Cosmopolitan

Ingredients

• 45 mlcitrus vodka (Absolut Citron is the original)
• 15 mlCointreau or triple sec
• 15 mlfresh lime juice
• 30 mlcranberry juice cocktail, not unsweetened pure juice
• Ice cubes, for shaking

Garnish and glass

• 1wide strip of orange peel, or a flamed peel
• 1coupe or martini glass, chilled in the freezer

Directions

1. Put the coupe in the freezer for at least 10 minutes; the Cosmopolitan is served straight up and warms fast.
2. Use a jigger: this drink is a balance of sweet, sour and bitter and eyeballing it collapses that.
3. Squeeze the lime fresh, no more than an hour ahead.
4. Fill the shaker two-thirds with hard, cold ice cubes and seal it.
5. Shake hard for 12–15 seconds until the tin frosts over and hurts to hold. You are aiming for about 25% dilution and a fine froth.
6. Serve immediately.

Technique

• The drink as we know it was codified by Toby Cecchini in New York in 1988, using citrus vodka and fresh lime; earlier versions exist but this is the standard.
• Cranberry is a colouring and balancing agent, not the main flavour. Its job is to add tartness and tannin, which is why sweetened juice cocktail rather than pure juice is correct.
• If the drink separates or looks cloudy-pink and flat, the ice was wet or the shake was too short.

Substitutions

• No citrus vodka? Use plain vodka and add 5 ml extra Cointreau plus a squeeze of lemon.
• Grand Marnier gives a rounder, more orange-cognac version, sometimes called a Cosmo Royale.

Variations

• The White Cosmopolitan, made with white cranberry juice and served with a lemon twist.
• The Metropolitan, made with blackcurrant vodka.
• A sparkling Cosmo, the same build shortened and topped with brut sparkling wine.

History

The modern version was standardised by Toby Cecchini in Manhattan in 1988 and became the defining drink of the 1990s.

Frequently asked questions

What is Cosmopolitan?

Cosmopolitan is a cocktail from United States: citrus vodka, triple sec, cranberry and lime, served straight up. The modern version was standardised by Toby Cecchini in Manhattan in 1988 and became the defining drink of the 1990s.

How long does Cosmopolitan take to make?

Cosmopolitan takes 4 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking. The recipe makes 1 drink. It is rated easy to make.

What can I substitute in Cosmopolitan?

Yes, within limits. No citrus vodka? Use plain vodka and add 5 ml extra Cointreau plus a squeeze of lemon. Grand Marnier gives a rounder, more orange-cognac version, sometimes called a Cosmo Royale.

What is the most important thing to get right in Cosmopolitan?

Cranberry is a colouring and balancing agent, not the main flavour. Its job is to add tartness and tannin, which is why sweetened juice cocktail rather than pure juice is correct.