Cosmonaut Cocktail Recipe

The Cosmonaut is a riff on the classic cocktail known as the Aviation. It was created to capture the spirit of adventure and the boldness of space exploration. Its creation is often attributed to innovative bartenders looking for a twist on traditional recipes, using raspberry jam as a unique sweetening agent.

• Inspiration: The drink is inspired by the Space Age and the daring of astronauts.
• Popularity: It's a hit among those who appreciate a modern twist on classic cocktails.
• Occasions: Perfect for themed parties or as a conversation starter at any gathering.

The Cosmonaut cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, with the raspberry jam providing a fruity depth that complements the botanical notes of the gin. The lemon juice adds a refreshing citrus zing, making it a well-rounded and invigorating drink.

• The Cosmonaut is a modern cocktail, and its exact origin is not well-documented, making it a bit of a mystery.
• The use of jam as a sweetener is a nod to the improvisational skills of bartenders who often have to make do with what's available.
• The name 'Cosmonaut' pays homage to the Russian space explorers, reflecting the drink's bold and adventurous spirit.

1. Stir the raspberry jam in a bowl to loosen it up.
2. Add the loosened jam to a cocktail shaker along with the gin and lemon juice.
3. Fill the shaker with a handful of ice cubes.
4. Shake vigorously until the shaker feels cold to the touch.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass and serve immediately.

• Chill Your Glass: To enhance the experience, chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Quality Jam: Use a high-quality raspberry jam for a richer flavor and smoother texture.
• Double Strain: To remove any seeds or pulp, double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh sieve.

Appetizers

Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses such as brie or camembert can complement the sweetness of the raspberry and the sharpness of the lemon.

Smoked Salmon: The rich, smoky flavor pairs nicely with the botanicals in gin and the tartness of the cocktail.

Desserts

Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate will create a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the jam.

Lemon Tart: A lemon tart's citrusy and tangy profile matches well with the cocktail's lemon juice component.

Other Drinks

Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips without overpowering the delicate flavors of the Cosmonaut.

• Raspberry Jam: If you don't have raspberry jam, you can use a raspberry syrup or muddle fresh raspberries with a bit of sugar.
• Gin: Any good quality dry gin will work, but for a twist, try using a floral gin to complement the raspberry flavors.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh is best, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

Berry Cosmonaut

• 2 tbsp mixed berry jam
• 1.7 oz vodka
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Ice cubes

Replace the raspberry jam with mixed berry jam and gin with vodka for a different berry profile and a smoother spirit base. The lime juice will give a slight twist to the citrus element, making the drink even more refreshing.

Spicy Cosmonaut

• 2 tbsp raspberry jam
• 1.7 oz jalapeño-infused gin
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Ice cubes

Infuse your gin with jalapeños to introduce a spicy kick to the Cosmonaut. The heat will contrast with the sweet and sour flavors, offering a drink for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their sip.

Cosmonaut Royale

• 1 tbsp raspberry jam
• 1.7 oz gin
• 0.5 oz Chambord
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Ice cubes
• Sparkling wine

Add Chambord, a raspberry liqueur, to intensify the raspberry flavor. Top off with sparkling wine for a fizzy, celebratory version of the classic Cosmonaut.