Cosmopolitan
A fresh, tart and beautifully pink classic of citrus vodka, Cointreau, cranberry and lime.
Ingredients
- Vodka, citrus vodka40 ml
- Cointreau15 ml
- Lime juice, freshly squeezed15 ml
- Cranberry juice, sweetened30 ml
- Orange, to garnish (optional)1 twist
Method
- Chill a martini glass or coupe in the freezer or with iced water.
- Pour the citrus vodka, Cointreau, lime juice and cranberry juice into a shaker.
- Fill the shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes.
- Shake hard for 15–20 seconds, until the drink is ice-cold and lightly diluted.
- Double-strain through a fine-mesh strainer into the cold glass.
- Express the oil from a piece of orange peel over the drink and drop it in to garnish.
About this drink
The Cosmopolitan took shape in 1970s America, with roots in San Francisco's gay bars, before it became the emblem of 1990s New York. Sex and the City gave it global cult status, and its clear pink colour and elegant glass became as iconic as the dialogue. The balance of sweet, tart and citrus is the secret of its lasting appeal.
Questions and answers
Do you have to use citrus vodka in a Cosmopolitan?
Traditionally yes, as it adds an extra note of citrus, but plain vodka works perfectly well. The lime and cranberry already bring plenty of acidity and fruit.
Why is a Cosmopolitan always served in a martini glass?
The iconic V-shaped glass has become part of the drink's identity, largely thanks to popular culture, but any chilled coupe suits this pink, ice-cold drink just as well.
Can you make a Cosmopolitan without cranberry juice?
Not really. The cranberry gives both the colour and a good share of the acidity; without it you have little more than a Kamikaze with a hint of orange. A lightly sweetened cranberry juice gives the best balance.
