Metropolitan Cocktail
This post may contain affiliate links, read our disclosure policy.
Metropolitan cocktail is a classic drink made with brandy, vermouth, simple syrup, bitters and is perfect at parties or with friends.
This metropolitan cocktail recipe will have you feeling fancy and sophisticated right in the comfort of your home. We enjoy a metropolitan with air fryer chicken thighs, parmesan roasted potatoes, and strawberry kiss cookies.
Save this recipe!
Save this recipe! Enter your email below and we’ll shoot it straight to ya!
I consent to receive email from this site 💌
Metropolitan Cocktail
Metropolitan Cocktail
Click the button above to save this recipe!
Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 Comes together in just a couple minutes.
📌 Simple and straightforward cocktail.
📌 Adjust the mixture to your liking!
Metropolitan Cocktail Ingredients
- Brandy – Choose the brand that you enjoy most.
- Vermouth – Sweet vermouth.
- Simple syrup – Store bought or homemade.
- Bitters – Again, choose the brand that you most enjoy.
How do you make a metropolitan cocktail at home? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, combine all the ingredients over ice and stir thoroughly.
⭐ Next, strain the cocktail into a martini or coupe glass without ice.
⭐ Then, garnish with a cocktail cherry if desired.
⭐ Finally, enjoy with a friend!
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
How do you make a pitcher of metropolitan cocktails?
We typically consider a pitcher to be 8 servings. To make a pitcher, multiply each ingredient by 8 (exact measurements provided below).
Can you make a metropolitan cocktail ahead of time?
If you’re making a pitcher ahead of time, combine the ingredients without ice and store it in the refrigerator.
You can mix the ingredients ahead of time but don’t chill over the ice until ready to serve.
Storage and leftovers
How do I keep the metropolitan cold without ice?
This particular cocktail is served without ice. It’s stirred over ice to chill the cocktail initially but then poured into a martini glass without ice.
The best way to keep the drink colder longer is to chill the glass in the fridge before pouring the metropolitan cocktail into it.
Can you store a leftover metropolitan cocktail?
Because this drink is not served over ice, if you want to store an unfinished portion for later, simply place it in the fridge until ready to enjoy. Give it a good stir before drinking.
Metropolitan Cocktail Variations
- Cosmopolitan: This is perhaps the most well-known variation of the Metropolitan. It typically consists of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Metropolitan Martini: For a drier version, you can make a Metropolitan Martini by replacing the cranberry juice with dry vermouth.
- Bourbon Metropolitan: Swap out the vodka in the classic Metropolitan recipe for bourbon.
- Gin Metropolitan: Similarly, you can substitute gin for vodka to create a Gin Metropolitan.
- Spiced Metropolitan: Add a touch of warmth and complexity by infusing the cocktail with spices like cinnamon, cloves, or star anise.
- Frozen Metropolitan: Turn the Metropolitan into a refreshing frozen cocktail by blending the ingredients with ice.
- Berry Metropolitan: Experiment with different berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries, to add a fresh, fruity twist to the cocktail.
- Herbal Metropolitan: Add a herbal twist to the Metropolitan by incorporating herbs like basil, mint, or thyme.
Tips and tricks
✅ This recipe will highlight the brandy that is used. Make sure to use a brand you enjoy!
✅ Sweet vermouth has a shorter shelf life than most alcohols. If the vermouth was opened and has been sitting in the liquor cabinet for a while (longer than 3 months), you might want to grab a fresh bottle.
✅ This recipe can also be used with cognac in place of the brandy.
✅ We find this recipe is best stirred, not shaken!
Frequently asked questions
What are bitters?
Bitters, much like vanilla extract, are alcohol infused with flavors (herbs, spices, fruits, roots, tree bark, and other botanicals).
You’ll often find orange peel, gentian root, cassia bark, cascarilla, and cinchona bark in bitters.
What to enjoy with your metropolitan cocktail (serving suggestions)
A good metropolitan cocktail always makes us feel fancy and sophisticated! Serve this with marry me chicken, salt potatoes, glazed carrots, and champagne truffles!
More great cocktail recipes
- Arnold palmer cocktail
- Classic martini recipe
- Brown derby cocktail
- Long island iced tea
- Old fashioned
- Pineapple margarita
- Dirty shirley
- Fuzzy navel
- Sex on the beach
- Rum punch
- See all our easy drink ideas!
Tools we love
- Glass pitcher – Everyone needs a gorgeous glass pitcher! Perfect for water on the weekdays and cocktails on the weekends!
- Stemless wine glasses – I am a huge fan of stemless wine glasses for cocktails as they’re much less likely to tip over. Read = I am clumsy.
Get our FREE Easy Casseroles Ebook!
Follow us below!Use #mamalovesfood on Instagram!
How to Make a Metropolitan Cocktail
Metropolitan Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
BY THE GLASS
- 2 ounces brandy
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- 6 dashes bitters
BY THE PITCHER
- 16 ounces brandy
- 8 ounces sweet vermouth
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- 6 teaspoons bitters
OPTIONAL GARNISHES
- cherries, citrus twist, flavored sugar cube, fruit wedge
Instructions
BY THE GLASS
- Combine all of your ingredients over ice and stir for about 30 seconds.
- Strain your drink into a glass (no ice).
- Garnish as desired.
BY THE PITCHER
- Combine all your ingredients into a pitcher and mix well.
- Place pitcher in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or until fully chilled.
- Serve with your choice of garnishes.
Notes
Variations
- Cosmopolitan: This is perhaps the most well-known variation of the Metropolitan. It typically consists of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Metropolitan Martini: For a drier version, you can make a Metropolitan Martini by replacing the cranberry juice with dry vermouth.
- Bourbon Metropolitan: Swap out the vodka in the classic Metropolitan recipe for bourbon.
- Gin Metropolitan: Similarly, you can substitute gin for vodka to create a Gin Metropolitan.
- Spiced Metropolitan: Add a touch of warmth and complexity by infusing the cocktail with spices like cinnamon, cloves, or star anise.
- Frozen Metropolitan: Turn the Metropolitan into a refreshing frozen cocktail by blending the ingredients with ice.
- Berry Metropolitan: Experiment with different berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries, to add a fresh, fruity twist to the cocktail.
- Herbal Metropolitan: Add a herbal twist to the Metropolitan by incorporating herbs like basil, mint, or thyme.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram and use the hashtag #mamalovesfood and follow on Pinterest for even more!
⭐Save This Recipe⭐ Send it to your email!
[ninja_form id=5]I consent to receive email from this site 💌
Metropolitan Cocktail
Click the button above to save this recipe!
Get Our Free Easy Casseroles ebook!
Recipes in your inbox
(your email will never be sold!)
Let’s Connect!
Tag #mamalovesfood on Instagram!
I love the classic flavor of a metropolitan cocktail. This is delicious and so easy, and I’ll definitely be serving it at all my parties form now on.
Just tried making it for the first time, and it turned out amazing! I will definitely serve this at my next gathering!
I tried mixing up the Metropolitan Cocktail from your recipe for our Friday night unwind, and it was superb! The balance of flavors was spot on, making it a sophisticated yet easy drink to enjoy.
This was the easiest cocktail recipe I’ve tried and it taste amazing! Glad I found this recipe!
WHAT! I never knew how easy this was!!! Thank you!
Such a classic cocktail! I feel fancy when I drink them 🙂