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The classic cosmopolitan cocktail (aka Cosmo) is one of my favorite drinks to have when I want something mildly sweet yet sophisticated. Let me show you my Cosmo recipe that I enjoy from time to time. And I’m also going to give you a small history lesson about the beloved libation.
I learned about the Cosmo from Carrie Bradshaw on the TV show Sex and the City. Go ahead and roll your eyes, but I really liked that show when it first aired on HBO. The classic cosmopolitan was her favorite drink and I thought she was just so sophisticated and cool. Ultimately, I learned a lot from watching that show at a young age, but I won’t go into that here.
Now when the weather starts to transition from summer to fall, I begin to crave martinis. I don’t really know why I don’t drink them much in the summer. To me these are fall and winter cocktails. I admit that I’m a little strange and I embrace my strangeness. Feel free to drink these anytime you like though.
Type of glass used and the history of the Cosmo
I feel that the vessel you drink your beverage out of is important. This classic cosmopolitan recipe needs to be served in a specific kind of glass. So go out and buy some martini glasses please. Or click HERE for a wide selection of glasses. Choose from the classic stemmed glass to these really cool and modern stemless martini glasses. Also, you will need a shaker. I have THIS shaker at home, and it came with a nifty little cocktail recipe guide.
According to the Kitessensu cocktail guides pamphlet that came with my fancy shmancy martini shaker, the classic cosmopolitan recipe was created in 1975 in Minneapolis. The bartender’s name was Neal Murray and he worked at the Cork and Cleaver steak house. According to Murray, he added a splash of cranberry juice to a Kamikaze and the taste tester declared “how cosmopolitan!” Hence, a new drink was born. Thank you, Neal Murray, bravo.
Classic cosmopolitan cocktail Ingredients
- Vodka
- Cranberry juice
- Cointreau (orange liquor)
- Lemon juice/lime juice
- Ice
- Sweetener (if using tart juice)
First of all, if you make this drink with real cranberry juice (just juice-low sugar) be prepared for a drink that is tart. I would recommend adding 1/2 oz simple syrup or some other form of sweetener. Adding just a dash of maple syrup makes it perfectly balanced to my taste buds. I like my drinks tart y’all!
If you want this drink to have less sugar, then use the diet cranberry/cran50 type juices. However, it will have that sugar-substitute artificial sweetness.
Plain old cranberry juice works fantastic with this recipe if you’re not watching your sugar intake.
Triple sec or Grand Marnier can be substituted for the Cointreau. I prefer Cointreau because it has a straightforward orange flavor, whereas Grand Marnier is triple sec mixed with Cognac.
In the end, you will need to experiment around in order to find out how you prefer your cosmopolitan! Cheers!
If you like this recipe, you may like my Mojito or Jolly Rancher Cocktail as well.
How to make a Classic Cosmopolitan
- Pour all of the ingredients into a MARTINI SHAKER.
- Fill with ice.
- Place top on and shake for 30 seconds.
- Pour into martini glass, garnish with lemon peel and ENJOY!
Check out my other recipes
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