Cosmopolitan cocktail

Cosmopolitan or Cosmo is a cocktail made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed or sweetened lime juice. It gained significant popularity in the 1990s, partly due to its frequent mention on the television show Sex and the City. The cosmopolitan is a relative of cranberry coolers and has a sophisticated aura that has made it a perennial favorite in bars and nightclubs.

History

The origins of the cosmopolitan are somewhat disputed. Several bartenders from the 1970s and 1980s claim the creation of the drink. One popular story credits the invention to a bartender named Cheryl Cook in South Beach, Florida, aiming to create a new cocktail that embodied the spirit of Miami. Another account suggests that the cosmopolitan was first mixed in the 1980s by Toby Cecchini in New York City, based on a poorly described version of Cheryl Cook's creation. Despite these conflicting stories, the cosmopolitan undoubtedly became a symbol of the cocktail renaissance of the 1990s, propelled into the limelight by celebrities and its association with the fashion world.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz Triple sec
• 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
• Ice
• Lime slice for garnish

Preparation

To prepare a cosmopolitan, combine vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a large martini glass. Garnish with a lime slice or twist.

Variations

There are several variations of the cosmopolitan. The use of citrus vodka is a common variation that adds an additional layer of citrus flavor to the cocktail. Some recipes substitute Cointreau for triple sec for a smoother, more refined taste. Adjusting the proportions of the main ingredients can also create variations that cater to different palates, making the drink sweeter or more tart.

Cultural Impact

The cosmopolitan gained a significant cultural footprint in the 1990s, largely due to its association with the television show Sex and the City. The character Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, frequently ordered the drink, cementing its status as a fashionable choice among women. This association helped the cosmopolitan to become one of the most iconic cocktails of the era, symbolizing sophistication, empowerment, and the cosmopolitan lifestyle of New York City.

See Also

• Cocktail
• Martini
• Sex and the City