Cosmopolitan

Like much of fashion from the late ’90s, the cosmopolitan is back. Made with vodka, lime, Triple Sec and cranberry juice, it’s a straightforward drink with a pretty pink hue. And while the cosmopolitan recipe is one of many easy mixed drinks to master, the history of the cocktail has almost as much drama as the show that made it famous.

People (including me) have been pouring cosmos long before Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte sipped it on Sex and the City. Many claim credit to creating the drink, but New York’s Toby Checchini of Odeon is the widely accepted innovator of the cosmopolitan recipe, serving it to Madonna, Johnny Depp and other trendsetters in 1988. By the 2000s, bartenders were turning towards mixology and away from vodka drinks, and the cosmo lost its luster.

The thing is, this drink tastes great. The classic combination of citrus, sweet and spirit, with a touch of cranberry tang, is super balanced and smooth. You can easily scale it up for a crowd or make it for one or two in a flash. Like SATC itself, the drink is experiencing a resurgence. And, just like that, the cosmopolitan is back on top.

Cosmopolitan Ingredients

• Vodka: Because vodka is pretty neutral in flavor, bartenders use it to spotlight the other ingredients in a cocktail. We think these are the best vodka brands to try if you want the cranberry flavors to be front and center. What is vodka made from? It depends on the brand, but most vodkas are made with cereal grains, such as wheat, corn, rye or potatoes. Using one distilled a few times ensures a smoother drink.
• Triple Sec: Triple Sec adds a touch of orange to cut through the cranberry. Though all are orange-flavored liqueurs, there is a difference between Cointreau, Triple Sec and Grand Marnier. I like Cointreau for this recipe. Grand Marnier is a good substitute (you can even make it yourself with this Grand Marnier recipe), but keep in mind that it’s a blend of orange liqueur and Cognac, giving it a much warmer and sweeter flavor.
• Lime juice: The bright, refreshing tartness of fresh lime juice strikes just the right balance against the vodka and Triple Sec. Freshly squeezed is preferred, but if you’re making a lot of cosmos, it’s OK to use high-quality bottled juice.
• Cranberry juice: Earthy, tangy cranberry juice finishes this cocktail’s flavor profile and gives it that perfect pink hue. If possible, avoid the “cranberry cocktail” juice. It has a lot of added processed sugar. You can add simple syrup if the pure cranberry juice is too tart.

Directions:

Step 1: Get your ice ready

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice about three-fourths full.

Editor’s Tip: This is a great time to chill your coupe or martini glass. Pop them in the freezer, or fill each glass with ice, add water, and let it chill. When your drink is ready to pour, dump the ice and pour your drink.

Step 2: Mix your drink

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Add the vodka, lime juice, cranberry juice and Triple Sec to your shaker. Cover and shake for 10 to 15 seconds or until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker.

Step 3: Strain and finish

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Strain your drink into a chilled cocktail glass.

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Garnish as desired.

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Recipe Variations:

• Use different flavored spirits: Make your cosmos with currant, orange, lime or cranberry vodka. For a little greener flavor, I like cucumber vodka (I’m also obsessed with these cucumber vodka recipes), the Grey Goose Strawberry and Lemongrass Vodka, or even a gin like Hendrick’s that has less juniper and more cucumber and botanicals.
• Go wild with garnishes: Garnish your cosmo with a lime wheel, fresh cranberries or an orange twist. My favorite garnish is a flamed orange peel. The aroma of the caramelized orange oil is spectacular. Take a good-sized orange peel strip, and hold it in one hand, skin side over the drink. In the other hand, grab a lighter or match, and light it as you squeeze the peel to express the oil over the drink’s surface. If the peel chars, your fire was too close. If the oils sizzle and spark, you got it right. Rub the peel on the glass rim, and discard.
• Make it nonalcoholic: Remove the vodka and Triple Sec, and add ginger ale to your lime and cranberry for a refreshing pink drink with no alcohol. There is no need to shake this one; just mix your ingredients in the glass. Check out more ideas for the best nonalcoholic drinks and spirits.

How to Make Cosmopolitans for a Group

A fantastic way to make cosmos ahead of time is to combine the ingredients in a pitcher, then store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Sticking to the ratios in the recipe, you can make as much or as little as your party requires. Put a few martini glasses in the freezer the night before, and all you will need to do is add your premade batch to your shaker, shake and serve a few at a time. No time to shake it up? Pour the mixture over ice in a highball glass instead.

Cosmopolitan Tips

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What’s the best vodka for a cosmopolitan?

My favorite vodka for a cosmopolitan is Absolut Citron, which is used in the Toby Checchini recipe. Any non-flavored vodka will do the trick, but I love the faintest hint of lemon the citrus vodka adds. Flavored vodkas are also a great option, Absolut and Stolichnaya being the go-to brands of the ’90s mixologist.

What kind of glass should you use to serve a cosmopolitan?

Any stemmed glass that serves a cocktail without ice (aka “served up”) is perfect for a cosmo. The martini glass is a go-to, but if you want a more vintage vibe, the shallow bowl of the coupe will show off the fragrance of your garnish and ingredients. As always, the best types of cocktail glasses are the ones filled with cocktails!

What else can you serve with cosmopolitans?

Cosmopolitans are a fantastic party drink and can be paired with many delicious dishes. Try these make-ahead brunch recipes or a happy hour featuring the best charcuterie boards. Cosmopolitans are one of the most festive drinks during the holidays, particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas, when there are already a lot of cranberries around.