Ginger Cosmo Cocktail Recipe
Ginger Cosmo Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:22g
Alcohol content:15%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Ginger Cosmo is a zesty twist on the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail. It's believed to have emerged from the creative experimentation of bartenders looking to add a spicy kick to the well-loved Cosmo. Perfect for those who appreciate a balance of sweet and spicy flavors, it's become a favorite among adventurous cocktail enthusiasts.
How Ginger Cosmo Tastes?
The Ginger Cosmo offers a tantalizing combination of flavors. It's a vibrant mix that's both sweet and tart, with a refreshing citrus note and a warm, spicy undertone from the ginger. It's a bold drink that's not too strong, making it perfect for sipping.
Interesting facts about Ginger Cosmo
- The Ginger Cosmo is a modern take on the traditional Cosmopolitan.
- Ginger has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries, adding a healthful twist to this cocktail.
- The cocktail's vibrant pink hue makes it a visually appealing choice for social gatherings.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Cointreau: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Fresh lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Cranberry juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Ginger syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Fresh ginger slice: 1
- Garnish (candied ginger): 1 piece
A few good options for Ginger Cosmo are:
- Grey Goose
- Absolut Citron
- Khor De Luxe
A few good options for Ginger Cosmo are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Vodka
Used as the base spirit, vodka provides a clean canvas that allows the flavors of the other ingredients to shine through. At 1.5oz, it's just enough to give the cocktail its kick without overwhelming the other flavors. More vodka might make it too boozy, less and you might as well be drinking juice! No vodka? Try gin for a botanical twist.
Mary Mitkina
Cointreau
This orange-flavored liqueur adds a hint of citrus complexity and sweetness. A 0.5oz splash is enough to notice but not overshadow. Leaving it out you lose depth, but you could substitute with triple sec if you're in a pinch.
Alex Green
Fresh Lime Juice
The zesty tartness of fresh lime juice, at 0.5 oz, brightens the drink and balances the sweetness. Bottle lime juice could be used, but it's like inviting your neighbors to a party - just not the same zing.
Emma Rose
Cranberry Juice
At 1oz, cranberry juice provides color and a tart counterpoint to the sweetness, it's the cosmo's signature. No cranberry juice? Your drink's going to a party underdressed. Consider pomegranate juice as a backup, which brings a similar tartness and color.
Mary Mitkina
Ginger Syrup
This is the spice of life in your Ginger Cosmo! With 0.5oz, the ginger syrup adds a pleasant warmth. Without it, the drink is like an autumn leaf pile with no one to jump in. You could use honey-ginger syrup for a twist.
Alex Green
Fresh Ginger Slice
Used as both a garnish and flavor enhancer, this gives a lovely aromatic tickle to the nose before each sip. Leave it out, and you miss some of the ginger's upfront sassiness. No fresh ginger? A dash of ground ginger could pinch hit in a pinch!
Emma Rose
Garnish (Candied Ginger)
A sweet and spicy finale sitting on top of your glass, the candied ginger is like the encore at a rock concert. Without it, the show's still good, but everyone wants that last stunning moment. It can be left out, of course, but why?
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Ginger Cosmo Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add 1.5 oz of vodka, 0.5 oz of Cointreau, 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice, 1 oz of cranberry juice, and 0.5 oz of ginger syrup.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a slice of fresh ginger or a piece of candied ginger on the rim of the glass.
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
- For an extra touch of ginger, muddle a few slices of fresh ginger in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to keep your cocktail cold longer.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Cheese platters: Rich cheeses, like brie or camembert, will complement the sweetness of the ginger and the cranberry.
- Seafood: Try it with sushi or grilled shrimp, as the zesty lime balances well with these flavors.
Main Courses
- Asian Cuisine: The ginger flavor pairs beautifully with Thai or Chinese dishes, particularly those with a sweet and sour profile.
- Poultry: Grilled chicken with a light glaze could be an excellent match for the refreshing and spicy notes of the cocktail.
Desserts
- Fruit Tarts: The citrus notes in the cocktail can enhance the flavors of a seasonal fruit tart.
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate has a bitterness that can be a lovely counterpart to the cocktail's sweetness.
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What you could change in Ginger Cosmo
- If you don't have Cointreau, you can substitute it with any other orange-flavored liqueur like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec.
- In case cranberry juice is not available, pomegranate juice can be a good alternative, though it will alter the taste slightly.
Explore all drinks starting with G here
And of course - twists🍹
Ginger Cosmo with a Kick
- Add: 0.25oz of chili-infused syrup.
- Change: The drink gets warmer and spicier with a chili syrup addition. The heat will cut through the sweetness, demanding your taste buds' attention.
Citrus Burst Ginger Cosmo
- Substitute: Replace Cointreau with fresh orange juice and add zest of half an orange.
- Change: This will give a fresher, fruitier dimension to your Ginger Cosmo, perfect for those summer patio sessions.
Herbal Ginger Cosmo
- Add: A sprig of thyme or basil in the shaker.
- Change: Herbs bring an earthy note that can make the cocktail more aromatic and complex. It's like a garden took a swim in your glass.
In case you forgot basics how to make Ginger Cosmo
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Ginger Cosmo
Can the Ginger Cosmo be made in large batches for parties?
Yes, the Ginger Cosmo cocktail recipe can be scaled up to serve a crowd. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want and mix in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Keep the mixture refrigerated and serve over ice, garnishing each glass individually.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Ginger Cosmo?
Certainly! You can create a mocktail version by substituting the vodka with ginger ale or sparkling water and using a non-alcoholic orange-flavored syrup in place of Cointreau.
What kind of vodka is best used in a Ginger Cosmo?
For a Ginger Cosmo, a high-quality plain or citrus-flavored vodka is ideal, as it will complement the cocktail's citrus and ginger notes without overpowering them.
How important is the quality of the ginger syrup in this recipe?
The quality of ginger syrup is crucial as it contributes significantly to the flavor profile of the cocktail. Homemade ginger syrup or a premium store-bought brand that uses real ginger and natural sweeteners is highly recommended.
What can be used as a garnish if candied ginger is unavailable?
If candied ginger is not available, you can garnish your Ginger Cosmo with a twist of orange peel, a lime wheel, or even a small skewer of fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
Are there any special techniques for shaking cocktails?
Yes, when shaking cocktails, it's best to use a vigorous, back-and-forth motion for about 10-15 seconds to ensure the ingredients are well chilled and mixed. Using plenty of ice in your shaker will also result in a better chilled and diluted cocktail.
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