How To Make A Lime Or Lemon Twist
- Cut slices of lemon or lime all the way through creating circles that are about 1/4 inch thick.
- Make a slice in the rind that cuts through to the flesh on one side.
- Using a paring knife to cut away the flesh.
- Twist the rind to curl it.
- For half twists cut the circle in half before cutting away the flesh and twist to curl the rind.
Cranberry Vodka Cosmo Cocktail
Who doesnt love a crisp, juicy cosmo cocktail? The cranberry vodka cosmopolitan cocktail became popular in my generation, the 1990s. This cosmopolitan cocktail recipe features citrus vodka, tart cranberry juice, and lime. It is highly drinkable. Consequently, the cosmo continues to charm bar-goers decades later.
Cosmo Cocktail History
Some say the cosmo cocktail originated in the 1980s in Miami at a bar called The Strand. Others say the combination of cranberry, vodka, and citrus has been around since at least the 70s. Flavored citrus vodka, an important component of the modern cosmo, didnt make an appearance on market shelves until the late 1980s. And around that same time, Toby Cecchini popularized his own version at New Yorks Odeon in 1988. Not long after, this cranberry vodka drink appeared on the popular TV series Sex in the City. Consequently, the popularity of the cosmo cocktail really took off.
How to Make a Cosmo Cocktail
Vodka liquor is the base of every cranberry vodka Cosmo, and citrus-infused vodka enhances the flavor. A cosmopolitan cocktail recipe typically includes Cointreau or Triple Sec as well. In addition to these ingredients, fresh lime juice adds juicy tartness. However, sweetened lime juice may be used instead to increase the sweetness. Fresh lime gives a crisp finish and makes the drink less sugary. Additionally, the drink is often topped off by lime or lemon twist.
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How To Make A Cosmo The Right Way
Ah, the Cosmo. Is there any other recipe more emblematic of the terrible excesses of bar culture in the 80s and 90s? After skyrocketing success due to its association with HBOs hit show Sex and the City, the Cosmo has fallen badly out of fashion.
However, the real joke is on people scoffing at what can be a delicious, refreshing, well-balanced drink. Cosmos are firmly in the sour family of drinks, and not too far removed from daiquiris, margaritas, whiskey/gin sours and others that dont bear the same stigma.
At its core, the Cosmo is just a kamikaze with a couple of small tweaks. Simple syrup is swapped out with triple sec for a touch of citrus, and a splash of cranberry is added for tartness. Thats it. No special flavored vodkas or sugary supermarket mixers required here. You could think of it as a vodka margarita with a touch of cranberry. In fact, the basic structure of the Cosmo isnt far removed from that of a Hemingway Daiquiri, a classic cocktail lauded by bartenders and revered by classy drinking types the world over.
So, the next time youre binge watching old episodes of SATC on your couch, heres how to fix yourself a proper Cosmo.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
- ½ ounce triple sec
- Orange twist, for garnish
Directions
Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled. Double-strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange twist.
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When To Serve Cosmopolitan Cocktails
Cosmos are one of those cocktails that are quite elegant so theyre ideal to serve at dinner parties as a pre dinner drink. Plus, its a pretty short drink so you dont fill up on cocktails before dinner.
And while I say theyre a classy drink, I also think of Cosmos as fun too! Think Girls Nights Out , Bachelorette Parties, Christmas , Thanksgiving, and other holiday occasions!
Making A Cosmopolitan Cocktail
While there are many variations, ours comes from what we keep stocked in our pantry. Good vodka, triple sec and fresh lime. A twist of sweet fragrant orange peel and youre set.
When choosing the vodka, go for something mid to high range. Well usually stock Stolichnaya or Stoli, but use what you know you enjoy. The other thing to remember, here is to use fresh lime juice not the bottled stuff. We realize its a little more work, but the taste is so much better.
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Lastly, we love adding a little orange peel to this. Sure, it may look like an unnecessary garnish, but if you do it right, its adds a little sweetness and as you go into to take a sip of the cosmopolitan cocktail, youll get orange essence, which hides the strength and scent of the vodka.
When you add the orange peel, peel it over the drink. This way, any oils that spray out from the orange, fall into the drink. Rubbing the edges of the glass doesnt hurt either.
Its such a fresh, bright and happy drink. Dont you think?
TAKE A LOOK: You may also like these cocktails Ginger Cosmopolitan Cocktail or this Champagne Cosmopolitan Recipe
Recipe updated, originally posted December 2012. Since posting this in 2012, we have tweaked the recipe to be more clear and added a quick recipe video. Adam and Joanne
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Make A Pitcher Of Cosmopolitan Drink
The recipe Im sharing is for one drink, but you can easily scale it up and make a big batch of cosmopolitans.
I often like to mix it all and then shake as I go, so Im not measuring out ingredients during a party.
To scale up your drink: multiply the ingredients by the number of cocktails youll need. I figure two per person!
Just mix all of the ingredients in a pitcher and keep it the refrigerator until youre ready to serve the drinks. Then you can shake and serve individual cosmos when youre ready.
This is fun for parties and happy hours with friends just make the batch of drinks ahead of time, set out a bucket of ice and let everyone shake and serve their own drinks.
I think this is the perfect cosmopolitan recipe, but feel free to play around with it and adjust to your liking! I love the sweet and tart flavors and I love that I dont have to go out to have one. I hope you love it, too!
How To Make A Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Lets get nostalgic and make a classic Cosmopolitan recipe by filling a shaker with ice, adding vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and shake vigorously for 20 seconds until the shaker is chilled to the touch.
Strain the mixture into a martini glass and squeeze a piece of lemon peel over the glass to release the oils and add more citrus flavor.
Then, slice the lemon peel into thin strips and garnish your pretty drink with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry.
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Who Invented The Cosmopolitan
One of the first references to the cosmopolitan is a gin, Cointreau, lemon, and raspberry syrup mix that was published in 1934 in the “Pioneers of Mixing at Elite Bars 1903-1933.” It was not until the ’70s that the drink really took off and transformed into the modern vodka-cranberry cocktail. At that time, bartenders all over the U.S. were experimenting with a cranberry version of the kamikaze. And, as is common in cocktail stories, many people made the claim to creating the cosmo that we know today. It’s very likely that a few recipes for the cosmo originated simultaneously. Without the internet to share your latest and greatest bar creations with the world, bartenders relied on word of mouth, bartending guides and organizations, and patrons to pass on recipes.
The History Of The Cosmopolitan
A brief history on the classic cocktail: Bartender Toby Cecchini is widely credited with inventing the modern-day Cosmopolitan in the late 80s at The Odeon in NYC. With its tangy yet sweet flavor and martini glass cachet, the Cosmo quickly seduced Manhattan. Re-glamorized by Carrie Bradshaw and co. in the early aughts, everyone and their mother ordered Cosmos at fancy restaurants and dive bars alike. While bartenders and cocktail snobs have turned up their noses at the drink over the last twenty years, Ina Garten has just singlehandedly entered us into the controversial concoctions newest renaissance, reminding us that while our perception of the drink may have changed, the drink itself never didand its delicious.
The recipe serves 6, so do as Ina does and pour yourself a big glass, unwind, and toast to you and to your loved ones for making it through another day.
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Should I Use Cranberry Juice Or Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Choosing cranberry juice or juice cocktail is really a personal preference.
Cranberry juice is tart with a strong fruity taste. If you like martinis that arent sweet, then you want to use cranberry juice. The color is also more concentrated so your cocktail will be a more vibrant pink.
If you like your martini with a hint of sweetness, the cranberry juice cocktail is your best option. Cranberry juice cocktail has added sugar and a mild, less tart fruit taste.
Why To Make Our Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe
Alex and I have a long list of cocktail recipes that weve created for you: the home cook! Our drink recipes are easy to make so you dont have to be a cocktail expert! We have lots of versions of classic cocktails, from gin fizz to whiskey sour to French 75 to Moscow mule. Why make our spin on the Cosmopolitan cocktail?
- Its easy! Weve paired it down to the essentials. Instead of having to buy a whole new type of vodka, you can use standard .
- Its not too sweet, and you can customize the sugar level! Versions youll order at a bar have varying amounts of sugar: in this recipe you can make it your own.
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How To Make A Cosmopolitan Cocktail Like A Pro
The Cosmopolitan has enjoyed its ups and downs over the years. Like Merlot or fruit beers, the bright-toned cocktail is seemingly either the toast of the industry or pushed out from it entirely, depending on the year.
Two things can be blamed for the Cosmos damaged reputation: The 90s and a wildly popular television show. And while the drink is still recovering from the side effects, at its core it is no doubt a classic. In fact, when executed properly, the Cosmopolitan is, as the name suggests, a bit worldly and of intrigue to all kinds of drinkers, not just happy hour Manhattanites. Its a close relative of the Sidecar and a great drink experiment with.
What You Need For Cosmos
Heres what you need:
-
Cranberry juice, SWEETENED be sure not to use unsweetened cranberry juice, its very tart. too tart! You need the sweet cranberry juice to get the right balance of sweet. Accidentally got unsweetened? Save it make a simple syrup with equal parts sugar and hot water to dissolve, cool, then add as needed.
-
Vodka plain, unflavoured vodka. Use mid shelf because theres quite a lot of vodka in Cosmos. Top shelf if your budget stretches that far.but I typically serve top shelf vodka straight.
-
Cointreau this is a clear orange flavoured liquor called triple sec. Cointreau is a brand of triple sec, the best, in my opinion .
-
Lime juice fresh!
With 3 full shots of alcohol, Cosmos are pretty potent!!
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How Strong Is The Cosmopolitan
The cosmo can be as strong or as tame as you make it. Here is how these two cosmopolitan recipes stack up with an 80-proof vodka:
The main recipe stands at 27 percent ABV , whereas the sweeter version has a 20 percent ABV . You can see the significant difference between the two. To put the cosmopolitan into perspective: The average vodka martini is 28 percent ABV. The fruity cosmo is not as innocent as she looks, and the sweeter the drink is, the easier it is to have one too many.
How To Make The Best Cosmopolitan
This article is part of the Summer of Cosmo series, presented by Ketel One Vodka. Discover more articles here!
For many, the Cosmopolitan will always be synonymous with Sex and the City, but its actual origin story remains a little fuzzy. However, whether you trace the drink back to an Ocean Spray Campaign or the Odeon, the Cosmo is back and ready to serve better than ever.
At its core, its recipe is a simple one. That said, even the most effortless cocktails present tempting shortcuts. With so few ingredients its important to shell out for the best version of each. When it comes to fruit juice, make sure to squeeze fresh limes into your cocktail as citrus juice oxidizes extremely quickly. When selecting cranberry juice, make sure to find a tart option as sweeter juice will have been artificially sweetened and can muddle the cocktails flavors.
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What Is A Cosmopolitan Cocktail
A Cosmopolitan, also referred as Cosmo, is a pink fruity cocktail made with vodka. The origin of this drink is somewhat uncertain. Its credited to different bartenders from the 1970s and1980s, although the first reference to this mixed drink, comes from a gin, Cointreau, lemon, and raspberry syrup cocktail recipe published in a book in 1934.
The cosmopolitan gained popularity in the 1990s when Carrie Bradshaw, the main character of the HBO show Sex and the City, made it her drink of choice. Quickly the Cosmo became the perfect girly drink!
How Do You Make A Good Cosmo Recipe
Just follow this easy Cosmo recipe! The trick is adding the right amount of each ingredient to make sure the flavor profiles are perfectly balanced. I created this Cosmo recipe for a crowd with that in mind.
A few more tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure you shake and serve each drink individually, even if you make it in a pitcher beforehand. That is an important step to a good Cosmo.
- If you really want to perfect it, make sure you try making the Flamed Orange Peel!
- Serving in a chilled glass makes all the difference.
This is definitely the best Cosmo recipe for a crowd. If youre preparing cocktails for a party or a group, make sure you follow this easy Cosmopolitan recipe to get it just right!
Watch the Video and See the recipe card below for details on how to make a Cosmpolitan . Enjoy!
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How To Make A Cosmo
Here’s how to make a Cosmopolitan cocktail. You can see all the steps in action in the video that accompanies this post.
- Pop a cocktail glass into the freezer for a few minutes.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, and cranberry juice cocktail.
- Shake well, until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
- Strain into the chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with orange twist or lime wedge and serve.
Ina Gartens Cosmopolitan Recipe
Ingredients:
- 16 oz Grey Goose vodka
- 8 oz Triple Sec or Cointreau
- 8 oz bottled cranberry juice cocktail
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
Method:
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The History Of The Cosmopolitan Cocktail
The Cosmo has quite an interesting history, in terms of both the murkiness of its origin story and the effect it’s had on cocktail culture over the past decades.
Some popular theories of the Cosmo’s origin:
Long before the 1970s, a couple of similar cocktails with different names probably provided the basic structure that became the Cosmo. In the late 1800s, the Daisy the combination of a spirit, a citrus, and a sweetener that we now think of as the basic formula for a sour cocktail emerged as a way to make the strong tastes of spirits more accessible. The Cosmo relies on that basic structure, though vodka was not one of the spirits usually treated this way. In 1934, a reference to the Cosmopolitan Daisy appeared in a cocktail book. The recipe included gin instead of vodka and raspberry syrup instead of cranberry juice.
In 1968, Ocean Spray created the Harpoon equal parts vodka and cranberry juice cocktail with a squeeze of lime to try to sell more cranberry juice for adult consumption.
Then, during the 1970s, a couple of drinks that closely resemble the Cosmo seem to have cropped up simultaneously. Cheryl Cook, a bartender at Strand Restaurant in Miami’s South Beach, combined lemon vodka, triple sec, Rose’s lime juice and cranberry juice to serve customers who wanted a sophisticated-looking cocktail that was smooth and easy to drink.
How To Double Strain A Cocktail
Use your regular strainer over the mouth of the cocktail shaker and hold a small fine mesh sieve strainer over the mouth of your glass.
Serve your Cosmopolitan cocktail with a wedge or curl from your favorite citrus – lime, lemon, or orange.
Notes for a pitcher sized portion for entertaining are included in the recipe card below and in the cocktail instructions above. Enjoy!!
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Stay in touch with me through social media @ , , , or ! Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!
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