This pomegranate and blueberry cosmopolitan is perfect for warm weather! Made with crushed blueberries and pomegranate juice, this update on the classic Cosmo has a smooth, sweet berry flavor that’s just right for summer.
Blame it on Carrie Bradshaw: The Cosmopolitan is probably the most famous vodka cocktail of the last two decades.
While ordering it can feel like a throwback to the late 90’s, it turns out there’s a reason for its popularity – this is a fun, tangy little drink that’s equal parts tart, sweet and invigorating!
A tasty update for the Cosmo
A traditional Cosmo consists of Vodka, Lime Juice, Cointreau and Cranberry Juice. This blueberry pomegranate version is smoother and juicier, but just as enjoyable!
Blueberry and pomegranate make a really nice flavor combination. Both fruits have sweet and tart dimensions that complement each other well. Here, that ripe, juicy berry flavor puts a new spin on the classic Cosmo while honoring the spirit of the original.
Which vodka to use
I like Tito’s for this cocktail (it’s my vodka) but any budget vodka will do.
Blend your blueberries, then double strain
To make this drink really extra fresh and original, mash your blueberries first with a pestle and then double-muddle to prevent leftover blueberries from ruining the aesthetics of your drink. (If you’re not into blueberry gunk, feel free to use a single variety.)
With a double strain, your drink is poured through both a traditional cocktail strainer (your shaker’s strainer, or a Hawthorne strainer if you’re using a Boston shaker) and a fine strainer. As a fine strainer, you can use one specially developed for cocktails, but a tea strainer is also good.
Bonus: This technique doesn’t just remove pulp from your drink; it will impress your friends too!
More fresh and fruity cocktails to try
- Watermelon Pitcher Margaritas
- Sparkling strawberry sangria
- Pomegranate Paloma
- Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
- Mixed berry sangria
Blueberry Pomegranate Cosmopolitan
ingredients
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1 1/2 ounces of vodka
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3/4 ounce pomegranate juice (freshly squeezed is nice, but pom is fine)
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3/4 ounce Cointreau
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1/2 ounce lime juice (use freshly squeezed for this)
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5-8 fresh blueberries (fresh is best, but thawed frozen ones will do in a pinch)
method
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Blend the blueberries:
Place the blueberries in the bottom of a shaker or mixing glass. Cover with the pomegranate juice, then mash the blueberries with a pestle or the back of a spoon. Flatten them enough to break the skins and release a little juice, but not so much that the blueberries fall apart completely.
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Make the cocktail:
Add vodka, lime juice and Cointreau. Fill with ice, cover and shake for 30 to 45 seconds.
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double burden:
If using a mixing glass, place a Hawthorne strainer on top. Then hold a tea strainer over a cocktail glass with the other hand. Pour the drink from the shaker or mixing glass through the tea strainer into a cocktail glass. Enjoy!
