The Smirnoff Cosmopolitan
While rumours suggest that the Cosmopolitan dates back to the 1930s, its recipe is mentioned in the Pioneers of Mixing at Elite Bars 1930-1933. According to the story, bartender Neal Murray crafted the ‘Cosmo’ (as it was popularly shortened to) by incorporating cranberry juice into a kamikaze cocktail. This tale reflects the drink's historical roots and the creative experimentation that led to its birth.
Upon tasting the drink, Murray exclaimed, "How cosmopolitan," officially giving the cocktail its name. However, it wasn't until the 1980s, nearly five decades later, that the Cosmopolitan earned recognition by that name. This delayed christening adds an intriguing layer to the cocktail's evolution and popularity.
At some point in its evolution, the version of the cocktail that forms the foundation of today's drink emerged. It underwent several transformations before solidifying into the cherished iconic drink we recognise today. Intriguingly, the cocktail witnessed a substantial surge in popularity, notably fueled by its prominent portrayal in HBO's Sex & The City.
The ideal Cosmopolitan recipe requires vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice, resulting in its vibrant hot pink hue that adds to its visual allure. If you're gearing up to craft this cocktail at home, precision and care are crucial to avoid ending up with a drink that falls short of the true Cosmopolitan experience.
Having the Smirnoff Triple Distilled Vodka for the vodka component is a must, Cointreau may be a good option for the triple sec, a choice favoured by mixologists. Additionally, freshly squeezed lime juice ought to be included in the mix, along with garnishing with a few cranberries or a lime twist to elevate the presentation.
As time has passed, mixologists have embraced the opportunity to experiment with the Cosmopolitan recipe, leading to various creative variations. The Elderflower Cosmo, for instance, replaces the triple sec with elderflower liqueur, introducing a unique floral twist. The Cosmo-tini, on the other hand, opts for a higher vodka ratio compared to the classic recipe, while the Cosmo Fizz adds champagne to the original mix, imparting a delightful fizzy element.
The Cosmopolitan is still a favourite in bars in New York and Los Angeles. Mixologists have replaced the traditional vodka with cranberry-infused vodka for a more intricate taste. In the United Kingdom, local vodka brands are used, giving the cocktail a regional touch. Brazil has its own variation, incorporating cachaça (a sugarcane-based spirit) instead of vodka. Brazilian bartenders infuse the cocktail with flavours like passion fruit and guava juice, providing a unique twist as well as enhancing the sharpness of the vodka. In India, the challenge of sourcing pure cranberry juice has led bartenders to use mixed berry juices, often enhanced with cardamom for an extra layer of flavour.
Ingredients
Method
Combine all the ingredients in a shaker fill it up with ice.
Shake well and double strain in to a martini glass.
Garnish it with an orange peel.
