Cosmopolitan Cocktail

(Disclaimer: If you live in the United States, you must be 21 years of age or order to buy or drink alcohol)

With the Christmas season on us, I decided to try my hand at making some cocktails. Since the Cosmopolitan is a drink that I enjoy occasionally in a restaurant, I thought that I would start with this one. Also, it seemed pretty easy for a total newbie mixologist.

Keep this drink in your repertoire because it would also make a super pretty drink for Valentine’s Day.

The Cosmopolitan, also known as the Cosmo, is currently one of the most popular drinks in the world. Does their popularity have anything to do with the popular 1990’s television comedy Sex and the City? Who knows.

With its sticking reddish-pink hue, it’s such a pretty drink! On top of that, it’s served in an elegant Martini Glass, which makes it a very chic drink.

It’s kind of a perfect drink if you are going to host a small Christmas-time get-together.

Is it a Martini?

I am no bartender, so I decided to do some research. This is what I learned: a traditional Martini has is made with Gin and Vermouth. But wait, I said! A Cosmopolitan is made with Vodka and Triple Sec (Orange Flavored Liquor), not Gin or Vermouth. How could it be?

Also, why is it always served in a Martini Glass? Liquor.com has a whole lesson on martini glasses.

Same dilemma with the Apple Martini (also known as Appletini). Is is called a Martini, but is made with Vodka. What gives?

Then came the game changer. Vodka. Although invented even earlier, Vodka has been popular in Russian since the 1800’s. Eventually, it made it’s way to America and started to gain popularity in the 1950’s. It is around this time that the Kangaroo (also known as the Vodka Martini) was invented. From then, more and more drinks started incorporating Vodka as the key spirit.

How to make a Cosmopolitan Cocktail:

What you will need:

You will need some cranberry juice, a good orange flavored liquor (such as Cointreu or Grand Marnier); vodka, and some fresh lime juice.

I personally used Grand Marnier and New Amsterdam Vodka (no affiliate relation).

You will also need a cocktail shaker and lots of ice. I got this Shaker at BevMo (no affiliate relation).

This is how it’s done:

Chill the martini glasses for a few minutes. If you want to get fancy, you can try to rim the glass by dipping the edges in a little lime juice and then dipping it in some red or pink colored sugar. It adds an extra special effect for a special occasion.

Also, chill the shaker for a couple of minutes. Yes, I know your hands will get cold, it will help chill the drink faster.

Add ice to your shaker. I used about a cup of ice.

Pour the cranberry juice, orange flavored liquor, vodka, and squirt or two of the fresh lime juice (Key Lime juice would be preferable if you can find it) into the shaker.

Put the cap on the shaker and shake. Do a little happy dance while you shake.

Strain the liquid into the prepared martini glasses.

If you want to get even more fancy, you can cut a small peel of an Orange and/or Lime and garnish the drink with it. It not only adds a little something pretty to the drink, but it also add a little additional flavor.

Enjoy responsibly! 🍸