Cointreau and Cosmos for a Cause support the Independent Restaurant Coalition

Sip on Cosmos for a Cause from Cointreau to support the Independent Restaurant Coalition.

Sometimes a cocktail can be more than just a tasty libation. Cointreau has announced Cosmos for a Cause. In partnership with the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC), the idea is to sip on a classic cocktail and help support local bars and restaurants across the U.S. During this holiday season, why not raise a glass to the places that have welcomed guests over the years.

The Cosmos for a Cause program encourages people to enjoy this classic cocktail at their participating restaurant or bar. By tagging #Cosmosforacause and @cointreau in an Instagram post, Cointreau will donate a “portion of sales up to $100,000 to the IRC for every order of a Cosmopolitan cocktail.”

Over the past year, independent restaurants have been decimated due to the pandemic. Even though restaurants and chefs have tried to adapt, the startling reality is that the restaurant industry has been hit hard. While many people long for the chance to enjoy dinner and drinks with friends at their favorite spot, that reality will take a long time to return.

When businesses, like Cointreau, step up to help those IRC members, it is more than just words. Ian McLernon, President and CEO of Rémy Cointreau Americas, said “People are at the heart of our values at Rémy Cointreau and we believe that this partnership can help us all show our support and commitment to all the great people in our local bars and restaurants.”

While an amazing cocktail and a delicious plate of food might be the spark to drive a person to a restaurant, it is the people who bring them back time and again. That sense of community is what makes an independent restaurant thrive.

As one of the more vocal supporters of the IRC movement, Tom Colicchio continues to be that leader in the restaurant community.

Colicchio said, “Independent restaurants won’t forget partners like Cointreau who are committed to supporting us as we look to operate safely in our time of need. With no federal aid and winter setting in, the pandemic has put independent restaurants and bars in danger of permanently closing. In the cities, rural America, independent restaurants hold a special place in people’s hearts as places we gather and celebrate moments in our life, especially during the holidays. It’s also an important employment opportunity for millions, including serving as the first job for many Americans. Many are shutting their doors and more will soon without help.”

As people continue to navigate the new circumstances, Cointreau is helping guests find a Cosmos for a Cause near them. The Cosmopolitan Heat Map on Cointreau.com highlights the 500 participating restaurants and bars. Additionally, it will be using its social media channels to showcase these locations.

While the closed door and the upturned bar stool might be the visual symbol of the restaurant industry’s plight, the impact has a much wider reach. From the front of the house to the back of the house, the impact on the workforce is great.

As Ivy Mix, Founding Member of the Independent Restaurant Coalition and Co-Owner of Leyenda in Brooklyn, New York , said, “With 11 million independent restaurant and bar jobs on the line, support from allies like Cointreau ensures we can continue to fight on behalf of these workers and the 500,000 businesses that employ them. We are grateful for Cointreau’s partnership and look forward to working with them to save restaurants and bars.”

While supporting independent restaurants and bars is vital to the restaurant industry, Cointreau understands that sometimes, you might need to shake up that classic Cosmopolitan at home. With their recipe below, that at home sip might inspire you to place another order from your local restaurant or bar the next time you visit.

The Classic Cosmopolitan

Ingredients:

• 0.75 oz Cointreau
• 2 oz Vodka
• 0.25 oz Cranberry Juice
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice

Method:

• Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake until well-chilled.
• Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass and lastly garnish with an orange twist.

This holiday season raise a glass to the people and places that have helped you celebrate milestones, push away disappointments and made lasting memories.

How do you help support independent restaurants in your community?