This Winter White Cosmo is the ultimate cocktail for your winter celebrations. With a smooth blend of vodka, orange liqueur, homemade fresh lime simple syrup, and white cranberry juice, it’s the perfect balance of refreshing and festive.

Perfect for cozy nights by the fire or festive gatherings with friends, it’s a cocktail that adds a little extra sparkle and a whole lot of fun to any occasion! I’ve got you covered with both a pitcher recipe and a single cocktail version, so whether you’re making one for yourself or serving a crowd, you’ll be all set.

I got on a serious cosmo kick a few weeks ago, and let me tell you, this seasonal Winter White twist on the classic cosmo is by far my favorite version. It took me a ton of trial and error to perfect it, but I’m so glad I did!

It all started with the Bonefish Winter White Cosmo, which they’re famous for. I found their original recipe on YouTube, but as I dug deeper, I learned the recipe has since been updated to include elderflower liqueur. Now, I love elderflower liqueur in many drinks, but I just didn’t feel like it worked in this cocktail. So, I went back to the drawing board and experimented with different ratios—playing with and without elderflower, and also testing it with and without simple syrup. After lots of taste tests (tough job, right?), I’m thrilled to say I’ve nailed it. This Winter White Cosmo is the perfect balance of bright, refreshing, and absolutely delicious—a showstopper that’s sure to wow your guests at any holiday party.

Winter White Cosmo Ingredients

Vodka: The clean, neutral base of this cocktail, vodka lets the other flavors take center stage. Some recipes suggest using cranberry vodka, which adds a nice twist and delicious flavor, but it doesn’t give the cocktail its signature white color. Using regular vodka ensures that the Winter White Cosmo stays beautifully pale, allowing the other ingredients to shine while keeping the drink crisp and smooth. I like Kettle One or Tito’s!
Orange Liqueur: Adds a subtle citrusy sweetness with a hint of complexity. It brightens the drink while balancing the tartness of the lime and cranberry, enhancing the overall refreshing vibe of the cocktail.
Fresh Lime Simple Syrup (Homemade): This is what really sets this cocktail apart. Unlike store-bought syrups, which can be overly sweet or artificial, homemade lime simple syrup delivers a fresh, bright lime flavor that enhances the cocktail’s overall sweetness. TO MAKE IT: Combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice (save the lime halves!) in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar is dissolved, add the juiced lime halves to the syrup and bring to a boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat, cover with lid, and let steep for 1 hour. Squeeze the limes to get as much juice out as you can, then strain the syrup into your jar and let cool to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator (for 3-4 weeks).
White Cranberry Juice: I use Ocean Spray white cranberry juice, which adds a light, crisp sweetness with a milder tartness than regular cranberry juice. It gives the Winter White Cosmo its signature pale color and a refreshing, seasonal touch.
Festive Ice Cubes: For a fun and festive touch, add a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary to an ice cube tray (I use this one because I love the square cubes). Freeze overnight, and you’ll have beautiful, holiday-inspired ice cubes to keep your drink cold.

Winter White Cosmo

I’ve got you covered with both a pitcher recipe and a single cocktail version, so whether you're making one for yourself or serving a crowd, you'll be all set.

Ingredients

2 oz vodka
1.5 oz white cranberry juice
3/4 oz orange liqueur
1/2 oz lime simple syrup
festive cranberry + rosemary ice cubes for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add vodka, white cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously (at least 15-20 seconds) and strain into a martini glass or champagne flute. Garnish with a festive ice cube.

Recipe for a Batched Cocktail: In a large pitcher, mix the below ingredients together. When ready to serve, pour into martini glasses or champagne flutes and add a festive ice cube.

20 oz vodka
15 oz white cranberry juice
7.5 oz orange liqueur
5 oz lime simple syrup

To make the Lime Simple Syrup: Combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice (save the lime halves!) in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar is dissolved, add the juiced lime halves to the syrup and bring to a boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat, cover with lid, and let steep for 1 hour. Squeeze the limes to get as much juice out as you can, then strain the syrup into your jar and let cool to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator (for 3-4 weeks).

To make the Festive Ice Cubes: For a fun and festive touch, add a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary to an ice cube tray (I use this one because I love the square cubes). Freeze overnight, and you’ll have beautiful, holiday-inspired ice cubes to keep your drink cold.