Looking for something fun and a little spooky to serve at your next party? My Creepy Crawly Cosmo Cocktail is a playful spin on the classic cosmopolitan, all dressed up for a creepy-crawly vibe.
It’s just the thing to surprise your friends on Halloween or whenever you’re in the mood for a drink with a little extra flair.
Honestly, I love this recipe because it’s so easy, but the look really grabs attention.
Let me show you what you’ll need, the simple ingredients, and how to put it all together.
Get ready to mix up something delicious—and just a bit spooky.
Creepy Crawly Cosmo Cocktail Recipe
I’m a sucker for themed drinks at parties, and this Creepy Crawly Cosmo is always a crowd-pleaser.
Mixing cranberry juice, citrus vodka, and those silly garnishes gives this cocktail its unique look and taste.
Using the right tools and ingredients really helps, trust me.
Equipment
- Martini glass – I like to chill mine in the freezer
- Cocktail shaker – Stainless steel with a strainer is my go-to
- Measuring jigger – Makes pouring easy
- Bar spoon – Handy for mixing or adding garnishes
- Small plate – If I’m rimming the glass with sugar
- Strainer – My shaker has one, but a separate one works
- Knife and juicer – For the limes
- Ice cubes – A must for a cold drink
A proper martini glass just makes the drink look fancier.
And shaking with plenty of ice gives the Cosmo that crisp, smooth finish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz citrus-flavored vodka (I like Absolut Citron for a bright kick)
- 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec (any orange liqueur does the trick)
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice (freshly squeezed is a must for me)
- 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened is best)
- Ice cubes
- Gummy worms or candy spiders (for that creepy crawly garnish)
- Lime wedge or wheel (good for garnish or the rim)
- Optional: Sugar for rimming the glass
Citrus vodka really lifts the drink.
A splash of orange liqueur adds balance, and the cranberry juice gives that classic Cosmo color.
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes
- Pour in the citrus vodka, Cointreau or triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice
- Close the shaker tight and shake it hard for about 20 seconds
- (Optional) Rub a lime wedge on the glass rim, then dip in sugar
- Strain into your chilled martini glass
- Add a gummy worm or candy spider for a spooky touch
- Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim
- Serve right away while it’s ice cold
Shaking with ice blends the flavors and chills everything down.
The garnish is what really makes it a Halloween drink, in my opinion.
Notes
Sometimes I swap Cointreau for another orange liqueur.
If I want more citrus, I’ll squeeze in extra lime.
A sweeter drink? I just use cranberry juice with added sugar.
Gummy worms can hang over the rim or just dangle inside—whatever looks fun.
A classic martini glass shows off the color, and keeping it cold is key.
If I’m out of citrus vodka, I just add a bit more lime for that zing.
Equipment
- Martini glass (chilled)
- Measuring jigger
- Small plate (if rimming with sugar)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz citrus vodka e.g. Absolut Citron
- 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz cranberry juice unsweetened or lightly sweetened
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: gummy worms candy spiders
- Optional garnish: lime wedge or wheel
- Optional: sugar for rimming glass
Instructions
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add the vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Shake well for about 20 seconds until icy cold.
- If using, rim the glass: rub a lime wedge around the edge and dip into sugar.
- Strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and creepy gummy candies like worms or spiders.
- Serve immediately—ice cold!
Tasting Notes
First sip of the Creepy Crawly Cosmo? I get a zesty punch from the lime juice.
It wakes up my taste buds and just feels lively.
The cranberry juice adds a light tartness, making everything feel fresh.
I like how the subtle sweetness balances out the sour, so it’s never too sharp.
With every taste, there’s this smooth vodka base blending with those juicy notes.
It’s crisp and clean, but not in-your-face.
Sometimes I’ll toss in a gummy worm for fun.
Doesn’t really change the flavor, but hey, it’s Halloween—gotta have some whimsy.
I always serve it chilled.
A cold glass keeps the flavors crisp, so every sip stays refreshing.
Substitute
Sometimes, I just don’t have every ingredient on hand. No big deal—I’ll swap in whatever’s around and the Creepy Crawly Cosmo Cocktail still turns out tasty.
Ingredients:
- Ocean Spray cranberry juice: If my fridge is out, I’ll reach for another cranberry brand or even raspberry juice for a little twist.
- Vodka: Sometimes I’ll grab a citrus or raspberry vodka if I’m in the mood for something different.
- Lime juice: Lemon juice steps in if I’m out of lime. Not quite the same, but it works.
- Triple sec: I’ll use Cointreau or Grand Marnier if that’s what’s in the cabinet.
- Gummy bugs: Any gummy candy hanging around makes a fun garnish.
The Cosmo’s roots go back to bartenders like Toby Cecchini, Dale DeGroff, and Cheryl Cook in the ‘90s. Then, Sex and the City happened—suddenly, Carrie Bradshaw made it iconic at places like The Odeon in New York.
Sometimes, I’ll toss in a little raspberry or swap the lemon twist for a lime wedge, just for fun. If I’m craving something sweeter, I’ll add extra fruit juice for a Sea Breeze vibe.
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Chilled glass
Instructions:
