The Story Behind The Cosmo-naut

To make this tall spin on a Cosmopolitan, I created a spiced orange syrup in lieu of triple sec. It gives the drink a seasonal quality and a bit more depth, and balances the cranberry juice beautifully.

I lengthened this cocktail with soda to keep the flavors from getting too overpowering, and added fresh mint. Its crisp scent hits you with every sip.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces vodka
  • ½ ounce spiced orange simple syrup
  • 2 ounces cranberry juice
  • 2 ounces soda water
  • 2 sprigs mint, separated

Directions

  1. Combine vodka, syrup, cranberry juice, and one of the mint sprigs in a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Shake to chill and combine.
  3. Fine strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice, discarding the used mint sprig.
  4. Top with soda water.
  5. Garnish with fresh mint sprig and enjoy!

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Updated: 2019-10-03

Spiced Orange Simple Syrup Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ orange, sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves

Spiced Orange Simple Syrup Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Remove from heat and stir until sugar is dissolved.
  3. Strain into a separate container.
  4. Store, chilled, in refrigerator.
A seasonal spin on the classic Cosmopolitan, this vodka cocktail features spiced orange syrup and fresh mint. Learn how to make it with VinePair's recipe.