Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan: From Miami to Manhattan

Though often associated with Sex and the City, the Cosmo was actually perfected by bartender Toby Cecchini at The Odeon in Manhattan in 1988, based on an earlier Miami recipe.

What it should taste like

Tart and clean, with a bright citrus edge, a hint of orange peel and a dry, faintly bitter finish from the cranberry. The colour should be a pale pink.

Why it works

The magic is in the cranberry — just enough for colour and tartness, not enough to make it a juice drink. Use 100% cranberry juice, not a cocktail blend.

Cosmopolitan measures in ml and oz

Technique

Chill a coupe with ice water, then tip the ice out. Fill the shaker two thirds with cold cubed ice, shake hard until the tin frosts, about 15 seconds, then double strain: the drink is served without ice, so any shard left in will water it down. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Alcohol and calories

At 40% for both spirits, the drink sits at roughly 26% ABV before shaking and around 20-22% in the glass: about 27 ml of pure alcohol and roughly 190 kcal.

If something is missing

• No citrus vodka: Plain vodka works; add a strip of orange peel to the shaker.
• No Cointreau: Any triple sec will do; cheap ones are sweeter.
• No cranberry juice: Pomegranate gives similar tartness and colour.

Common mistakes

• Too much cranberry. The juice is there for colour, not to be the base.
• A warm glass. With no ice in the drink, the glass keeps it cold.
• A cheap triple sec. The orange liqueur is a fifth of the drink.

Variations with their own names

• Kamikaze — the same drink without the cranberry: vodka, triple sec and lime.
• Cape Codder — vodka and cranberry over ice with a lime wedge.
• White Cosmopolitan — white cranberry juice; softer and slightly sweeter.

When to serve it

It is a before-dinner drink: cocktail hour, a first date, a party. Serve it with oysters, sushi or goat cheese.

Cosmopolitan FAQ

Is a Cosmopolitan just a vodka cranberry?

No. The lime and orange liqueur give it its tartness and perfume.

Why is my Cosmopolitan too sweet?

Either the triple sec is sugary or there is too much cranberry. Add more lime.