A Chambord Cosmopolitan is one of those cocktails that feels a little fancy but is incredibly easy to make at home. It’s bright, berry-forward, and has just the right balance of sweet and tart. The raspberry notes from Chambord give it a twist on the classic Cosmo, making it perfect for dinner parties, girls’ night in, or just when you want something a bit special. I’ve made this drink countless times—here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it: always use fresh lime juice. It really brings everything to life.
Chambord Cosmopolitan
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Martini glass or coupe
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Chambord (raspberry liqueur)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Triple Sec or orange liqueur
– 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
– Ice (for shaking)
– Optional garnish: lime twist or fresh raspberries
Method
- Start by chilling your glass. Pop it in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you mix the drink.
- In a cocktail shaker, add a handful of ice.
- Pour in the vodka, Chambord, Triple Sec, and fresh lime juice.
- Shake it well—about 15 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels cold. This chills the drink and helps blend the flavors.
- Dump the ice water out of your glass if you chilled it that way, and strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Garnish with a lime twist or a couple of fresh raspberries for a pop of color.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lime juice: Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.
– Chill your glass: It keeps the drink cold without watering it down.
– Shake well: You want the cocktail ice-cold and slightly frothy.
– Balance sweetness: If it tastes too sweet, add a splash more lime juice.
Make Ahead
You can mix the vodka, Chambord, Triple Sec, and lime juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake with fresh ice when you’re ready to serve. Great for parties!
Substitutions
– No Chambord? Try another berry liqueur like crème de cassis or raspberry schnapps.
– Out of Triple Sec? Cointreau or Grand Marnier works well.
– No lime? Fresh lemon juice can be used in a pinch—it’ll be a little more tart, but still delicious.
– Want it less boozy? Add a splash of cranberry juice for a smoother sip.
What It Tastes Like
Sweet, tart, and slightly floral with a deep raspberry flavor. The lime juice keeps it bright, and the vodka gives it that clean finish. It’s smooth, sippable, and has a beautiful pink hue that looks stunning in the glass.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio—it’s light but still feels like a treat.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs well with:
– Cheese boards: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese work beautifully with the berry notes.
– Seafood appetizers: Think shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon crostini.
– Dark chocolate: A few squares of dark chocolate on the side make this feel like dessert in a glass.
Variations to Try
Chambord Royale
– 1 oz (30 ml) vodka
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Chambord
– Top with chilled Champagne or sparkling wine
– Serve in a flute for a festive twist
Chambord Margarita
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) tequila
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Chambord
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Triple Sec
– 1 oz (30 ml) lime juice
– Shake with ice and serve in a salt-rimmed glass
Chambord Collins
– 1 oz (30 ml) gin
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Chambord
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) lemon juice
– Top with soda water
– Serve over ice in a tall glass
Mocktail Version
Skip the booze but keep the flavor:
– 1 oz (30 ml) raspberry syrup
– 1 oz (30 ml) lime juice
– 2 oz (60 ml) sparkling water
– Shake with ice and strain into a glass
– Garnish with a raspberry or mint sprig
Storage
Leftover cocktail mix (before shaking with ice) can be stored in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a day. Don’t store it with ice—your drink will get watered down.
Common Questions
What makes this different from a regular Cosmopolitan?
Instead of cranberry juice, you’re using Chambord, which gives the drink a rich raspberry flavor and a deeper color.
Can I make a pitcher for a party?
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings, mix everything except the ice, and store in the fridge. Shake individual servings with ice when ready.
Best vodka to use?
A smooth, mid-range vodka works great. No need for top-shelf, but avoid anything too harsh.
Too sweet?
Dial back the Chambord or Triple Sec and add a bit more lime juice to balance it out.
Best garnish?
A lime twist is classic, but fresh raspberries or even a mint sprig add a nice touch.
Seasonal or year-round?
You can enjoy this any time of year, but it really shines in spring and summer thanks to its fruity, refreshing vibe.
This cocktail brings a bit of elegance to any occasion, without being fussy. Whether you’re winding down after work or hosting friends, the Chambord Cosmopolitan hits that sweet spot of simple and special. Cheers!
