How many calories are in a Tito's cosmopolitan?

December 10, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard cosmopolitan can range significantly in calories, with some recipes containing over 200 calories depending on ingredients. Here, we break down exactly how many calories are in a Tito's cosmopolitan and the simple ingredient swaps that can influence the final count.

Quick Summary

A standard Tito's cosmopolitan has an average of 150-220 calories, influenced by specific ingredient measurements and the type of cranberry juice or orange liqueur used.

Key Points

Average Calorie Count: A standard Tito's cosmopolitan contains approximately 170 calories, though it can range from 150 to 220 calories depending on the recipe.
Tito's Vodka Contribution: The 1.5 oz serving of Tito's vodka contributes about 98 calories to the cocktail.
Juice Type Matters: Using 100% unsweetened cranberry juice instead of cranberry juice cocktail dramatically reduces sugar and calorie content.
Liqueur is a Factor: The choice of orange liqueur and its quantity significantly impacts the total calories. Low-sugar versions or simple citrus zest can be used to lower the count.
Ingredient Control is Key: Preparing the cocktail at home gives you full control over ingredient measurements, allowing you to tailor the calorie content to your preferences.
Low-Calorie Option: A low-calorie version of the cosmo can contain around 110-130 calories per serving.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Classic Tito's Cosmo

Calculating the precise calories in a Tito's Cosmopolitan requires looking at each individual component. The final number can vary based on the specific recipe, but we can establish a reliable estimate. A standard cosmo typically includes vodka, orange liqueur (like Cointreau or triple sec), cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice. The most significant caloric contributions come from the alcohol and the cranberry juice.

Standard Recipe Calorie Calculation

Based on common cocktail recipes and calorie data, here is a typical breakdown for a 4 oz (120ml) cocktail:

Tito's Handmade Vodka: A standard 1.5 oz (45ml) pour contains approximately 98 calories, as it is zero carbs and zero sugar.
Orange Liqueur: Using 0.5 oz (15ml) of Cointreau or Triple Sec, which typically contributes around 47 calories.
Cranberry Juice Cocktail: The portion size is often 1.5 oz (45ml), adding roughly 22 calories. Note that juice cocktail contains added sugar, which significantly increases calories compared to 100% cranberry juice.
Fresh Lime Juice: About 0.5 oz (15ml), which is negligible, usually adding 1-2 calories.

Total Estimated Calories: ~168-170 calories per drink, with the average falling squarely within the 150-220 calorie range cited by various sources.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

The exact calorie count of your Tito's cosmopolitan can be influenced by several key factors:

Type of Cranberry Juice: Switching from sweetened cranberry juice cocktail to a 100% unsweetened juice can save a considerable number of calories and reduce sugar content.
Orange Liqueur: The specific brand and type of orange liqueur used can alter the final calorie tally. Some low-sugar or zero-calorie alternatives are available.
Pour Size: Generous pours at a bar or in a homemade recipe will inevitably increase the calorie count. A larger 6 oz cosmo, for example, will have more calories than a 4 oz version.
Garnish: While small, adding a sugar rim or sugary garnish can also contribute to the overall calories.

Comparison of Standard vs. Low-Calorie Cosmopolitans


Feature	Standard Tito's Cosmopolitan	Low-Calorie Tito's Cosmopolitan
Vodka	1.5 oz Tito's Vodka	1.5 oz Tito's Vodka
Orange Liqueur	0.5 oz Cointreau/Triple Sec	0.5 oz low-sugar orange liqueur or agave sec
Cranberry Juice	1.5 oz Cranberry Juice Cocktail	1.5 oz 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
Lime Juice	0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice	0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Approx. Calories	170 calories	~120-130 calories
Approx. Sugar	~11-13g	~3-5g

Tips for a Low-Calorie Tito's Cosmopolitan

Use Fresh, Unsweetened Cranberry Juice: Opt for 100% unsweetened cranberry juice instead of the calorie-laden cocktail version. This is the most impactful single change for reducing sugar and calories.
Reduce Liqueur or Use an Alternative: Use a smaller amount of Cointreau or Triple Sec, or explore low-sugar alternatives. Some recipes use a citrus zest to get the orange flavor without the added calories.
Add a Splash of Soda Water: To increase the volume without adding calories, add a splash of club soda or sparkling water to your finished cocktail.
Consider Infusing Your Vodka: Create a naturally flavored, zero-calorie citrus vodka by infusing Tito's with orange or lemon zest at home.
Stick to Standard Servings: Avoid large pours. A standard-sized martini glass and a measured cocktail shaker ensure you stay within the intended calorie range.

Conclusion

While a classic Tito's cosmopolitan delivers a crisp, satisfying flavor, the calorie count can be a consideration for those monitoring their intake. A typical serving contains around 170 calories, with the primary caloric sources being the vodka and the sweetened cranberry juice. By making smart substitutions, such as using 100% unsweetened cranberry juice and a lower-sugar orange liqueur, it is possible to significantly reduce the calorie count without sacrificing flavor. Being mindful of these ingredients allows you to enjoy a delicious cosmopolitan with more control over your nutritional goals. For more in-depth nutritional guidance, refer to authoritative sources like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Tito's Handmade Vodka is a standard 80-proof spirit and contains 98 calories per 1.5 oz serving. The calories come from the alcohol itself, and it has zero carbohydrates, fat, or sugar.

To make a lower-calorie version, replace the sweetened cranberry juice cocktail with 100% unsweetened cranberry juice. You can also use a low-sugar orange liqueur or add orange zest for flavor instead of a traditional liqueur.

The calorie count varies due to recipe differences, particularly the type of cranberry juice (sweetened cocktail vs. unsweetened juice) and the amount of orange liqueur used. Portion size is also a major factor.

Cranberry juice cocktail is typically sweetened with added sugar, making it significantly higher in calories than 100% unsweetened cranberry juice. The unsweetened version is the healthier, lower-calorie choice.

A standard cosmopolitan can be high in sugar due to the sweetened cranberry juice cocktail and orange liqueur. Opting for unsweetened juice and reduced liqueur can lower the sugar content.

Yes, Triple Sec is a type of orange liqueur and can be used as a substitute for Cointreau. The specific brand may slightly alter the flavor and calorie count.

You can get the orange flavor without adding calories by using fresh orange zest. Muddling the zest with the other ingredients releases the aromatic oils, providing flavor with zero calories.