There are many variations on this drink, but nothing beats the fruity, citrusy taste of a Classic Cosmo Cocktail. How can such an easy concoction taste so deliciously smooth and refreshing?

CLASSIC COSMO COCKTAIL

Like most of the people my age, the Classic Cosmo Cocktail was introduced to us by Carrie Bradshaw and the gang on Sex and the City. I don’t care how much that show was written and produced for a female audience, I loved it! About a million years ago, when I was married, I would watch the show with my now ex wife. We’d sit on the couch with a bag of Doritos and watch back-to-back episodes.

In fact, I just finished re-watching the entire series and the two follow up movies. When I’m working on something that doesn’t require my full attention, I like to have the TV on in the background. And, I always pick a series that I’ve watched before. That way, I don’t miss anything if I have to look away for a bit.

I do the same thing with Downton Abbey. I’ll re-watch the series over and over again while I do something else. Presently, I’m re-watching Game of Thrones for the fourth or fifth time. I watch it while I work on my cross stitch or while I leaf through my cookbooks looking for inspiration. Anyway, all of this to tell you that Sex and the City introduced me to the Cosmopolitan Cocktail.

ISN’T A COSMO JUST A MARTINI?

This might be a common misconception. Personally, I think it’s because a cosmo is served in a martini glass. This Classic Cosmo Cocktail is only my fourth cocktail recipe posted here at Lord Byron’s Kitchen. And, I’m learning so much as I navigate the often confused and muddled waters of the cocktail world.

In the case where a cosmo is prepared with vodka and and triple sec, a martini is made with gin and dry vermouth. Again, because martinis are one of the most iconic cocktail, and is served in a martini glass, it’s easy to assume that a cosmo is just a fruity version of the martini. But, it is not.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

My version of the Classic Cosmo Cocktail is a very simple drink that quickly became one of the most popular cocktails of all time. Of course we can blame Sex and the City! That drink was plastered throughout almost every episode. Soon enough, it became the “it” drink of every woman on a night out. It was, and probably still is, considered a girly drink. But, that’s not going to stop me!

When it comes to shying away from pink, I’m just not one of those guys. Bring on the pink! Besides, I look great in it! Times change, and it isn’t uncommon to see men partaking in a cosmo too. And, why not? Let’s all raise a glass and get rid of this notion that pink is for girls. Who’s with me!?

I’ve read every article I care to. And, as far as I can dig up, the popular cosmo is accredited to a Cheryl Cook out of South Beach. She first mixed the cocktail in 1985, it seems. Even though some people believe Cheryl to be just a work of fiction, there might be evidence to support her claim.

In a letter to Gary Regan, a cocktail historian, she wrote the stoye of how she created the drink in 1985. She wrote that she was overwhelmed by the number of people who ordered Martinis just to be seen with a martini glass in their hand. Soon after, she had the idea to create a drink that everyone could palate and one that was visually stunning in a martini glass. So, that’s how the cosmo was born. What do you think? Do you have reason to believe that it wasn’t Cheryl?

WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS DRINK:

Vodka – Vodka is a clear, unaged spirit. It is produced using any ingredient that has fermentable sugars such as rye, barley, or wheat. It can also be made with potatoes, grapes, or beets too. In its purest form, Vodka is colourless, odourless, and flavourless. But, there are many variations, most commonly vodkas infused with citrus or berries.
Triple Sec – Triple Sec is used in so many cocktails. It would be unthinkable to not keep a bottle as part of your bar basics. It is clear in colour, and it is fragrant with orange peel and juicy citrus aroma and flavour. There’s a good balance of bitter and sweet. Oftentimes, Triple Sec is deemed a lower quality orange liqueur. But, if it’s good enough for Ina Garten, it’s good enough for me!
Lime Juice – Whenever you prepare a cocktail, do not be tempted to use anything citrus-related that can be bought in a jar. Use only fresh squeezed lime juice for the best results.
Cranberry Juice – A purest will tell you to buy only pure, 100% cranberry juice. You can listen to them, or you can listen to me. I’ve made many recipes with cranberry juice, and I have substituted that juice many times with cranberry cocktail. Wanna know a secret? They both work the same way, and taste almost the same anyway. Bonus – the cocktail version is usually cheaper too!

HOW TO MAKE A CLASSIC COSMO COCKTAIL:

To prepare a Classic Cosmo Cocktail, measure the vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice over ice in a cocktail shaker. Give the mixture a quick shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.

This cocktail is beautifully pink and looks amazing, so no garnish is needed. In most cases, it is served with an orange twist garnish. You can implement that into your version if you wish.

And, for those of you who are in the know, Sex and the City is returning with a limited 10-episode series. This time around, the show will be called And Just Like That. Stock up! The Classic Cosmo Cocktail is about to be popular all over again!

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