Fitness / August 2, 2024

Cosmopolitan

The classic and elegant Cosmopolitan cocktail is perfect for happy hour or an after-dinner drink.

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Sex and the City may have brought the Cosmopolitan newfound fame; however, it has always been a favorite cocktail. Lovingly referred to as a “Cosmo,” the classic drink manages a unique balance of tart and sweet. For many of us, that is why we love it so much. The Cosmopolitan satisfies your sweet craving while not being too sweet.

The Cosmo has a captivating history that weaves creativity, elegance, and a hint of intrigue. Its origins date back to at least the 1970s, although there is some debate about its birthplace. Some attribute its creation to bartender Neal Murray in Minneapolis, who mixed cranberry juice with a Kamikaze. Others suggest Miami bartender Cheryl Cook as the creator of this cocktail, designing it to cater to customers seeking a visually appealing drink.

As mentioned, the Cosmo gained popularity in the 1990s largely due to its association with the TV series Sex and the City, where it became synonymous with the stylish personas of the show’s characters.

The traditional recipe, as you will see below, comprises vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime juice, shaken with ice and strained into a martini glass. Its pretty pink color and harmonious mix of flavors have earned it a place in bars, restaurants, and homes everywhere. Although the Cosmopolitan is served in a martini glass and often confused with a French martini, it is not technically a martini.

why shaking the cosmopolitan is essential

What if you don’t have a shaker? Can you mix the Cosmopolitan with a spoon instead? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Certain cocktails are shaken, and others are stirred for good reason. When you shake a cocktail in a shaker with ice cubes, the result is a perfectly chilled drink with a cloudy appearance. More importantly, in drinks like the Cosmopolitan, shaking allows the cranberry, lime, and spirits to blend seamlessly. This way, different liquids don’t separate, and you get even flavor throughout. Save the stirring for cocktails that don’t require as much mixing.

What is the Best Vodka to Use to Make a Cosmopolitan?

You can truly use any traditional vodka to make a Cosmopolitan; however, the original is thought to be Absolut Citron vodka, which has lemon notes. Many mixologists feel that an extra citrus bite from the right vodka makes an excellent cocktail. Still, most vodkas work just fine. It’s best to try a citrusy vodka and then compare it with a traditional one and see which you prefer.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 oz vodka
1 oz cranberry juice
1/2 oz Cointreau
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
Ice cubes
Lime twist or wheel for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Chill

Prepare shaker with ice.

Mix

Combine vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and lime juice.

Shake

Shake until cold and strain into glass.

Garnish

Add lime twist and serve.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

What glass and garnish to use?

A cosmopolitan cocktail is best enjoyed in a martini glass because of its design and practicality. The wide, shallow bowl helps bring out the drink’s scent, letting you savor the citrusy and fruity flavors. This shape also highlights the Cosmopolitan color, making it visually appealing. With the stem of the martini glass, your hand won’t warm up the drink, ensuring it stays chilled longer. Moreover, the classy look of a martini glass complements the essence of a Cosmopolitan, often linked to elegance and luxury. To garnish, a simple lemon or lime peel works well.

Can you Make a Cosmopolitan Ahead?

It’s a lot of fun to serve guests a fancy cocktail before, during, or after a meal. However, it can be daunting if the crowd is large. Thankfully, you can make Cosmopolitans ahead of time. Simply mix the liquor and juices in a pitcher or a container with a lid. Place it in the refrigerator to cool until your guests show up. When it’s time to serve, stir the mixture and shake it with ice before pouring it into chilled martini glasses.

How many calories in a Cosmopolitan?

A typical Cosmopolitan cocktail usually has 200 calories per serving. The calorie content may vary depending on the ingredients. Vodka contributes 96 calories per 1.5 ounces, while triple sec adds around 76 calories per ounce. Cranberry juice and lime juice together add another 20 to 30 calories. Moreover, any additional syrups or mixers can bump up the calorie count. To make a healthier version one could opt for sugar-free cranberry juice or reduce the amount of triple sec (Cointreau) used.

What if I don’t have fresh lime juice?

If you don’t have any fresh limes on hand, no worries. You can use bottled lime juice in a pinch. Fresh lime juice often gives a better flavor; however, once mixed with all of the other ingredients, you should be fine using concentrated lime juice. Although lime juice is preferred and traditionally used in the Cosmopolitan, if you only have lemons and must have a Cosmo, you can give the lemon juice a shot.

Variations

There are many exciting variations to explore with the classic Cosmopolitan if you’re looking to mix things up! To give your drink a fruity twist, consider swapping out the cranberry juice for pomegranate or raspberry juice for a tangy taste. This Pomegranate Margarita recipe could be tweaked into a pomegranate Cosmo by substituting vodka for tequila. If you’re feeling tropical, adding a splash of pineapple juice or coconut rum can bring an island vibe to your glass. For a new flavor profile try using blood orange juice instead of lime juice for a rich and complex flavor. For a non-alcoholic choice, skip the spirits and add a splash of orange juice plus lemon-lime soda with the cranberry and lime juices.