Who created the cosmopolitan cocktail
The Cosmopolitan Cocktail is credited to Cheryl Cook, who invented it while working as head bartender at The Strand on Washington Avenue in South Beach, Miami. Her rendition served as the model for the widely consumed cocktail of today.
What is the history of the Cosmopolitan Cocktail?
It’s interesting to observe that one Cosmopolitan uses raspberry syrup to get her color, while the other four Cosmopolitans in “Pioneers of Mixing” are all red or pink in appearance. The 1934 Cosmopolitan, a light pink cocktail, is actually pretty excellent. A potential precursor to the contemporary Cosmopolitan could be the Harpoon Cocktail, which was marketed by Ocean Spray in the 1960s. The Harpoon is described as a “new cocktail” on an Ocean Spray bottle label from 1968. The recipe calls for serving the drink “over the rocks or tall with soda” with one ounce of light rum and two ounces of Ocean Spray cranberry juice. The recipe also offers the option to add a squeeze of lemon or lime. Gin was added to the formula by Ocean Spray in 1970 as a potential base spirit.
Cheryl Charming, better known as Miss Charming, is a bartender and author who has studied the history of the Cosmopolitan. In her 2018 book “The Cocktail Companion,” she claims that the Cosmopolitan is a drink that two bartenders separately made using nearly the same components. Neal Murray and Cheryl Cook are these bartenders; they created their versions in different cities fourteen years apart.
Additionally, two bartenders in New York City assert that by utilizing premium ingredients, they have enhanced the Cosmopolitan formula. Toby Cecchini and Melissa Huffsmith are these bartenders; however, only Cecchini has received widespread recognition. Furthermore, the Cosmopolitan was independently enhanced by Dale “King Cocktail” DeGroff.
dale degroff cosmopolitan
The Dale DeGroff Cosmopolitan is now considered a modern classic, having ignited the world’s artisan cocktail obsession. Its intriguing beginnings stem from the experimental release of Absolut citron vodka, which was among the first flavored vodkas produced in the modern era. The goal of this flavor was to appeal to women, and it was successful in cities like Miami, where bartender Cheryl Cook blended ingredients from well-known drinks like the lemon drop and kamikaze.
Dale DeGroff originally tried the drink at the Fog City Diner in San Francisco, where it became popular. Seeing its potential, he improved the recipe by putting more of an emphasis on premium components like Cointreau and fresh juice. The drink later made its way to other popular venues in New York, such as a cafeteria run by Toby Cheney,
When Madonna was seen sipping the beverage during a Sony Grammy celebration at the Rainbow Room, its fame soared. As a result, Dale DeGroff gained recognition across the globe and traveled to the UK to present the drink and preside over a cocktail competition. Widespread praise for The Cosmopolitan led to partnerships with companies like Ocean Spray to advertise cranberry juice.
It’s important to acknowledge Cheryl Cook as the drink’s original originator despite its widespread popularity. Her inventiveness, along with Dale DeGroff’s sophistication and the drink’s appearances in popular culture, cemented the Cosmopolitan’s position as a globally adored cocktail. With its vibrant history and refreshing taste, it continues to be a popular choice among cocktail connoisseurs in bars and restaurants worldwide.
The Cosmopolitan – How to make a Cosmopolitan cocktail – Three Delicious Recipes
The Cosmopolitan cocktail has played a pivotal role in the modern cocktail renaissance, thanks to its refreshing taste and vibrant history. Discover the evolution of this iconic drink and explore three delicious recipes, including Dale DeGroff’s classic version and a unique milk clarified variation.
Introduction:
The Cosmopolitan cocktail, known for its bright flavors and stylish presentation, has had a profound impact on cocktail culture since its inception. In this article, we’ll delve into the origins of the Cosmopolitan, its journey to global fame, and explore three distinct recipes that showcase its versatility and appeal.
The Origins of the Cosmopolitan:
The Cosmopolitan’s tale starts with Cheryl Cook, who was given the assignment by Absolut to use their new flavored vodka, Absolut Citron, to design a cocktail that would appeal to and target women. Although Cook’s invention didn’t catch on right away, it set the stage for what would eventually become a cocktail phenomenon.
Then Dale DeGroff and Toby Cecchini arrived. These two bartenders took a second look at the Cosmopolitan recipe and made it into a classic. Madonna was drawn to DeGroff’s flashy presentation, which included flame orange zest atop the cocktail. This led to the drink being featured in “Sex and the City” and its subsequent international fame.
Exploring Three Unique Recipes:
Dale DeGroff’s Classic Cosmopolitan:
Ingredients:
1.5 (45 ml )oz Absolute Citron vodka
1 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz Cointreau
0.25 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
Orange zest for garnish
Instructions:
In a cocktail shaker, combine Absolute Citron vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and lime juice.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with flaming orange zest.
Traditional Cosmopolitan with a Twist:
Ingredients:
1.5 oz lemon vodka
0.5 oz Cointreau
0.75 oz cranberry juice
0.75 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
0.25 oz simple syrup
Orange zest for garnish
Instructions:
In a cocktail shaker, combine lemon vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Shake with ice for 10 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with orange zest for an extra burst of flavor.
Milk Clarified Cosmopolitan:
Ingredients:
1.5 oz vodka
0.75 oz Cointreau
1 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
1.5 oz whole milk
Orange zest for garnish
Instructions:
In a container, combine vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Pour whole milk over the mixture and let it curdle.
Filter the mixture through a coffee filter to achieve clarity.
Stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with orange zest for a sophisticated finish.
In summary
the rich history and refreshing flavor combination of the Cosmopolitan cocktail have captivated drinkers all around the world. Whether you choose the original Dale DeGroff recipe or a distinctive twist like the milk-clarified Cosmopolitan, this classic drink’s charm never goes out of style. Let’s toast to the Cosmopolitan’s lasting influence on cocktail culture!
The Preferred Cosmopolitan recipe by Toby Cecchini
In this article, we’re going to compare Toby’s preferred Cosmopolitan recipe with the traditional version to see why it’s his favourite.
Ingredients:
2 ounces of citron vodka
1 ounce of Cointreau
0.75 ounces of lime juice
0.5 ounces of cranberry juice
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients very well for 8-10 seconds.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lime twist.
Taste Test:
Toby’s preferred Cosmopolitan is more acidic than the original but packs a stronger, more citrusy punch. The increased lime juice and citron vodka give it a refreshing edge. If you prefer a stronger and more citrus-forward cocktail, this version is definitely worth trying!
