The classic and elegant Cosmopolitan cocktail is perfect for happy hour or as a post-dinner drink.
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 cravings 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.
Is The Cosmopolitan Healthy?
Fresh juices and smoothies can be very healthy, but unfortunately, cocktails will never make it to the healthiest drinks list! Though the Cosmopolitan is low in calories, alcohol is definitely something we want to consume mindfully.
How To Make Ahead And Store
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 ingredients in a pitcher or a container with a lid. Place it in the refrigerator to chill until your guests show up. When it’s time to serve, stir the mixture and shake individual portions with ice before pouring it into chilled martini glasses.
Serving Suggestions
Why not celebrate your next birthday with a chic cocktail party? In that case, you’ll want to serve elegant little nibbles, such as these Italian Arancini, crispy Coconut Shrimp, or these paper-thin, savory Cheese Crisps. On a beautiful platter, arrange wedges of Prosciutto And Melon, and don’t forget to offer something sweet, like these decadent Chocolate Truffles. Keep your cocktail offerings classic and stick with drinks we all know and love, like the Manhattan and the Espresso Martini.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- 1/2 ounce Cointreau
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Lime twist or wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice to chill the ingredients.
- Pour vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice into the shaker.
- Shake the mixture vigorously until the exterior of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime twist or wheel and serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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