Getting to Know the Cosmopolitan Cocktail
The Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan Cocktail, often called a Cosmo, is a wildly popular drink with a bit of a debatable history.
As one would expect, the mystery surrounding this classic and contemporary drink has given way to lots of fun folklore, but even better are the many creative versions of this classic potent potable, which is found in the IBA (International Bartenders Association) Guide.
Some consider the Cosmo Cocktail a ‘girly’ drink due to its popularity among women – including being highlighted as the signature drink of Carrie Bradshaw, HBO’s main character on Sex and the City.
However, this legendary cocktail is actually not too fruity or overly sugary.
The cosmopolitan cocktail, when crafted correctly, is classically designed with a balance of sweet, bitter, and sour flavor combinations.
The Cosmopolitan Cocktail
While most think of the cosmopolitan cocktail of a modern, sophisticated cocktail, – there is actually a written recipe for this pinkish alcoholic drink in a bartender’s cookbook from 1934 – Pioneers of Mixing at Elite Bars.
- Preparation Time – 5 minutes.
- Serves – 1
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
The Cosmo Garnish
The garnish on the cosmopolitan cocktail varies – much like its history and ingredients. However, the traditional or standard practice for garnishing this potent pink potable is an orange curled twist. For those with a zest peeler, simply create an orange twist.
Did you know?
Even a simple vegetable peeler can be used – just take the orange peel and wrap it snugly around a cocktail stick as the garnish.
How to Make the Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Step 1:
- Combine the following ingredients into a cocktail shaker – two ounces of vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and cover it.
- Shake enthusiastically until the outside of the shaker becomes very cold. This should take about 20 seconds. [Note that certain Cosmo variations call for stirring the drink rather than shaking it in a cocktail shaker.
Step 2:
- Strain the cosmopolitan through a Hawthorne strainer (a thick steel paddle-shape that fits atop a cocktail shaker) or a slotted spoon into a chilled martini glass. This creates a perfectly smooth and delicious cosmopolitan cocktail drink.
Recipe Twists on the Cosmopolitan Cocktail
For the more adventurous, the following are some of the more common recipe variations that have been created since the birth of this popular and delicious cocktail.
The Blue Cosmo
Substitute blue curaçao for the triple sec and the regular cranberry juice with white cranberry juice. Because certain brands of curacaos can be pretty sweet, it may be necessary to increase the amount of lime to counterbalance the sweetness.
The Champagne Cosmo
To create a bit of extra sophistication, add a splash of your favorite champagne to the finished cosmopolitan cocktail. Then, stir the drink gently before serving.
The French Cosmo/Martini
Instead of the triple sec, use Cointreau to make this delicious cocktail. Cointreau is a French brand of triple sec, and because it is served in a martini glass, the drink is considered a type of martini.
Can you use a different kind of pasta? A different spice? Make it mild or spicy? Offer some alternative ways to mix up the recipe to make it fit their family.
For even more delicious recipes, you may like these:
The Cosmopolitan
A delicious and popular drink. The Cosmopolitan is a drink infused with cranberries, lime juice, and vodka. Not only does it wow with it's pink color, it is so delicious and refreshing too. Make your own at home and learn all about it iin this post!.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. of Vodka – a citrus-flavored vodka is recommended as this enhances the base flavors.
- 3/4 oz. of Triple Sec – an orange-flavored liqueur made in France.
- 3/4 oz. of Fresh Lime Juice
- 3/4 oz. of Cranberry Juice
Instructions
- Combine the following ingredients into a cocktail shaker - two ounces of vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and cover it.
- Shake enthusiastically until the outside of the shaker becomes very cold. This should take about 20 seconds. [Note that certain Cosmo variations call for stirring the drink rather than shaking it in a cocktail shaker.
- Strain the cosmopolitan through a Hawthorne strainer (a thick steel paddle-shape that fits atop a cocktail shaker) or a slotted spoon into a chilled martini glass. This creates a perfectly smooth and delicious cosmopolitan cocktail drink.
Notes
The garnish on the cosmopolitan cocktail varies. This potent pink potable calls for an orange-curled twist for a garnish. You can use a vegetable peeler if you don't have a zest peeler, and boom, you got a curl to top your delicious Cosmo with. Enjoy!
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Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 212Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1659mgCarbohydrates: 3.7gSugar: 18gProtein: 0.1g
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Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
