Premium Cosmo Cocktail Recipes

The classic Cosmopolitan cocktail. While stories of its origin are mixed, it could be found as early as the 1970's in bars like New York's Odeon and San Francisco's Fog City Diner under names like the "Stealth Martini." So what are the elements of the drink that quench the thirst of the Sex and the City girls? Lets take a look at what's inside a Cosmo cocktail:

1. Vodka (2.0oz)
Vodka is the base liquor of this cocktail and is the most important ingredient to spend a little more on. Grey Goose, Belvedere, and Ketel One are my three choices among the widely available ultra premium vodka brands.

2. Triple Sec (1.0oz)
Triple Sec is an orange flavored liqueur that comes under many brands in either 40, 60 or 80 proof. Bols Triple Sec or Cointreau are my top choices here.

3. Cranberry Juice (1.0oz)
Used mainly as a coloring agent in this cocktail, you should select a cranberry juice that is unsweetened. Cranberry juice can be sweetened with sugar or other juices such as grape, and should be avoided because it will overpower the taste of the premium alcohols used. Shop your local health or organic market for the best selection.

4. Fresh Lime Juice (0.5oz)
Well, I hope you know what a lime is. While you're at the market for the cranberry juice, grab a lime. If limes are out of season in your area, then unsweetened lime juice or unsweetened juice concentrate are the next best options.

Combine all of the ingredients with cracked ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake well and serve in a chilled martini glass.

Variations:

The 80's Cosmo
2.0oz Absolut Citron Vodka
1.0oz Triple Sec
3.0oz Cranberry Juice
0.5oz Fresh Lime Juice
Served in a martini glass

Grand Marnier Cosmo
2.0oz Vodka
1.0oz Grand Marnier orange bitters cognac
3.0oz Cranberry Juice
0.5oz Fresh Lime Juice
Served in a martini glass

The Cape Codder
2.0oz Vodka
6.0oz Cranberry Juice
Lime wedge
Served in a highball glass