National Cosmopolitan Day is a holiday celebrated on May 7th each year, dedicated to the popular cocktail known as the Cosmopolitan. The Cosmopolitan is a classic cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec or Cointreau. It gained widespread popularity in the 1990s and has remained a popular drink ever since. National Cosmopolitan Day is a great opportunity to celebrate this iconic cocktail and try out new variations of the classic recipe. Many bars and restaurants offer special deals and events on National Cosmopolitan Day, making it a popular holiday among cocktail enthusiasts.
Classic Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec or Cointreau
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge or twist for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec or Cointreau.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker is frosted.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or twist.
Notes:
- For best results, use fresh-squeezed lime juice.
- The type of vodka used can affect the taste of the cocktail, so choose a quality brand that you enjoy.
- Adjust the amount of cranberry juice to your personal taste. Some prefer a more tart flavor, while others prefer a sweeter taste.
- To make a larger batch for a party, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed and mix in a pitcher before pouring into glasses.
The classic Cosmopolitan is a timeless cocktail that is perfect for any occasion, from a night out with friends to a fancy dinner party.
Modern Interpretations of the Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe
Tropical Cosmopolitan
- 1 1/2 oz coconut vodka
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the coconut vodka, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker is frosted.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Elderflower Cosmopolitan
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Edible flowers for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka, elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker is frosted.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with edible flowers.
Spiced Cosmopolitan
- 1 1/2 oz spiced rum
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Ice cubes
- Orange twist for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the spiced rum, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and a pinch of ground cinnamon.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker is frosted.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Smoky Cosmopolitan
- 1 1/2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the mezcal, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker is frosted.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Ginger Cosmopolitan
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz ginger syrup
- Ice cubes
- Candied ginger for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and ginger syrup.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker is frosted.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with candied ginger.
Berry Cosmopolitan
- 1 1/2 oz berry-infused vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- Ice cubes
- Fresh berries for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the berry-infused vodka, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and triple sec.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker is frosted.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with fresh berries.
These new recipes for the Cosmopolitan cocktail offer a range of different flavor profiles and ingredients, from smoky mezcal to sweet candied ginger and tart berries. They’re perfect for those who want to try something new and exciting with this classic cocktail.