Beach House Cosmos: A Refreshing Citrus-Cranberry Cocktail for Summer Sipping

Let me begin by saying thank you for joining me here. Whether you’ve landed on this page because you’re planning a beachside bash or you’re just looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing cocktail to enjoy during warmer months, I’m thrilled to have you. Today, I’m excited to share something I consider an absolute must-have in any summer cocktail rotation: the Beach House Cosmos.

This isn’t just a drink—it’s a mood. A laid-back, toes-in-the-sand kind of cocktail with an easy-drinking vibe and a bright, citrusy flavor profile that practically demands to be sipped outdoors. The Beach House Cosmo is a fresh, tropical twist on the classic Cosmopolitan. It trades the formal martini glass moment for something a bit more playful and sunshine-ready: think limeade instead of lime juice, a touch of cranberry for tartness, and a splash of triple sec to round everything out.

If you enjoy a drink that’s equal parts bold, beautiful, and built for good times, you’re going to love this one.

What Are Beach House Cosmos?

Beach House Cosmos are essentially a relaxed, batch-friendly spin on the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail. While a standard Cosmo is typically made with vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and Cointreau or another orange liqueur, this version uses limeade as a citrusy base. The result? A drink that’s a little less fussy, a lot more festive, and perfect for outdoor entertaining.

The ingredients are simple, the preparation is straightforward, and the taste? Utterly refreshing. This cocktail is meant to be made in larger quantities, poured into pitchers, and served to friends on a sun-drenched deck or beach blanket. It’s fruity but not overly sweet, tart without being sharp, and incredibly well balanced.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why the Beach House Cosmo might just become your new favorite summer drink. For one, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need a cocktail shaker for every glass—you can mix everything up in one big pitcher and be done in under five minutes. That’s a win in my book.

It also checks all the boxes for a party-perfect cocktail:

• Serves a crowd: This recipe yields 6 to 8 drinks, making it ideal for barbecues, beach picnics, or pool parties.
• Make-ahead friendly: Mix it up in the morning, stash it in the fridge, and you’re set.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to make it stronger, lighter, sweeter, or tarter depending on your mood or your guests.
• Visually stunning: That deep pink hue, especially with a lime wedge floating on top, is incredibly inviting.

And perhaps most importantly, it tastes like sunshine. Seriously.

What Does It Taste Like?

The Beach House Cosmo is light, crisp, and full of flavor. The limeade gives it a citrusy punch that’s both tart and sweet, while the cranberry juice brings a touch of bitterness to balance things out. Vodka provides the necessary kick without overpowering the drink, and the triple sec (or other orange liqueur) adds a subtle complexity and sweetness that rounds it all out.

It’s got the tang of a margarita, the clean smoothness of a vodka cocktail, and the aesthetic charm of something served at a chic beach bar. It’s bright, beachy, and absolutely delightful from the first sip to the last.

Health and Lifestyle Benefits

Yes, it’s a cocktail, but that doesn’t mean it can’t have a few perks:

• Hydration help: Thanks to limeade, which contains water and electrolytes, this drink can be more hydrating than other spirit-heavy cocktails.
• Lower sugar options: If you choose a light or unsweetened cranberry juice and a fresh limeade, you can drastically reduce the sugar content.
• Naturally gluten-free: Vodka and triple sec are generally gluten-free, though always check your labels if that’s a concern.
• Vegan-friendly: No animal-based ingredients here.

Plus, being able to make this drink ahead of time and serve it effortlessly means you’ll spend less time behind the bar and more time enjoying the moment.

Ingredients List (Serves 6–8)

• 4 cups prepared limeade (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups vodka
• 1 cup cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or light)
• ½ cup triple sec (or another orange liqueur)
• Ice, for serving
• Lime wedges or wheels, for garnish

You can use store-bought limeade for convenience, but if you have the time, homemade limeade made with fresh lime juice, water, and a touch of simple syrup makes this drink even better.

Necessary Tools

To make this recipe, you’ll need just a few basic tools:

• Large pitcher or mixing jug
• Measuring cups
• Stirring spoon
• Cocktail or martini glasses (or any serving glasses you like)
• Sharp knife and cutting board (for lime garnish)
• Ice bucket or cooler (if serving outdoors)

No blender, no cocktail shaker, no problem.

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

The great thing about a cocktail like this is how flexible it can be. Here are some fun ways to tweak the recipe:

• Make it sparkling: Add a splash of club soda or sparkling water right before serving.
• Swap the spirit: Try using rum or tequila instead of vodka for a totally different vibe.
• Go herbal: Muddle a few fresh mint or basil leaves into the pitcher for a garden-fresh twist.
• Add fruit: A few sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even cucumber can give it extra dimension.
• Dial down the booze: Halve the vodka or skip the triple sec for a lower-alcohol version.

I’m kicking myself for not having shot this with a splash of Prosecco—it’s next on my list!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chill Your Ingredients

Start by making sure your limeade, vodka, and cranberry juice are well chilled. This helps keep the cocktail cold without relying too heavily on ice, which can dilute the flavor over time.

2. Mix the Cocktail

In a large pitcher or mixing jug, combine the limeade, vodka, cranberry juice, and triple sec. Use a spoon or whisk to stir thoroughly until the mixture is well blended.

3. Prepare Your Glasses

Fill your glasses with ice, or, for a more elegant presentation, chill the glasses in the freezer for 10–15 minutes ahead of time.

4. Pour and Garnish

Pour the cocktail evenly into each glass and garnish with a lime wheel or wedge. You can also add a twist of lime peel for extra fragrance.

What to Serve With Beach House Cosmos

This drink pairs wonderfully with a variety of light, fresh, and summer-forward dishes. Here are some of my favorites:

• Grilled shrimp skewers with lime and garlic
• Ahi tuna poke bowls
• Spicy mango salsa with tortilla chips
• Grilled chicken tacos with avocado crema
• Watermelon and feta salad
• Cold pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and herbs
• Mini caprese skewers or bruschetta

Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these pairings really elevate the cocktail experience.

Pro Tips for Success

• Always chill your ingredients before mixing. A cold base means less reliance on ice and bolder flavor.
• Taste before serving. Limeade and cranberry juice can vary in sweetness and tartness, so don’t be afraid to tweak the proportions.
• Use good-quality vodka—it doesn’t need to be top-shelf, but avoid the super cheap stuff for the best taste.
• Make a double batch if you’re hosting a crowd. It disappears fast!

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftover cocktail mix, store it in a sealed pitcher or bottle in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Avoid storing it with ice, as that will dilute the mixture and affect the flavor. Always stir well before serving again.

If you made a sparkling version with club soda or Prosecco, those bubbles won’t last overnight, so try to consume that variation fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Beach House Cosmos non-alcoholic?

Yes, and they’re just as delicious! Omit the vodka and triple sec and substitute with a mix of sparkling water and orange juice. The result is a citrusy, festive mocktail everyone can enjoy.

What’s the best vodka to use?

Choose a clean, mid-range vodka like Tito’s, Absolut, or Smirnoff. These provide great flavor without being too expensive, especially since they’re mixed with other ingredients.

Can I prepare this cocktail ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can mix everything ahead of time—just leave out the ice until you’re ready to serve. Store the pitcher in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before pouring.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of limeade?

Technically yes, but the flavor will be more concentrated and may require adjusting with simple syrup and water. Limeade provides the best balance of citrus and sweetness.

Cheers to a Beautiful Sip

There’s something so timeless and celebratory about a Cosmopolitan, but this beach house version takes everything up a notch. It’s bold, bright, and ideal for every summer gathering—from sandy bonfire nights to casual poolside hangs. If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s as easy to love as it is to make, this one deserves a permanent spot in your warm-weather rotation.

Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below, or better yet, tag your Beach House Cosmos on Pinterest or Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations.

More Cocktails You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Beach House Cosmo, you’re going to want to try these other summer stunners. Each one brings a unique flavor and a whole lot of fun to your cocktail game:

• Raspberry Margarita Recipe: A tart and fruity favorite with fresh raspberry flavor.
• Chocolate Piña Colada Cocktail Recipe: A tropical dessert cocktail that’s as indulgent as it is unexpected.
• Mermaid Lemon Drop Cocktail: A magical twist on the classic lemon drop with vibrant colors and bold citrus flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 185
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Sugars: 14g
• Alcohol Content: About 1.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz triple sec
• Vitamin C: Around 10–15% of your daily value, depending on limeade used

Print