Aug 25, 20202 min read

Cosmopolitan

A closer relative of the cape codder and a lot of cranberry cooler drinks, the Cosmopolitan has a large following around the world and in pop culture.

The Cosmopolitan (or Cosmo as it is widely abbreviated to) is considered by many to be a modern drink, however it does have its own bit of distant history. The Cosmo has very close resemblance to a cocktail that was featured in Pioneers of Mixing at Elite Bars 1903-1933 which included Gin, Triple Sec , Lemon juice and Raspberry syrup. Based off this the Cosmo would be considered an adaption of the Daisy cocktail opposed to the Kamikaze which is what many assume.

There are many other claims to the origin of the Cosmopolitan. Cocktail historian Garry Regan gives credit to Cheryl Cook of the Strand Restaurant in South Beach, Florida with the original creation. He believes it was created by cook in 1985 or 1986 after he received a letter off her.

She said “What overwhelmed me was the number of people who ordered Martinis just to be seen with a Martini glass in their hand. It was on this realization that gave me the idea to create a drink that everyone could palate and was visually stunning in that classic glass. This is what the Cosmo was based on.”

The popularity of the Cosmo shot up quickly when it travelled from Provincetown, through New York, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, and on to San Francisco. Another big reason for its popularity is it was featured in popular TV show Sex in The City as a common drink ordered by Sarah Jessica Parkers character Carrie Bradshaw. The drink was also referenced in the Film adaptation when Miranda asks why they stopped drinking those and Carrie replies “because everyone else started”.

It is a very light refreshing drink with just the right amount of flavour to mask the Vodka taste. Of course, you can play bout with quantities , specifically with the Cranberry juice to make a stronger or less strong-tasting drink. Here is how to make the Cosmopolitan.