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Cosmopolitan
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.82 / 5

The origins of the Cosmopolitan are somewhat disputed. It is likely that the drink was created independently by different bartenders since the 1970s.

It is generally recognised that John Caine brought the drink to San Francisco around 1987 from the Midwest. The same year in Manhattan, the internationally recognised version of the cocktail was created by Toby Cecchini, based on a poorly described version of Cheryl Cook's creation.

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Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
15 key ingredients
Cocktail Of The Day
Invented
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(1930)
Base ingredient
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Lemon vodka
Calories
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151 calories
Garnish
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Lemon
Alcohol content
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22% | 2.2 units *
Details
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Easy
Classic
Shaken

Tags

Lemon vodka ingredient icon
Lemon vodka cocktails
Cointreau ingredient icon
Top ten Cointreau cocktails
Cranberry Juice ingredient icon
Top ten Cranberry Juice cocktails
Lemon vodka ingredient icon
Top ten Lemon vodka cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Lemon vodka cocktail ingredient icon for the Cosmopolitan cocktail
Lemon vodka
Cointreau cocktail ingredient icon for the Cosmopolitan cocktail
Cointreau
Lime juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Cosmopolitan cocktail
Lime juice
Cranberry Juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Cosmopolitan cocktail
Cranberry Juice
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Cosmopolitan brilliantly combines the zest of lemon vodka with the sweet and sharp notes of Cointreau and lime juice, while the cranberry juice adds a lovely blush and a touch of tartness that rounds out the cocktail beautifully. It's a sophisticated, refreshing choice that elegantly balances citrus and sweet flavors, making it perennially popular and perfect for a chic gathering.

Method
How to make a Cosmopolitan

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice, and shake until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a twist of lemon peel before serving

Power tips
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Use a potato peeler to create a long, elegant lemon twist rather than a simple slice. This will enhance both the visual appeal and the aromatic experience of the drink.
To create a perfectly balanced Cosmopolitan, make sure to use cranberry juice that is 100% juice, as cocktails with added sugar can distort the drink's flavor.
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Cosmopolitan masterclass

Master the craft of the Cosmopolitan cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

Perfecting the art of the Cosmopolitan cocktail

The Cosmopolitan cocktail has become an iconic drink in the world of mixology. Known for its vibrant...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  ·  Twist  · 

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Cosmopolitan?

The Cosmopolitan has a disputed origin, but it's largely agreed to have gained popularity in the 1980s. One of the most cited stories is that it was created by a bartender named Cheryl Cook in South Beach, Miami, as a way to introduce Absolut Citron to the market, though other bartenders in New York and San Francisco also lay claim to its invention.

Faq icon

Why is the Cosmopolitan considered a classic cocktail?

The Cosmopolitan gained iconic status in the 1990s, partly due to its frequent appearance on the television show 'Sex and the City.' Its bright, pink hue, along with its sweet and tart flavor profile, made it a hit among cocktail enthusiasts and helped it to become recognized as a modern classic in the cocktail world.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I substitute ingredients in a Cosmopolitan?

Yes, while the classic recipe includes lemon vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, and cranberry juice, substitutions can be made. For instance, you can use orange liqueur instead of Cointreau or a different type of citrus vodka. However, deviations from the original recipe might alter the taste and appearance of the cocktail.

Garnishing tips icon

How can I garnish a Cosmopolitan?

A traditional garnish for a Cosmopolitan is a lime wheel or a twist of lemon or orange zest to enhance the cocktail's citrus notes. Some prefer to add a small cranberry or a flamboyant twist of orange peel for an extra decorative touch.

Ingredient specifics icon

What type of cranberry juice should I use for a Cosmopolitan?

For the best results, use 100% cranberry juice that is unsweetened or lightly sweetened. Avoid cranberry juice cocktail if possible, as its additional sugars and other flavors can overly sweeten the drink and mask the nuanced flavors of the other ingredients.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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