Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan (a.k.a. “the Cosmo”) is a relatively easy cocktail to make… and even easier to drink. It’s popularity is largely attributable to its prominence in the sitcom Sex and the City, and, for better or worse, has become synonymous with the show and it’s charming feminine characters. Defining qualities of the Cosmopolitan (quite possibly fueling any stigma) include the it’s reddish-pink hue achieved by the use of 100% unsweetened cranberry juice (not to be confused with significantly sweetened cranberry cocktail juice) and it being served “up” in a martini cocktail glass — I promise, it shares very little in common with the Martini. Additionally, the Cosmo also uses Cointreau (a popular brand of triple sec) that gives it an orange citrus flavor as well as imparts some much needed sweetness with the addition of the simple syrup. When it comes to garnishing your cocktail, the general consensus is either a twist of orange or lemon peel, however, depending on what you have on hand, a lime wheel is also a reasonable substitute. Finally, before you pour into your martini glass, it is imperative you double-strain your cocktail through a fine mesh strainer after shaking so your libation is free of debris. But don’t take my word for it, make one and try it for yourself!
Cosmopolitan
In your shaker, combine the simple syrup, cranberry juice, lime juice, Cointreau, and vodka.
0.25 oz of Simple Syrup
0.5 oz or Cranberry Juice
0.75 oz of Lime Juice
0.75 oz of Cointreau
2 oz of Vodka
Add ice to your shaker and shake until it develops a frost. Double-strain contents (by pouring the contents from the shaker through a fine mesh strainer) into your chilled martini glass. Finally, garnish with a thin slice of orange peel.
TIP(S):
Chill your cocktail glassware — to extend the life of your Cosmopolitan, place your martini glass(es) in the freezer for at least 15 minutes for them to be sufficiently. For more immediate use, you can place ice water in your martini glass during the preparation.
