The Cosmopolitan cocktail is a classic vodka drink that has been popular since the late 1980s. It is most commonly served ‘on the rocks’, meaning over ice in a rocks or old fashioned glass. The primary ingredients in an on the rocks Cosmopolitan are vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
Vodka
Vodka forms the alcoholic base of the Cosmopolitan. As a neutral spirit, vodka allows the other ingredients to shine through while also giving the cocktail strength. Typically 1 1/2 ounces of vodka are used in an on the rocks Cosmopolitan. High quality vodka with a smooth, clean taste is ideal. Some examples of good vodkas for Cosmopolitan include Grey Goose, Belvedere, and Chopin.
Key Points on Vodka in Cosmopolitan
- Vodka is the primary alcohol in a Cosmo, usually 1 1/2 ounces.
- A premium vodka with a smooth taste allows other flavors to come through.
- Good vodka choices: Grey Goose, Belvedere, Chopin.
Triple Sec
Triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that provides sweetness and citrus flavor to the Cosmopolitan. It is made from the dried peels of bitter and sweet oranges. The orange oils impart a lightly sweet orange taste. Around 1/2 ounce of triple sec is used in a Cosmo. Popular brands include Cointreau, Combier, and Patron Citronge.
Key Points on Triple Sec in Cosmopolitan
- Triple sec adds orange flavor and sweetness.
- It is made from orange peels.
- Use around 1/2 ounce in a Cosmo.
- Well-known brands: Cointreau, Combier, Patron Citronge.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice provides the signature pink hue and tart flavor in a Cosmopolitan. The cranberry juice should be unsweetened 100% juice, not cranberry cocktail which contains added sugar. Approximately 1 1/2 ounces of cranberry juice are included in a Cosmo. The tartness of the cranberry balances against the sweet triple sec. Popular brands include Ocean Spray, R.W. Knudsen, and Trader Joe’s.
Key Points on Cranberry Juice in Cosmopolitan
- Gives the Cosmo its pink color and tart flavor.
- Use unsweetened 100% cranberry juice.
- 1 1/2 ounces is typical.
- Balances the sweetness of the triple sec.
- Good brands: Ocean Spray, R.W. Knudsen, Trader Joe’s.
Fresh Lime Juice
Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the Cosmopolitan brightness and citrus zing. About 1/2 to 3/4 ounce of lime juice is added to a Cosmo. Bottled or pre-made lime juice is not recommended as it does not have the same fresh taste. Key limes are preferred over standard Persian limes for their aromatic flavor. The lime juice balances the sweet and tart flavors.
Key Points on Lime Juice in Cosmopolitan
- Fresh lime juice adds brightness and acidity.
- Use 1/2 to 3/4 ounce per drink.
- Key limes are preferred for their aromatic flavor.
- Bottled lime juice is not recommended.
- Helps balance sweet and tart elements.
Glassware
An on the rocks Cosmopolitan is typically served in a rocks or old fashioned glass. These short, wide glasses hold around 6-8 ounces. Heavy bottomed glasses are ideal since the drink is served over ice. The glass perfectly displays the cocktail’s pink hue. Nick and Nora glasses are a stylish alternative choice.
Key Points on Glassware
- Best served in a rocks or old fashioned glass.
- Holds 6-8 ounces.
- Thick, heavy bottomed glass ideal.
- Lets the pink color shine through.
- Nick and Nora glass is a nice alternative.
Ice
Ice is a critical component of an on the rocks Cosmopolitan. Not only does it provide chilling, but dilution as the ice melts adds an element of balance. Standard ice cubes are typical, but larger cube or sphere ice molds can minimize dilution. The ice should fully chill the cocktail but not water it down excessively. Fresh, filtered water makes the best ice.
Key Points on Ice
- Critical for proper chilling and dilution.
- Standard ice cubes are most common.
- Large cubes or spheres minimize dilution.
- Ice should chill fully without over diluting.
- Use fresh, filtered water.
Garnishes
A classic Cosmopolitan garnish is an orange twist. The oils expressed from the peel add a fresh citrus aroma. Long, thin twists about 1-2 inches work best. Lemon twists are also an acceptable option. Cocktail olives or maraschino cherries on a pick can be used as well. The garnish provides eye-appeal and an additional flavor element.
Key Points on Garnishes
- Orange twist is the classic garnish.
- Squeezed over drink to express oils.
- Long, thin twists work best.
- Lemon twists also acceptable.
- Cocktail olives or cherries can be used.
- Garnish adds visual appeal and flavor.
Preparation Method
To make an on the rocks Cosmopolitan:
- Fill a rocks or old fashioned glass with ice.
- Measure ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 to 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Shaking with ice properly dilutes, chills, and mixes the cocktail before straining over fresh ice. This method yields an ice cold, properly balanced Cosmopolitan.
Key Points on Preparation
- Build in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Double strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
- Shaking chills, dilutes, and mixes the ingredients.
Variations
There are many possible variations on the classic Cosmopolitan recipe:
- Citrus vodka – Use lemon, orange, or other flavored vodka for added flavor.
- Cranberry-flavored vodka – Enhances the cranberry taste.
- Sparkling wine – A splash of sparkling wine makes a fun, bubbly twist.
- Cointreau – Substitute Cointreau for the triple sec.
- Grapefruit juice – For a tart, grapefruit flavor.
- Pomegranate juice – Instead of cranberry for a more exotic, antioxidant-rich drink.
The possibilities are endless for riffing on the basic Cosmopolitan template!
Key Points on Variations
- Citrus or cranberry vodka
- Sparkling wine
- Cointreau instead of triple sec
- Grapefruit or pomegranate juice
- Many options for tweaking the classic recipe
History
The Cosmopolitan has a debated history, but originated in the United States sometime in the 1970s or 80s. It rose to popularity after being featured in TV shows and movies in the late 80s and 90s like Sex and the City. The classic pink drink became associated with stylish, empowered women. The exact origin is unclear, but some credit the gay community in Provincetown, MA and San Francisco. Others cite the South Beach area of Miami Beach. The famous New York City version was crafted by Toby Cecchini at The Odeon restaurant. However it was created, the Cosmo has cemented its place as a beloved, iconic cocktail.
Key Points on History
- Originated in the US in the 1970s or 80s.
- Rose to fame after being featured in media in the 80s and 90s.
- Provincetown, San Francisco, and South Beach all claim to have invented it.
- New York version crafted by Toby Cecchini.
- It became an iconic, widely popular pink cocktail.
Cosmopolitan Fun Facts
Here are some fun facts about the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail:
- Was known as a “Cosmopolitan” as early as 1934, according to a cafe in Kansas.
- Often simply called a “Cosmo” for short.
- Was featured prominently on Sex and the City, solidifying its popularity.
- Carrie Bradshaw claimed it was like drinking a pink cloud.
- Considered a “girly drink” due to its pink color and sweetness.
- Uses ingredients thought to have antioxidant and health benefits.
- Has been called the Cherry Popsicle of cocktails due to its flavor profile.
- Was the favorite drink of legendary comedian Phyllis Diller.
- Madonna is said to have popularized drinking Cosmos in the recording studio.
The Cosmopolitan has clearly left a lasting mark on cocktail culture!
Key Points on Fun Facts
- Known as early at 1934 in a Kansas cafe.
- Featured on Sex and the City.
- Considered a “girly” drink.
- Said to have potential health benefits.
- Phyllis Diller’s favorite cocktail.
- Made iconic by famous musicians and actors.
Nutrition Information
The nutritional value of a Cosmopolitan can vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used. However, a typical recipe contains approximately:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
The main sources of calories are the alcohol and cranberry juice. Cranberry juice provides vitamin C. Overall the Cosmopolitan is a low calorie cocktail, especially compared to ingredients like cream or syrups.
Key Points on Nutrition
- Around 170 calories per serving
- 14 g carbohydrates, mostly from cranberry juice
- Very low in fat, protein, fiber
- Cranberry juice provides vitamin C
- Low calorie compared to creamy cocktails
Cost Analysis
Here is a cost breakdown for making one Cosmopolitan at home:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 oz vodka | $0.75 |
| 0.5 oz triple sec | $0.25 |
| 1.5 oz cranberry juice | $0.15 |
| 0.5 oz lime juice | $0.10 |
| Glassware | $0.25 |
| Ice | $0.10 |
| Garnish | $0.05 |
| Total | $1.65 |
Of course prices can vary based on the specific brands purchased. Buying larger bottles lowers the per ounce cost. Overall the Cosmo ingredients are affordable for most home bartenders.
Key Points on Cost
- Under $2 per cocktail to make at home
- Vodka is the most expensive component
- Buying larger bottles saves money per ounce
- Very affordable cocktail to make
Conclusion
The Cosmopolitan is a refreshing blend of citrus and cranberry flavors. Vodka, triple sec, lime, and cranberry juice are shaken and strained over ice for an ice-cold, pink cocktail. It has a debated history but rose to fame in recent decades. An approachable drink for vodka lovers, the Cosmopolitan has become a contemporary classic found on menus around the world. Though associated with female drinkers, anyone can enjoy this versatile and tasty concoction.