A sophisticated and delicious drink, unique in its own way, that’s the Cosmopolitan Cocktail – the perfect choice for many. With its signature blend of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and a hint of lime, this cocktail becomes the ideal choice for any occasion. Learn how to make this classic recipe and impress your friends with an elegant and flavorful drink.
Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Servings: 1 glass
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
- 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec (such as Cointreau)
- 1 oz (30 ml) cranberry juice
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Lime peel (for garnish)
Necessary Equipment
- Shaker
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Juicer
- Cocktail glass
See 5 variations of the recipe at the end.
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Did You Know?
The Cosmopolitan was one of the most popular cocktails during the 90s, thanks to its constant appearance in "Sex and the City." In fact, the show made many bars and restaurants start offering this cocktail on their menus, and its popularity quickly grew among fans of elegant drinks.
Instructions
- First things first, in a shaker, add the vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Now, fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Remember, it should get cold.
- Strain the mixture into a pre-chilled cocktail glass.
- Before serving, simply garnish with a lime peel. Ready! Easy, right?
Preparation Tips
- It’s always better to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially lime juice, as the flavor is more intense. While artificial juice is also very tasty, it can alter the cocktail’s taste.
- Don’t forget to chill the glass before serving your Cosmopolitan for a more refreshing experience.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, I recommend adding 0.25 oz (7.5 ml) to 0.5 oz (15 ml) of additional triple sec, depending on how sweet you like it.
- You can also use Grand Marnier to sweeten it, which is a more complex and slightly sweeter orange liqueur. 0.25 oz (7.5 ml) should be enough to not overpower the cocktail’s flavor.
- Shake the shaker well for more than 10 seconds, so that all the ingredients mix perfectly and you get a smoother drink.
- Be sure to strain the mixture well to avoid any ice chunks or pulp in your drink.
Tasting Notes on the Flavor
- The Cosmopolitan is known for its perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, thanks to the triple sec and lime juice.
- Additionally, vodka provides a smooth and clean base, while cranberry juice gives the drink a slightly fruity and refreshing touch.
- The Cosmopolitan has a light and pleasant texture, making it ideal for casual enjoyment or an elegant evening.
- The final taste of this drink is refreshing and slightly acidic, with a subtle sweetness that doesn’t end up being overwhelming.
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 200
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- The calories primarily come from alcohol (vodka and triple sec)
- Cranberry juice and lime provide vitamin C
Nutritional Benefits
The vodka, which is the main ingredient in this drink, is low in carbs, making it a popular choice for low-carb diets. On the other hand, cranberry juice provides antioxidants that may help strengthen the immune system, and as we all know since childhood, lime is an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports skin health and protects against colds. So, this cocktail offers a refreshing and delicious experience, perfect for special occasions or a relaxing evening, but always enjoy responsibly.
History or Inspiration of the Recipe
The Cosmopolitan, also known as the "Cosmo," originated in the 1980s and gained worldwide popularity through the TV series "Sex and the City." It is believed, or said, that the recipe was created by a bartender named Neal Murray, who made it for a customer at the "Café Boulevard" in San Francisco. Although, as always, history and legend mix, several versions of its origin have been proposed. The Cosmo is considered a sophisticated and modern cocktail, perfect for the urban and cosmopolitan culture of the time.
Recipe Pairings
- The Cosmopolitan is ideal for pairing with seafood dishes, like grilled shrimp or sushi, which enhance the freshness of the cocktail.
- It also pairs wonderfully with fresh salads with citrus dressings or tropical fruit salads.
- Moreover, the Cosmopolitan is perfect to accompany soft cheeses like brie or camembert.
- For a sweet pairing, try the cocktail with desserts like chocolate mousse or fruit tart.
- The Cosmopolitan is an excellent choice to pair with tapas like bruschetta or small smoked salmon canapés.
Recipe Variations
- Red Berry Cosmopolitan: In this variation, simply replace the cranberry juice with a mix of raspberry, blackberry, or strawberry juice for a fruitier and slightly sweeter flavor.
- Cucumber Cosmopolitan: A very popular option for many, add a few slices of cucumber to the shaker for a refreshing and herbal touch in your drink.
- Pineapple Cosmopolitan: This is one of my favorites! Here, mix pineapple juice instead of cranberry juice for a tropical and sweeter twist.
- Mint Cosmopolitan: In this variation, just incorporate a few fresh mint leaves when shaking to add a refreshing and aromatic dimension. You can also garnish the drink with mint leaves.
- Non-Alcoholic Cosmopolitan (Mocktail): My personal favorite! Here, substitute the vodka with sparkling water and the triple sec with alcohol-free orange syrup for a non-alcoholic version that’s just as delicious. The sparkling water can really substitute the taste of alcoholic beverages well.
The Cosmo is undoubtedly a sophisticated and delicious drink that becomes the ideal choice for any occasion, thanks to its perfectly balanced mix of flavors. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or one of its variations, preparing this cocktail will always be a fun and tasty experience. And it’s even better to enjoy it whenever you wish. Cheers!
Tastes of La Paz.
Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Servings: 1 glass
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
- 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec (such as Cointreau)
- 1 oz (30 ml) cranberry juice
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Lime peel (for garnish)
Necessary Equipment
- Shaker
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Juicer
- Cocktail glass
Instructions
- First things first, in a shaker, add the vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Now, fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Remember, it should get cold.
- Strain the mixture into a pre-chilled cocktail glass.
- Before serving, simply garnish with a lime peel. Ready! Easy, right?
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 200
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- The calories primarily come from alcohol (vodka and triple sec)
- Cranberry juice and lime provide vitamin C
*Alternative for the Jigger
If you don't have a jigger, you can use:
Measuring spoons:
- 1 oz = 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- 1/2 oz = 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
Kitchen measuring cups:
Many kitchen measuring cups have markings for ounces and milliliters, allowing you to accurately measure the necessary ingredients without any problem.
*Alternative for the Shaker
If you don't have a shaker, try one of these alternatives:
Jar with a lid (like a Mason jar):
Fill it with the ingredients and ice, seal the lid tightly, and shake it like a shaker. It works great for mixing and chilling ingredients.
Coffee thermos:
A coffee thermos (well cleaned, to avoid mixing smells or flavors) can function as a shaker when closed and shaken. It’s a solid option.
Tall glass and spoon:
If your mocktail or cocktail doesn’t need a strong shake, simply mix the ingredients directly in the glass with a long spoon (or bar spoon, if you have one) and add ice at the end.