5 Twists On The Classic Cosmopolitan That Are Just As Delicious (& Easy)
Sex and The City (SATC) fans know that the show’s character, Carrie Bradshaw, immortalised the Cosmopolitan cocktail. After all, what’s not to love about this signature cocktail? There is no palate that wouldn’t appreciate the satiating lemon zest, cranberry juice, vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice that creates a varied taste profile!
The Cosmopolitan, also lovingly known as the Cosmo, is a cocktail that has a loyal fan base worldwide. Over time, the drink was the subject of experimentation. For instance, the vodka is swapped with cachaça – a spirit made from sugarcane in Brazil. Here are some variations of the Cosmo for your next SATC viewing party.
The Royale
For this fizzy delight, you’ll need Smirnoff Triple Distilled Vodka, elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice and a splash of champagne. In a shaker, mix the vodka, elderflower liqueur, and cranberry juice, chuck in some ice and shake well. Strain the mix into a martini glass and then top it off with some champagne. You can also garnish it with some dried elderflower buds or a lemon twist. And there you have it! We've got to thank the French for this fizzy twist on a delicious cocktail that is widely popular across the globe.
The Cosmo Blossom
First discovered in Kyoto, Japan to welcome the arrival of spring, this twist on the traditional recipe is loved for its floral and delicate notes. If you love your floral teas, this recipe could soon become your go-to. For this, you need floral gin (Gordon's The Original London Dry Gin could work too), hibiscus syrup (Bring 2 cups water, half a cup of white sugar, one-third of a cup of dried hibiscus flowers, one-fourth of a cup of brown sugar and a handful of thinly sliced ginger to a boil. Strain the syrup and use after it is cooled), cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Fill a shaker with ice, and add the floral gin, hibiscus syrup, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Shake for 20 seconds and strain into a martini glass. You can garnish this with some edible flowers or a lemon twist.
The Cosmo Noir
First discovered in the jazz clubs in New Orleans, this cocktail is a hit amongst jazz enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike. Because you’re making this at home, be sure to invest in a good jazz record to truly enjoy the drink the way it is meant to. For this, you’ll need blackberry-infused vodka, crème de cassis (a sweet liqueur made from blackcurrants), cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Fill a shaker with ice and add the vodka, crème de cassis, cranberry juice, and lemon juice and shake well. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with fresh blackberries.
The Mango Cosmo Paradise
This recipe hails from Mumbai, where the fruit is available in abundance during the summer months. For this recipe, you’ll need vodka (you could opt for Smirnoff Triple Distilled Vodka), triple sec, mango puree, cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice, and mango slices. To prepare the puree, you’ll need to blend finely chopped chunks of a ripe mango. Then, add some ice in a shaker, add the vodka, triple sec, mango puree, cranberry juice, and lemon juice. Strain the mixture into a martini glass and garnish with mango slices.
The Cosmo Exilir
This cocktail was discovered in the gorgeous city of Istanbul. For this delicious rendition, you’ll need lychee-infused vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and rose water. Fill a shaker with ice and add your vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and rose water. Shake well. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with rose petals.
Remember, these cocktails are delicious and you may be tempted to go for one too many. Enjoy your drink responsibly!
