Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan is a popular cocktail that is typically served as before dinner or as a party drink and just won’t seem to go ever away.

Although it’s gotten a bad rap from the martini craze of the 90s, this drink has (probably) been around in its current incarnation since the 1970s and is made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. The origins are a little unclear, as its credited to various bartenders including Neal Murray in the 70s and Cheryl Cook in the 80s.

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However, it’s actually based on an elegant cocktail from the 1930s called the Cosmopolitan daisy, which was  made with gin, fresh lemon juice, Cointreau orange liqueur (triple sec), and raspberry syrup.

We actually have another recipe on our blog that marries old and new by infusing the vodka with lemon, so make sure to check that one out as well as this classic Cosmopolitan recipe below.

The modern Cosmo fell out of fashion during the rise of the craft cocktail movement, although I’m not sure it every really became unpopular amongst consumers. It’s always been a favorite holiday drink and one of the most loved vodka cocktails with the ladies (Thanks, Sex and the City).

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However, it’s actually based on an elegant cocktail from the 1930s called the Cosmopolitan daisy, which was made with gin, fresh lemon juice, Cointreau orange liqueur (triple sec), and raspberry syrup.

The modern Cosmo fell out of fashion during the rise of the craft cocktail movement, although I’m not sure it every really became unpopular amongst consumers. It’s always been a favorite holiday drink and one of the most loved vodka cocktails with the ladies (Thanks, Sex and the City).

It’s also very common to marry old and new by infusing the vodka with lemon or using Citron vodka, so you could also try it that way.

HOW TO MAKE A COSMOPOLITAN DRINK

Now, let’s be clear that– just like the popular Espresso Martini and Lemon Drop Martini— this alcoholic drink isn’t actually a Martini, even though it’s often served in a Martini glass and associated with the popularity of Martinis.

A real Martini is simply base spirit (typically vodka or gin), vermouth, and bitters. It’s also stirred rather than shaken.

This somewhat-classic drink, however, contains sweetened or unsweetened cranberry juice for a touch of tartness, fresh lime juice, triple sec (Cointreau), and unflavored vodka or Absolut citron vodka (lemon flavored).

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It requires relatively little prep time, is a shaken juice cocktail, and is known for its distinctive pink color.

For a drink garnish, the finished cocktail should be served with a slice of lime to play off the lime juice if you’re using plain vodka; however, we often see it served with a lemon peel instead– That would work better if you use the lemon-infused vodka in the above Cosmopolitan cocktail recipe or a flavored vodka from the store.

Sometimes I even see it with an orange twist, to play off the Cointreau.

Ready to judge the Cosmo drink yourself? Try this delicious Cosmopolitan cocktail recipe, and let us know what you think in the comments!