How much vodka is used in a traditional Cosmopolitan recipe?

In a traditional Cosmopolitan recipe, the standard amount of vodka used is 1.5 ounces. This balance is essential to achieve the characteristic flavor profile of the cocktail, which combines vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. The use of 1.5 ounces allows the vodka to provide the necessary base spirit while still enabling the other ingredients to shine, resulting in a well-rounded and refreshing drink.

Using less than 1.5 ounces, such as 1 ounce, would result in a drink that is overly diluted and may lack the desired vodka flavor, undermining the balance that makes a Cosmopolitan appealing. As a foundational element of this cocktail, the vodka needs to be present in a sufficient quantity to contribute to both the taste and the overall strength of the drink.