Cosmopolitan Cocktail

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Cosmopolitan is a sweet-and-sour cocktail made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and freshly squeezed or sweetened lime juice.

The Cosmopolitan or Cosmo, was first served in the 1970s. However, it wasn’t until the TV show Sex and The Cityfeatured the cocktail in the 1990s that the Cosmo entered the global lexicon. Love it or loathe it, this easy to drink and vibrant mixture appeals to fans of smooth and sweet cocktails. The classic is the perfect choice for craft reinvention.

The key ingredient of the Cosmopolitan is vodka. Ideally balanced, vodka is a clean spirit with subtle characteristics ranging from herbal and grassy, to sweet and spicy. Originally made in Poland and Russia and produced from grains or potatoes, new conventions are turning the spirit on its head by distilling grapes, honey, whey and many more. It provides a blank canvas for experimentation with infusions and a variety of cocktails.

A true Cosmo must feature sweet notes, but mixologists often introduce a spicy or sour component or natural fruit flavouring to the mix. Variations such as the Sour Apple Cosmo, the Creamy Peach Cosmo and the Spicy Pineapple Cosmo offer a variety of fruity alternatives, irresistible delights for Cosmopolitan drinkers.

Let’s take a look at some of the different key elements when making a Cosmopolitan.

The Cosmopolitan is a layered cocktail comprising vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and fresh lime juice. Ideally opt for a craft vodka which packs flavour along with a punch and is a great base for many flavour moods as it mixes well with orange, berry, lemon and lime juices, and even Ginger Beer.

But let’s look at how exactly you make a Cosmopolitan? Follow our easy cocktail recipe to make your own.

The Cosmopolitan Cocktail mixes vodka, lime juice, orange liqueur and cranberry juice.

PREP TIME: ± 5min

YIELDS: 1 serving

EQUIPMENT

Shaker

INGREDIENTS

2 tots (50ml) 1st Principles Organic Vodka
1 tot (25ml) triple sec
1 tot cranberry juice
1 tot fresh lime juice
1 cup of ice
Garnish: orange peel

DIRECTIONS

Add to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled.

Pour into a coupe or martini glass and garnish with an orange peel.

GARNISH SUGGESTIONS

Place a delicate orange peel in the cocktail glass.

TIP!

You can also make your Cosmopolitan in a way that produces diverse flavours and tastes by adding different elements. For example, you may wish to add a few dashes of bitters. These range of flavour from lightly botanical to strong and bold. Traditional Cosmo’s often feature artificial colours and flavourings. Go the craft route by choosing new garnishes such as dehydrated lime powder or frozen cranberries for a more modern flair.

1st Principles offers a variety of unique handcrafted vodkas perfectly attuned to turn your Cosmopolitan into a memorable affair!