The deliciously fruity Cosmopolitan cocktail is a modern classic that’s loved by many all over the world..
As one of the most refreshing summer cocktails, the Cosmopolitan is ideal to taste whilst lounging on a beach somewhere exotic, or to serve at summer parties and BBQs. Its sweet flavour and fun colour will always make the Cosmo a huge hit! We’ve put together a complete guide to the ever-popular Cosmopolitan cocktail so you can learn all about its glamorous history!
What is a Cosmopolitan Cocktail?
Very few cocktails are as instantly recognisable as the Cosmo. Simple yet iconic, this pretty pink and sour sweet drink was all the rage in the late '90s after the hit TV show, Sex and the City, brought it to everyone's attention. Even today the Cosmopolitan is extremely popular and can be seen gracing the feeds of many social media accounts.
The reach of the Cosmo was said to be unlike any other drink that was created during the 20th century and made a significant impact on the cocktail culture. Set to be a timeless classic the Cosmo is a real show-stopping cocktail that's here to stay!
History and Origin of the Cosmopolitan Cocktail
The origins of the Cosmopolitan cocktail can be a little fuzzy. There are at least 3 people who claim to have invented the Cosmo. The most popular theory is that it was created by Cheryl Cook, the Martini Queen of South Beach, in the 1980s. Cook was surprised by how many people ordered the classic Martini cocktail, just to be seen with the glass in hand. So, she decided to create a new drink that was similar to the Kamikaze but used cranberry juice rather than lime juice in order to sweeten the taste, look visually pleasing and appeal to more women.
Another theory is that a bartender in New York, Toby Cecchini, invented the cocktail in 1987 that we know and love today. After tasting, and disliking, Cheryl Cook's creation, he added a splash of fresh lime juice to the mix and staked his claim on the cocktail. However, for many years he was ashamed to admit he was the inventor of the cocktail, given its surge in popularity was frowned upon by other elite cocktail connoisseurs and bartenders, and who looked down on Toby for it.
Lastly, a bartender named Neal Murray claims he invented the popular cocktail in the summer of 1975 while working at a steakhouse in Minneapolis. After experimenting with different versions of the Kamikaze cocktail he added a dash of cranberry juice to the drink. The first person to taste it exclaimed 'how cosmopolitan', which led to the name of the cocktail.
How to Make a Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Wondering what's in a Cosmopolitan? Whilst it's quite a simple cocktail with few ingredients, there are many variations. The classic, punchy Cosmopolitan includes:
- Vodka
- Triple Sec
- Cranberry juice
- Ice
- Garnished with orange peel
Some recipes also use a dash of fresh lime juice to make it even more refreshing or flavoured vodka for a twist.
Our ready-to-drink Cosmopolitan cocktail includes Ketel One Vodka, bitter-sweet Cointreau, Toschi cranberry syrup and organic citric acid for a bold, sharp and tangy flavour that just can't be beaten!
