Is the Cosmopolitan cocktail ready for a big comeback?

When was the last time you had a Cosmopolitan cocktail? While many foodies appreciate that Ina Garten prefers a larger size one and it was the “it” cocktail for the ladies of Sex In The City, the rosy pink cocktail served in the martini glass with a simple twist might have lost a touch of its sparkle. Is it time that the cocktail returns to a prime spot on the table?

May 7 is National Cosmopolitan Day and it is the perfect time to rediscover that simple, yet elegant cocktail. While some cocktail enthusiasts might suggest that the rosy cocktail will be the “it” cocktail of the summer, the reality is that the cocktail is always in fashion. It might not be the most trendy sip at the moment, but it shouldn’t be taken off the menu.

When thinking about the Cosmopolitan cocktail, the beverage is rather simple. The classic recipe includes vodka, cranberry juice, and a touch of citrus. There are many variations. From changing the fruit flavors to adding additional liquors, the options are many.

When thinking about the perfect “cosmo,” the bright, colorful visual usually enticed before that first sip hits the lips. From the bright sunshine of a rooftop patio to a romantic dinner in the shadows, there is no mistaking that pink hue.

Which Cosmopolitan cocktail recipe tops the must try list?

In honor of the national food holiday, a few brands have shared their favorite cosmo recipes. While each cocktail has a few similarities, the differences show that it is variety in the shaker. From a little less tartness to a little more sweetness, the experimentation is part of the excitement.

Grey Goose Cosmopolitan

Considered a classic version of this cocktail, the Grey Goose Cosmopolitan is beautiful in its simplicity. When making this cocktail, be careful of the balance, especially with the cranberry juice. A good cranberry juice highlights the vodka best.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Grey Goose L’Orange Flavored Vodka
• ¾ oz Triple Sec
• ¾ oz Cranberry Juice
• ¼ oz Fresh Lime Juice
• Orange Twist

Method:

• Combine first four ingredients in order listed into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with orange twist.

Oranje Cosmopolitan

While cranberry juice is the classic ingredient, this cocktail recipe uses pomegranate juice. With that flavor, there is a touch more tartness to the sip. The layers of tart, sour and sweet make this version delightfully refreshing on a warm summer day.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz. Ketel One Oranje Flavored Vodka
• 0.5 oz. pomegranate juice
• splash of fresh lemon sour
• 3 orange slices

Method

• Muddle orange slices, pomegranate juice and fresh lemon sour in a mixing glass. Add Ketel One Oranje and shake with ice. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with an orange twist or fresh orange slices.

Cosmo ICEtail

While kids might like a frozen treat on a stick during the summer, parents shouldn’t be left out of the fun. This Cosmo ICEtail, created by National Reyka Brand Ambassador Trevor Schneider, might be the ultimate drink for summer entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Reyka Vodka
• 2 part Cranberry juice
• 1 part fresh lime juice
• 1.75 part simple syrup (1:1)
• 1.75 part water

Method:

• Combine all ingredients into a freezer-friendly vessel of choice and place in the freezer. Enjoy (with an eco-friendly wooden spoon)!

The Sparkling Cosmopolitan

Sometimes a few bubbles can make a cocktail feel even more special. With this cocktail from Cointreau, it might even replace that mimosa at brunch.

Ingredients:

• 0.75 oz Cointreau
• 1.5 oz Vodka
• 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 0.5 oz Cranberry Syrup
• 2 oz Champagne To Finish

Directions:

• Add all ingredients except champagne to shaker. Add ice and shake. Fine strain into a champagne flute. Top with champagne and garnish with frozen cranberries.

Are you ready to rediscover the Cosmopolitan cocktail? What do you think will be the cocktail of the summer?