A mango berry cosmo is a fun, tropical cocktail made with mango, berries, and citrus vodka. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic cosmopolitan cocktail. In this article, we’ll go over the history of the cosmo, explain how to make a mango berry cosmo, and provide tips for choosing ingredients and garnishes.
History of the Cosmopolitan
The cosmopolitan, often simply called a “cosmo,” is a cocktail that has been around since the 1970s. It is considered a contemporary classic cocktail and is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official list of IBA cocktails. The original version combines vodka citron, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
There is some debate over who exactly invented the original cosmo. Some credit Cheryl Cook, a bartender in South Beach, Miami in the 1970s. Others say it was invented by Toby Cecchini at The Odeon in New York City in the 1980s. The cosmo gained tremendous popularity after being featured as a preferred cocktail of the characters on the HBO series Sex and the City in the late 1990s.
As the cosmo grew in popularity over the decades, bartenders began putting their own spins on the classic recipe. The mango berry cosmo came about as bartenders experimented with tropical flavors to create new variations. The addition of mango and mixed berries gives this cocktail a more lush, fruity flavor profile compared to the tart original.
How to Make a Mango Berry Cosmo
A mango berry cosmo is easy to make at home! Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 oz citrus vodka
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1⁄2 oz simple syrup
- 1⁄4 cup mango puree
- 1⁄4 cup mixed berries
- 1⁄2 oz lime juice
- Ice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Add vodka, triple sec, simple syrup, mango puree, mixed berries, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
That’s it! For a professional-looking cocktail, be sure to moisten the rim of the glass and dip it into a plate of salt or sugar to coat before straining the drink. The mango, berries, and lime provide plenty of bright, tropical flavor. Adjust the ingredient amounts to taste – add more mango puree for a stronger mango flavor or more berries for extra fruitiness.
Tips for Choosing Ingredients
The key ingredients that set a mango berry cosmo apart from a traditional cosmo are the mango puree and mixed berries. Here are some tips for choosing quality ingredients:
Mango Puree
- Choose a smooth, creamy puree free of lumps or fibers for the best texture.
- Make your own puree by blending chopped ripe mangos in a blender until smooth.
- Look for purees without added sugar or preservatives.
- Jarred or bottled purees work well. Canned puree may have a cooked flavor.
Berries
- Use a mix of fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries and strawberries.
- Frozen berries work just as well.
- Slice large berries like strawberries into smaller pieces to avoid getting stuck in the strainer.
- If using frozen berries, thaw first and drain any excess liquid.
Citrus Vodka
- A vodka infused with natural citrus flavors is ideal. Lemon, orange and lime are common flavors.
- Use a mid-shelf vodka. Avoid bottom-shelf vodkas for the best flavor.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute regular vodka with lemon juice.
Triple Sec
- A clear, orange-flavored liqueur made from dried citrus peels.
- Brings a hint of sweetness and citrus flavor.
- Can substitute Cointreau or other orange liqueurs.
Simple Syrup
- Equal parts sugar and water heated until sugar dissolves.
- Helps incorporate the fruit flavors.
- Can adjust ratio to make a richer 2:1 syrup if desired.
Garnish Ideas
A garnish adds a final touch of flavor and visual appeal. Some garnish ideas for a mango berry cosmo include:
- Lime, lemon or orange wheel
- Fresh mint sprig
- Pineapple wedge or leaves
- Berries on a skewer
- Dried mango slice
You can also rim the glass with ingredients like salt, sugar or crushed berries to decorate the rim. Get creative with your garnishes! The possibilities are endless for tropical-inspired embellishments.
Serving Suggestions
A mango berry cosmo is delicious on its own, but also pairs well with certain foods. Here are some serving suggestions:
- At a tropical or tiki party alongside grilled shrimp skewers, sweet and spicy wings, or Hawaiian meatballs.
- For brunch alongside a fruit salad, coconut pancakes, or crab cake eggs benedict.
- As part of a ladies’ night or bachelorette party with other fruity cocktails and fun finger foods.
- For a summer barbecue alongside grilled pineapple slices, watermelon salad, or coconut rice.
The mango and berries make this cocktail especially well-suited for pairing with other tropical flavors. Fruity flavors complement it best. Serve chilled for maximum refreshment on a hot day.
Non-Alcoholic Version
You can easily make a non-alcoholic mango berry cosmo by omitting the vodka. Simply replace the vodka with 2 oz of lemon juice to add the right amount of tart citrus flavor. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
For an extra special non-alcoholic version, use lemon juice combined with a splash of lemon-lime soda or lemon San Pellegrino. The bubbles add a fun fizziness. Garnish with lime, berries, or dried mango as desired.
Non-alcoholic mangos berry cosmos are great for pregnant women, designated drivers, children, or anyone looking to cut back on alcohol without sacrificing flavor. You can also create “mocktail” versions with other fruit purees and juices, like pineapple, orange, or grapefruit.
Mango Berry Cosmo Variations
Once you master the original recipe, try experimenting with these delicious variations:
Passionfruit Mango Cosmo
Substitute passionfruit juice or puree for the regular mango puree. Add an extra 1⁄4 oz of simple syrup to balance the tartness.
Spicy Mango Cosmo
Rim the glass with Tajín or chili powder. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shaker.
Strawberry Mango Cosmo
Use 1⁄4 cup of strawberry puree and 1⁄4 cup mango puree. Garnish with sliced strawberries.
Blueberry Cosmo
Use fresh blueberries instead of the mixed berry blend. Garnish with lemon and fresh thyme.
Pineapple Berry Cosmo
Substitute pineapple juice for the mango puree. Keep the mixed berries for added fruitiness.
There are endless possibilities for customizing the mango berry cosmo recipe! Change up the fruit, spices, and garnishes to create your own signature version.
Frequently Asked Questions
What alcohol is in a mango berry cosmo?
Mango berry cosmos contain citrus vodka as the main spirit, complemented by orange triple sec liqueur. Some recipes may also include a dash of regular vodka in addition to the citrus vodka.
Are mango berry cosmos strong?
Mango berry cosmos are moderately strong, similar to a regular cosmo. The combination of citrus vodka and triple sec packs a punch, but the fruit purees and juices help mellow out the alcohol flavor. The drink typically contains around 2 oz of vodka.
Can you make mango cosmos with tequila?
You can make a tequila-based version by substituting silver tequila for the vodka. Adjust the other ingredients as desired – try using agave nectar instead of simple syrup. Add a squeeze of lime and serves it on the rocks for a refreshing tequila mango cocktail.
What kind of glass do you serve a cosmo in?
Cosmos are traditionally served in a classic cocktail glass, which is a V-shaped glass perched on a stem. However, they can also be served in a margarita glass or martini glass. Choose a glass with a wide rim to showcase any decorative sugar or salt.
Can you make cosmos without alcohol?
Yes, you can make delicious alcohol-free cosmos by omitting the vodka and triple sec. Substitute in lemon juice or citrus soda water for tartness instead of vodka. The mango, berries and lime provide plenty of flavor on their own.
Conclusion
The mango berry cosmo puts a fun, fruity twist on the classic cosmo recipe. Mango and mixed berries pair deliciously with citrus vodka and triple sec. It’s easy to make at home and endlessly customizable. Shake up a batch for your next tropical-themed cocktail party or brunch. Just be sure to garnish it with something flashy! With its sweet mango and berry flavors, this is one cosmo that tastes like vacation in a glass.