Recipe: Cosmo Slushy

Maureen Petrosky
Maureen Petrosky
Maureen Petrosky writes what she knows: food, booze and parties. Author of "The Wine Club," "The Cocktail Club" and makerlifestyle.com, she's a regular on The TODAY show, where she shares her vices (and advice) with the world.
updated May 2, 2019
Jump to Recipe
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Thayer Allyson Gowdy)

While the Cosmopolitan Cocktail (Cosmo for short) may be pink, it is anything but a frilly drink. When made correctly, the Cosmo delivers a delicious sip of cold smooth vodka flavored with a splash of cranberry juice, orange-flavored Cointreau, and a squeeze of fresh lime to finish. Like many cocktails, this one is often made incorrectly with way too much cranberry juice, so I wanted to make sure readers of The Cocktail Club get to taste what a great Cosmo is.

This Cosmo Slushy is a new twist on the classic cocktail. It’s a simple do-ahead recipe that’s perfect for serving guests on a nice warm day.

(Image credit: Thayer Allyson Gowdy)

The Cocktail Club is all about exploring cocktails with your friends and having some good food along with it. By having a cocktail club, you’re challenging yourself to taste-test all sorts of spirits. From classics like the Negroni and the Manhattan to new twists like the Suppressor #2 and this Cosmo Slushy, you’re sure to find something you like in every category of drinks. Most months are focused on a base spirit like gin or whiskey and some indulge in a style of cocktail like pitcher drinks or frozen cocktails like this one.

You don’t need any special equipment for this slushy cocktail — just a freezer-safe container and spot in your freezer for it. While it is slushy and may be served with a little spoon for ease of enjoyment, don’t let the icy exterior fool you. This is still a cocktail and should be consumed with care. Serve this for happy hour on the deck or while lounging in the backyard on your next stay-cation, and you’ll see that while this drink is pink, it’s still a seriously delicious cocktail.

P.S. If ever you are served a red Cosmo, send it back. Your Cosmo should be pale pink. Too red will undoubtedly be too sweet.

The Cocktail Club is out now! Find Maureen’s book at your local library, independent bookstore, or Amazon: The Cocktail Club by Maureen Christian-Petrosky

→ Read more about The Cocktail Club on Maureen’s website Eat Drink Make with Maureen

(Image credit: Thayer Allyson Gowdy)

Cosmo Slushy

Serves 3 to 8

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 4 1/2 ounces

    (135 ml) vodka or citrus vodka

  • 1/2 cup

    (240 ml) cranberry juice cocktail

  • 1/4 cup

    (60 ml) triple sec or Cointreau

  • 1 1/2 ounces

    freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions

Show Images
  1. In a large freezer-safe container, combine all of the ingredients and stir to mix evenly. Freeze them for 1 hour and then stir again. This will never freeze solid but you will get a great slushy mix.

  2. Scoop the slushies into martini or wine glasses and enjoy.

Recipe Notes

Depending which size scoop you use, this can serve 3 to 4 large scoops or 6 to 8 small scoops.