Cosmopolitan

Instructions

1. Chill your Martini glass by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.

2. Add vodka, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice to a shaker.

3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.

4. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.

5. Discard the ice and water from the chilled Martini glass.

6. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass to remove any ice shards or pulp.

7. Garnish with an orange peel. For extra flair, you can flame the orange peel over the drink before dropping it in.

Trivia

• What does a Cosmopolitan taste like?

  A Cosmopolitan offers a balanced taste profile that is primarily tart and citrusy with a subtle sweetness. The vodka provides the alcoholic base, Cointreau adds a bright orange liqueur sweetness, lime juice contributes sharp acidity, and cranberry juice gives it a tart fruitiness and its signature pink colour. It's generally considered crisp, refreshing, and not overly sweet.

• What alcohol is primarily in a Cosmopolitan?

  The primary alcohol in a Cosmopolitan is vodka. Traditionally, citrus-flavoured vodka (like lemon or orange) was often used, but standard, high-quality unflavoured vodka works perfectly well and is commonly used. The secondary alcohol is Cointreau, an orange-flavoured triple sec liqueur.

• Why is the Cosmopolitan cocktail so popular?

  The Cosmopolitan gained immense popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, largely due to its frequent appearances in the TV show 'Sex and the City,' where it was the signature drink of the main characters. Its appealing pink colour, sophisticated presentation in a Martini glass, and refreshing taste also contributed to its widespread appeal as a modern classic suitable for various occasions.

• Can I use Triple Sec instead of Cointreau in a Cosmopolitan?

  Yes, you can substitute Triple Sec for Cointreau in a Cosmopolitan, as both are orange-flavoured liqueurs. However, Cointreau is generally considered a higher quality triple sec with a more complex and less sweet flavour profile than many standard Triple Secs. Using Cointreau often results in a more balanced and refined Cosmopolitan, but Triple Sec is a viable and common substitute.

• What is the best vodka for a Cosmopolitan?

  The best vodka for a Cosmopolitan is typically a smooth, high-quality one that won't overpower the other ingredients. While some recipes call for citrus vodka (like Ketel One Citroen or Absolut Citron), a good neutral grain vodka (like Tito's Handmade Vodka, Grey Goose, or Belvedere) works excellently. Choose a vodka you enjoy drinking on its own for the best results.

• How do you make the perfect Cosmopolitan garnish?

  The classic Cosmopolitan garnish is an orange peel or a lime wedge/wheel. To make an elegant orange peel garnish, use a vegetable peeler or channel knife to cut a strip of peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. Twist the peel over the drink to express its oils onto the surface, then drop it in or perch it on the rim. For extra flair, carefully flame the peel by warming it slightly with a lighter and squeezing it quickly over the flame towards the drink – this releases and caramelizes the oils for added aroma.