Low-Carb Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe: Low-Sugar Vodka Cosmo

A Low Carb Cosmopolitan Cocktail is our lightened take on a classic, elegant drink. It’s simple to prepare and delivers a delightful balance of fruity and tart flavors in a stylish package. Popularized in the 1990s as a symbol of chic nightlife, the Cosmopolitan is fun, fashionable, and—best of all—this version contains only about 2–3g net carbs per serving.

Many people associate the Cosmopolitan with “Sex and the City,” where the crimson cocktail was a favorite of the characters and became widely popular. Although it’s often served in a martini glass with a lime wedge, the Cosmopolitan is not technically a martini—but it looks very sophisticated in that glass. Whether or not you’re a fan of the show, this low-carb version keeps the flavor you love while cutting the sugar.

Ingredients

A traditional Cosmopolitan combines vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and fresh lime juice. Much of the sugar comes from the triple sec and the cranberry juice, while lime adds brightness but a small amount of carbs. The Cosmopolitan evolved by combining elements of two older cocktails: the kamikaze (vodka, triple sec and lime) and the Cape Cod (vodka and cranberry). Our goal is to keep the bright, citrusy character while dramatically reducing carbs.

To make this a low-carb Cosmopolitan we use unsweetened cranberry juice (or diet cranberry juice) and a liquid zero-calorie sweetener such as EZ-Sweetz. Unsweetened cranberry juice keeps the drink’s tart color and flavor, though it can be harder to find than sweetened varieties. If you choose diet cranberry juice, reduce the EZ-Sweetz to one drop and use slightly less water. Instead of triple sec (which adds sugar), a few drops of orange extract provide the orange flavor with no carbs—Nielsen-Massey makes a high-quality orange extract. Always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor, and opt for a plain vodka (Ketel One, Skyy, Tito’s or any quality clear vodka), which contributes zero carbs.

Preparation Tips

This cocktail is incredibly easy to make. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice, shake vigorously, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime slice. The technique is straightforward and yields a crisp, refreshing drink every time.

After years of reruns, fans of “Sex and the City” enjoyed the movie, where one character remarks they stopped ordering Cosmos “because everyone else started.” For those who want to enjoy one again—now with fewer carbs—here is our Low Carb Cosmopolitan Cocktail.

Follow us on Social Media – See the Latest Low Carb Products

Low Carb Cosmopolitan Cocktail – Use Unsweetened Cranberry Juice

This is truly Tasty Low Carb! The blend of tart cranberry and bright citrus is perfect—unsweetened cranberry juice is the key to keeping the flavor balanced. Try one tonight while you relax and enjoy a good show.

Amazon Affiliate Program -> Tasty Low Carb participates in Amazon’s affiliate advertising program; purchases through product links may provide a small commission that supports this site.

Recipe Index