is made of wood and another that’s stainless steel with a rubber or hard plastic end. Either one will do the trick.

Why Do You Need to Muddle Ingredients?

Well, technically you don’t need to muddle your ingredients but think of it like this – muddling allows get the most flavor out of your fruits and herbs, making your cocktails more aromatic and delicious.

Fruits like Berries, Watermelon, Lemons, and Limes are all great fruits for muddling. Tip! Always pick the freshest, ripest ingredients you can find. Basically, the better the ingredients, the tastier your cocktail will be.

How Do you Muddle Cocktail Ingredients?

After washing your fruits, cut them into small pieces. Next, we suggest adding Simple Syrup to your cocktail shaker or glass, depending on whether it’s a shaken or stirred drink, and muddling the fruits together with the Simple Syrup. This will make the process of muddling much easier. Don’t miss our article on how to make Simple Syrup.

Now, using your muddler, gently twist and press down on your ingredients in a repeated motion without applying too much force to release the juices and aromas.

Now this technique works great for fruit but when muddling herbs, you’ve got be a little bit more careful. If you over-muddle herbs such as mint leaves, they can become bitter. And no-one wants that. So, muddle very gently.

What Cocktails Should You Muddle?

Rather than provide an exhaustive list of cocktails that you can muddle, consider using muddling whenever you want to enhance the flavors and aromas of fresh fruits or herbs. OK, but with that said, here are some of our favorite cocktails that require muddling.

One cocktail that really benefits from muddling is the Pornstar Martini, which is made with Absolut Vanilia, Passion Fruit Purée, Vanilla Syrup, and Fresh muddled Pineapple. Trust us, muddled Pineapple will really make a difference to this cocktail.

Muddling fresh fruits is especially handy when you’re making summer cocktails. And if you’re hosting a summer party or simply lying about in the sun, making a Watermelon Smash is a must. Simply muddle Watermelon Wedges with Simple Syrup in a cocktail shaker before adding lots of Crushed Ice, Absolut Vodka, and Fresh Lime Juice. Tip! Why not amp up the flavor of Watermelon by swapping Absolut Vodka for Absolut Watermelon? Oh yeah! Summer is here.

Fresh berries are delicious muddled and you’ll be you’ll be hard-pressed (or in this case, muddled!) to find a better berry cocktail than the Raspiroska. To make this cocktail, muddle fresh Whole Raspberries together with Simple Syrup directly in a Rocks Glass, then add Absolut Raspberri (Raspberry-Flavored Vodka) and Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice. Oh-so-good!

What Herbs Should You Muddle?

When it comes to muddling herbs for cocktails, mint is the first ingredients people think of. And of course, the first cocktail that comes to mind is the Mojito. But wait! Hold that muddler!

Despite popular opinion, Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, advises against muddling the mint leaves for a Mojito. That’s right, you read it here first – don’t muddle the Mint Leaves in your Mojito! Why?

“As soon as you start to muddle Mint Leaves, you’re going to start getting bitterness from the chlorophyll – all the green that’s inside the leaves. All you need to do is give them a little slap and then get some Citrus Juice on them,” suggests Rico.

A great example of a cocktail that uses muddled herbs is the Vodka Basil Smash. To make this cocktail, muddle Basil Leaves with Fresh Lemon Juice in a Cocktail Shaker to draw out that fresh Basil taste, then add Simple Syrup, Absolut Vodka and Ice and shake.

Double strain the cocktail into a Rocks Glass filled with Ice and you’ve got a drink that your guests will be talking about for years. Got a question about double straining? Check out this article to learn how to double strain a cocktail.

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For endless cocktail inspiration, head over to AbsolutDrinks.com

Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to bring on the summer drinks. Oh yeah! And what drinks say summer better than smash drinks?

Smash drinks are a family of drinks but unlike other cocktail families, the exact definition of the Smash is a little, well, muddled. However, the main features of a Smash drink are a base spirit, muddled fresh fruit or herbs (but not always!), and a sweetener, shaken (but not always!) and served over crushed ice.

We’ve put together a list five incredible Smash drinks made with Vodka, including several made with our beloved Absolut Flavored Vodka products, guaranteed to be a hit all summer long.

1. Vodka Basil Smash


“The Vodka Basil Smash is super simple to make and kind of a twist on the Whiskey Smash, where they’ve literally replaced the Whiskey for Vodka and replaced Mint for Basil,” explains Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

The Basil Smash was originally made with Gin but somewhere along the way, Vodka was used instead of Gin and, well, the Vodka Basil Smash was born. And we gotta say, we’re glad about that!

Grab your muddler, and let’s get smashing! Not sure what a muddler is? Check out our article on the essential home bartending tools.

Here’s how to make a Vodka Basil Smith.

2. Watermelon Smash


Regardless of what the weather is doing, it’s always summer-time when you’re sipping a Watermelon Smash.

Muddle Fresh Watermelon with Simple Syrup in a cocktail shaker before adding Fresh Lemon Juice and Absolut Watermelon (Watermelon-Flavored Vodka). Garnish with a Watermelon Wedge and serve this to your friends and you’ll rightfully have earned yourself the title of king or queen of summer.

Get the recipe for the Watermelon Smash.

3. Caipiroska

An extremely popular cocktail in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina,the Caipiroska is a delicious summer sipper and similar to the Caipirinha but made with Vodka instead of Cachaça.

To make the Caipiroska, cut a Lime into four quarters, place them into a Rocks Glass, then grab your muddler and get smashing. Next add Simple Syrup, followed by Absolut Vodka and lastly top with Shaved Ice.

The next best thing to a summer in South America is sipping a Caipiroska wherever you are. Discover our Caipiroska recipe.

4. The Mandrin Crush

Here’s an example of a Smash drink where you don’t actually muddle any of the ingredients. Instead, to make the Mandrin Crush, throw everything into a Cocktail Shaker and smash everything about. Fun to make, delicious to drink!

It mixes Absolut Mandrin (Mandarin-Flavored Vodka), Fresh Lemon Juice, Passion Fruit Syrup, Simple Syrup
 and Ice. And how does it taste? “You’ve got the tropical vibes coming from the Passion Fruit, you got those sweet Orange vibes coming from the Absolut Mandrin, all balanced off with some Fresh Lemon Juice,” shares Rico.

Discover the recipe for the Mandrin Crush.

5. Raspiroska


When you’ve got friends coming over to enjoy the sun, the last thing you want to do is be stuck inside mixing drinks. The Raspiroska is a built drink (meaning it’s built directly in the glass), which is super simple to make and guaranteed to please.

It mixes Fresh Muddled Raspberries, Absolut Raspberri (Raspberry-Flavored Vodka), Simple Syrup, and Crushed Ice. Trust us, this a drink that’ll turn any day into a summer’s day. Get the recipe for a Raspiroska.

You’ve probably heard the terms “built drink” and “built cocktail”, but what exactly does it mean? Well, it essentially means you add all the ingredients straight into the glass, no need for fancy home bartending tools, shaking or straining. With that said, many may benefit from a gentle stir to mix the ingredients.

Built drinks are some of the most popular around and come in many variations. Unlike say sours or martinis, “building” a cocktail refers to the technique used to make the drink, rather than a specific style or family of cocktails.

For example, a Vodka Soda (aka Skinny Bitch) is a built drink but so is a Mojito. Both are very different, yet both are built drinks. A Gin and Tonic, Vodka Tonic (aka Skinny Bitch), Pimm’s Cup, Tom Collins, Paloma, Sea Breeze, and all Spritzers are all other great examples of built cocktails.

Is there a certain order for cocktail ingredients? 

Some bartenders may insist on a ‘strict’ order for building a drink —ice first, then mixer, followed by spirit—but that’s not necessarily the case.

For built drinks, the order of adding the spirit versus the mixer isn’t particularly important. “When you’re making a drink like a Mule or a Gin and Tonic, you’re probably going to put the ice in first, just because it’s speed of service,” explains Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

While the order may not so important for built drinks, the quality of your ingredients is. From spirits to mixers, high-quality ingredients will always result in a better tasting drink.

Built cocktails vs layered cocktails

You may have heard people use the terms “built drink” and “layered cocktail” interchangeably. But there is an important difference.

“A layered drink is a built drink, but a built drink doesn’t have to be a layered drink,” explains Rico. “When you make a layered drink, there may be an ingredient where you may use a cocktail shaker,” he says. Take, for example, an Irish Coffee where you need to shake the cream before building and layering your drink.

In comparison, the key rule for a built drink is that everything is assembled directly in the glass, with no need for shaking or blending. This is not the case with layered drinks.

OK, ready to build some drinks? Check out this video where Rico shows you how to make 3 easy to make party drinks with just a couple of ingredients and take just minutes to make!

What mixes well with Absolut Watermelon? Here’s our top 5 cocktails!

The sun is shining, you’ve got friends coming over, and you’ve got a bottle of Absolut Watermelon. In other words, you’ve got all the ingredients for an incredible summer hang.

Imagine yourself slicing open a perfect, summer-ripe watermelon, where the sweetness of the juicy center greets your nose instantly. Yep, that’s the aroma of Absolut Watermelon. Take a sip and there’s the unmistakable summery essence of ripe watermelon with all the sweetness of juicy red flesh, without any of the rind.

So maybe you’re wondering, what drinks you can make with Absolut Watermelon. From a Martini and a Cosmo to a Spritzer and a Punch, we present five of our favorite drinks to make with Absolut Watermelon.

1. Absolut Watermelon Martini

It’s no secret that Absolut Vodka tastes incredible as the base for a Martini, so much so that we created a drink collection devoted to the 10 types of Martinis that every home bartender should make.  

But there’s one Martini missing from that list…the Absolut Watermelon Martini.  

This delicious Martini mixes Absolut Watermelon, muddled Watermelon, and a dash of Simple Syrup. Served in an elegant Martini Glass with a Watermelon Wedge, the Absolut Watermelon Martini is the most sophisticated summer cocktail you’ve ever seen.   

Discover how to make an Absolut Watermelon Martini. 

2. Absolut Watermelon Fizzy Punch 

Summer is around the corner, and we’ve got just the drink for your next party. “It’s fruity, it’s sweet, and it’s easy as heck to whip up when you’ve got your friends coming over,” says Rico.

For this one, you’ll need a blender and, because it’s a drink that’s made for parties, you’ll also need a pitcher.

The Absolut Watermelon Fizzy Punch mixes Absolut Watermelon, Fresh Blended Watermelon Juice, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup. It’s then topped up with bubbly Soda Water and garnished with a Sprig of Mint. OK…have you ever seen a more summer drink?

Take a look at the recipe for an Absolut Watermelon Fizzy Punch.

3.Watermelon Cosmopolitan

One of the most beloved cocktails in the world, the Cosmopolitan is known for its delicious sweet and tart citrus and cranberry flavors, and is one of the most popular drinks made with Absolut Citron.

However, to create this Cosmopolitan variation, we swap Lemon-Flavored Vodka for Absolut Watermelon. Mixed with Triple Sec, Lemon Juice, and Cranberry Juice, it’s a Cosmo but with a big, juicy, summery twist.

Here’s how to make a Watermelon Cosmopolitan.

4. Watermelon Vodkarita 

“Wait, am I in Mexico?!” you ask. Clearly, you’ve just sipped a Watermelon Vodkarita.

OK, if you love a Margarita, you’re gonna love the Watermelon Vodkarita. This incredible shaken cocktail mixes Absolut Watermelon, Fresh Watermelon Juice, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, and a splash of Orange Liqueur.

Served in a Lime and Salt-Rimmed Rocks Glass and garnished with a Lime Wedge, it really is the taste of Mexico…just without the Tequila.

Watch Rico & Hedda Bruce make a banging Watermelon Vodkarita!

5. Absolut Watermelon Spritz 

“The best summer cocktail meets the best summer fruit,” says Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador. Take a sip and we think you might just agree!

When the sun is shining, nothing screams summer like a Spritz. So, imagine whatever happens when you make one with an Absolut Watermelon. Oh yeah!

The Absolut Watermelon Spritz mixes Absolut Watermelon, Fresh Watermelon Juice, a dash of Simple Syrup, and…wait for it…Champagne (or Prosecco). Now that’s a Spritz!

Here’s our recipe for the Absolut Watermelon Spritz. Watch Rico and Hedda Bruce make a delicious Watermelon Spritz.

While St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally associated with Irish beer or Irish Whiskey, it’s also famously linked with the color green. So, if you’re on the hunt for some amazing, green-colored cocktails for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, you’re in luck. Or should we say, you’ve got the luck of the Irish.

Below you’ll find five green-themed Vodka Cocktails for St. Paddy’s that are so good, they’ll make all other party hosts green with envy.

Get ready to sham-rock your taste buds! Sláinte!

Matcha Cocktail

Here’s a cocktail that’s as green as the Emerald Isle. Matcha, a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed Green Tea Leaves, gives this cocktail its vibrant color and unique flavor.

We’ll go so far as to say you’ve never had anything quite like a Matcha Cocktail, and what better time to try it than St. Paddy’s Day? This cocktail mixes Absolut Lime, Fresh Pressed Apple Juice, Fresh Pressed Lime Juice, a dash of Simple Syrup, and a touch of Matcha. Plus, with that sprig of Mint on top, it couldn’t be greener! Here’s how to make a Matcha Cocktail.

Appletini

Also known as a Sour Apple Martini, the Appletini is a classic cocktail that epitomizes the spirit of the glamorous cocktail culture of bustling urban lounges and chic social gatherings of the 90s.

It combines the tartness of Green Apples with the smoothness of Absolut Vodka. A little sweet, a little tart, the Appletini tastes a lot like a Granny Smith Apple. Discover how to make an Appletini.

Oh! If you’re looking for an alcohol-free version of the Appletini, don’t miss our Virgin Appletini recipe. 

Flying Grasshopper

Hop into the spirit of St Patrick’s Day with the Grasshopper It combines the cool, minty flavor of Green Mint Liqueur, the sweetness of White Cacao Liqueur and the smoothness of Absolut Vodka. It’s like a fresh breeze on a sunny Irish meadow.

Serve this at your St Paddy’s Day gathering and you’ll have your guests feeling they’ve exchanged a Shamrock for a four-leaf clover! Learn how to make a Flying Grasshopper cocktail.

Absolut Re-Tini

Get ready to shake things up this St. Paddy’s Day with the Absolut Re-Tini! We guarantee you’ve never had a cocktail like this one. It takes a little preparation, but it’s sure to be the talk of your St. Paddy’s Day celebration.

Absolut Vodka provides the cocktail’s smooth base, while a Syrup – wait for it – made from Pea and ‘Sad’ Herbs brings a truly unique aromatic flavor with its mix of Sugar Snap Peas and wilted Herbs (hence the term ‘sad’) like Basil, Coriander, Parsley, or Chives.

The tangy Tomatillo Juice pairs perfectly with the so-called ‘Trashcan Citrus Husk Olive Brine,’ made from Citrus Husks (Lemon or Lime leftover from juicing or cooking), Water, and Olive Brine. To add a little more spice to this already savory cocktail, finish it off with a dash of Coriander Powder.

See, we weren’t kidding when we said you’ve never tasted anything like it!

Check out our recipe for an Absolut Re-Tini.

Vodka Basil Smash

This herb-focused green colored cocktail is sure to be a smashing hit for any St. Patrick’s Day gathering. If you’re lucky and it’s sunny, there’s no better way to celebrate than to sip a Vodka Basil Smash!

It combines muddled Basil Leaves, the tang and zest of Fresh Lemon Juice and the smoothness of Absolut Vodka to create a drink that’s guaranteed to make your St. Paddy’s Day as legendary as a Celtic tale. Take a look at our Vodka Basil Smash recipe.

To celebrate the wonder that is the Espresso Martini, we’re going to show how to make a classic Espresso Martini, an alcohol-free Espresso Martini, and a couple of twists on the Espresso Martini we know you’re gonna love!

Host a cocktail party and impress your friends with your perfect Espresso Martini skills!

Classic Espresso Martini

The one and only. The original, the classic. To make a classic Espresso Martini, mix 2 parts Absolut Vodka, 1 part Kahlúa, and 1 part Freshly Brewed Espresso.

It’s this very trio that has won the hearts of people everywhere, so much so that the Espresso Martini was the most popular cocktail last year. And the year before. And the year before that… you get the idea!

An Espresso Martini is traditionally garnished with three coffee beans placed on top of the drink’s foamy head. But you can also garnish it with just a single coffee bean too. It’s up to you, it’s your drink. Learn how to make the best Espresso Martini.

Vanilia Espresso Martini

As if the Espresso Martini wasn’t decadent enough…

Imagine an Espresso Martini with some hints of Vanilla. Sounds amazing, right? Trust us, it is. “This drink is insanely good,” shares Rico.

The Vanilia Espresso Martini follows the same recipe as above but uses Absolut Vanilia (Vanilla-Flavored Vodka) instead of original Absolut Vodka. It’s then garnished with a Vanilla Pod together with or instead of the traditional garnish of three Coffee Beans. Check out our Vanilia Espresso Martini recipe.

Virgin Espresso

When it comes to mocktails, and after-dinner ones at that, there’s none better than the Virgin Espresso.

The Virgin Espresso is an Espresso Martini without alcohol. It’s made with 2 parts Cold Espresso, 1 part Vanilla Syrup and 1 Part Water.

 The result? A rich, creamy, and utterly delicious drink that’s perfect for any occasion.

Unsure what a part is? Check out our article where we explain how to measure cocktails using parts.

Serve this mocktail at your next gathering and watch as your guests are wowed by its sophisticated taste and smooth texture. Discover our recipe for a Virgin Espresso.

Espresso Martini Jelly Shot

The Espresso Martini in shot form? Yes, please!

Mixing Absolut Vodka, Kahlúa, Cream and Instant Gelatin, these Jelly Shots are guaranteed to be the talk of the party. These jelly shots bring a novel twist to the classic cocktail, combining the rich, bold flavors of Espresso with the smoothness of Vodka and the sweetness of Kahlúa.

Tip! If you’re making these for a party, allow 2-3 hours for the jelly shots to set before serving. Check out our recipe for Espresso Martini Jelly Shots.

Few cocktails are as famous and beloved as the Espresso Martini. So loved is this cocktail that it even has a special day set aside for its celebration. That’s right, every year on 15 March, people around the world celebrate Espresso Martini Day. Cheers to that!

Although it’s far from a traditional Martini, the Espresso Martini is certainly the best-known and most loved of all the contemporary Martinis. Year after year, the it takes the title as most popular cocktail. And that was even before Absolut and Kahlúa teamed up with singer Sabrina Carpenter for her Short n’ Sweet Tour in North America last year.

How and when was the Espresso Martini invented?

The invention of the Espresso Martini was the result of a spontaneous lightbulb moment by the late, legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell, who also created other iconic cocktails like the Bramble, the Treacle and the Russian Spring Punch.

“The story goes that in the mid-80s a supermodel walked up to Dick Bradsell and asked him for a drink in a manner we can’t repeat here,” shares Michael Bergström, Drinks Expert from Bartenders’ Choice Awards.

“The Bartender swiftly pulled a Fresh Espresso from the newly installed Coffee Machine in the bar and mixed it with Vodka, Kahlúa and a touch of Sugar. He then gave it a good shake and strained it into a Martini Glass, and just like that a modern classic was born.”

Today, the most common Espresso Martinis are made without Simple Syrup, however, how sweet the drink should be is, of course, up to the individual.

Garnishing an Espresso Martini

An Espresso Martini is traditionally garnished with three Coffee Beans, gently placed on top of the drink’s creamy head, which is said to symbolize health, wealth, and happiness.

Although it’s not uncommon to see an Espresso Martini garnished with just a single coffee bean.

Hedda Bruce, an Award-Winning Bar Manager in Sweden, suggests crushing a single Coffee Bean with your thumb and then sprinkling it on top of your drink.

Modern versions of the Espresso Martini

Since its invention around 1983, many variations of the Espresso Martini have appeared using flavored vodkas. And trust us, they’re incredible.

Absolut Vanilia adds a wonderful hint of creamy vanilla decadence, while Absolut Citron is a nod to southern Italy, where an Espresso is usually served with a piece of lemon zest.

Another wonderful variation is an Espresso Martini with Absolut Grapefruit with a splash of Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice, which adds a wonderful juiciness and fruitiness.

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So, how you know the history behind this favorite cocktail, the question is, are ready to make THE ultimate Espresso Martini? Check out the recipe for a classic Espresso Martini.

Lime zest, forget the rest.

It’s no secret that we love citrus here at Absolut, which is why we made Absolut Lime – our beloved Lime-Flavored Vodka.

Absolut Lime is bursting with so much flavor, we’re salivating just talking about it. “With Absolut Lime, you get the full flavor of Lime – you get the flavor of the flesh, you get the juice, you get the zest,” shares Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

One of the best things about Lime Vodka is its versatility. It adds a wonderful citrus freshness and zest to any drink. Just try it in a Lime Vodka Soda and you’ll see what we mean!

Below, we’ve got five incredible and easy to make cocktails with Lime Vodka. So, grab your Citrus Elbow and let’s get mixing!

Absolut Lime Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan is one of the most loved and iconic modern cocktails. And it’s famously linked to Absolut Citron, our delicious Lemon-Flavored Vodka that inspired its creation.

The classic Cosmo already features Fresh Pressed Lime Juice. So, imagine swapping the Lemon-Flavored Vodka for Lime and garnishing your drink with a Lime Wedge instead of Orange. That’s right, the Absolut Lime Cosmopolitan takes Lime to exhilarating new heights! Here’s how to make a Cosmopolitan with Absolut Lime.

Lime Vodkarita

The Absolut Lime Vodkarita may have just three ingredients – Absolut Lime, Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice, and Agave – but when it comes to Lime zest, it’s everything your taste buds could ask for and more.

“It tastes like Fresh Lime with a real fresh citrus zing”, says Rico. But to take things even further, be sure to serve the Absolut Lime Vodkarita in a Lime-rubbed, Salt-rimmed Glass. It’s the taste of Mexico with a Vodka twist, discover how to make an Absolut Lime Vodkarita.

Absolut Lime Iced Tea

Summertime means Iced Teatime. The Absolut Lime Iced Tea mixes Absolut Lime, Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice. Cold Brew Iced Tea and Simple Syrup. And it’s lime divine. But, of course, it wouldn’t be complete with a Lime Wheel  garnish.

Tip! To make your Cold Brew Iced Tea, simply place a few Tea Bags in Cold Water and then put it in the refrigerator overnight or up to 10 hours. Check out our Absolut Lime Iced Tea recipe.

Sit Down

Sit Down is a stirred drink featuring three different alcohol types – Absolut Lime, Calvados Apple Brandy, and the bitter herbal liqueur Amaro Ramazzotti.

Served in an elegant Martini Glass, the result is a mix of complex herbal and fruity flavors. Trust us when we say it, the Sit Down offers a cocktail experience like no other. Discover the recipe for the Sit Down cocktail.

Absolut Lime Mule

Year after year, the Moscow Mule consistently ranks among the most popular cocktails, and 2024 was no exception, with the drink ranking as the third most popular cocktail of 2024.

Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice gives the Moscow Mule its signature zesty punch, so when you use Absolut Lime instead of Absolut Vodka, the flavor of Lime takes front stage and blends perfectly with the spiciness of the Ginger Beer. Welcome to your new favorite Mule. Here’s how to make a Mule with Lime Vodka.

The mix of Vodka and Triple Sec is a winning combination that can be found in countless cocktail recipes and has been a crowd-pleaser for decades.

Triple Sec, with its Orange-flavored liqueur known for its sweet and zesty profile, complements many spirits, adding a burst of citrusy delight to any drink. Absolut Vodka, on the other hand, was born to mix and stands as the hero in so many drink recipes, from Martinis to Bloody Marys and everything in between.

Here, we highlight five easy-to-make cocktails to make at home that blend Vodka and Triple Sec. For home bartenders, this dynamic duo is an essential go-to to have in your repertoire. Serve any of these drinks at your next gathering, and you simply can’t go wrong.

Cosmopolitan

When you think Vodka and Triple Sec, you wouldn’t be alone if the first cocktail that came to mind was the Cosmopolitan. That’s why it’s #1 on our list.

This iconic mix of Absolut Citron Vodka, Cranberry Juice, freshly squeezed Lime Juice, and, of course, Triple Sec, has made the Cosmopolitan cocktail royalty.

The fusion of Orange-Flavored Triple Sec with Lemon-Flavored Vodka? It doesn’t get any better than that. Discover how to make a classic Cosmopolitan with our cocktail recipe.

Long Island Iced Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea can be seen as the rockstar of cocktails, strutting its deceptively smooth looks while hiding a wild side with its mix of five different spirits.

It mixes Absolut Vodka, Light Rum, Gin, Triple Sec, and Tequila Blanco. It then cranks up the flavor with Lemon Juice, a splash of Cola, and a zesty squeeze of Lemon. The result? A cocktail that marches to the beat of its own drum.

Back in 1972, a newspaper crowned the Long Island Iced Tea as “The unofficial drink of Summer,” and it’s been causing a stir ever since.

Discover how to make a Long Island Iced Tea.

Lemon Drop Martini

The Lemon Drop Martini is a classic Vodka cocktail that boasts that winning flavor combination of Lemon and Orange, thanks to Absolut Citron and Triple Sec – a match made in cocktail heaven.

Mixed with Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice and a touch of Simple Syrup, it tastes just like Lemon Drop candy, hence the name. And who doesn’t love those? Check out our Lemon Drop Martini recipe.

Yankee-Dutch

Here’s a lesser-known drinks that everyone needs to get to know a whole lot better. This sophisticated, stirred drink blends Absolut Vodka, Triple Sec, Bourbon, and Cherry Brandy.

Bourbon often carries subtle hints of Orange, and when you pair it with Triple Sec and finish it off with an Orange Twist, those citrus notes really shine. But add in the rich, fruity depth of Cherry Brandy? It’s a game-changer.

Simply put, the Yankee-Dutch is stunning. Learn how to make a Yankee-Dutch cocktail.

Absolut Raspberri Ruby

Tart, sweet, juicy and citrusy. The Absolut Raspberri Ruby checks all the boxes.

This cocktail mixes Absolut Raspberri Vodka with the sweet orange flavors of Triple Sec, a splash of Grapefruit Juice, a dash of Lemon Juice, and is garnished with a Grapefruit Wedge and a Raspberry. Sound delicious? Trust us, the combination of Raspberry flavors and Citrus work so well together.

If you love fresh, fruity drinks, this might just well be your new favorite drink.

See our recipe to discover how to Absolut Raspberri Ruby