White Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe

White Cosmopolitan Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:10g

Alcohol:14%

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

History

The White Cosmopolitan is a modern twist on the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail, which gained popularity in the 1990s, thanks to the hit TV show 'Sex and the City'. The White Cosmopolitan replaces the traditional cranberry juice with white cranberry juice, giving it a lighter, more elegant appearance. This cocktail is perfect for those who love the original Cosmopolitan but want to try something new and sophisticated.

How White Cosmopolitan Tastes?

The White Cosmopolitan has a delicate, slightly sweet and tart taste with a hint of citrus. The white cranberry juice adds a subtle fruitiness, while the Cointreau and lime juice provide a zesty kick. The vodka gives it a smooth, clean finish.

Interesting facts about White Cosmopolitan

  • The White Cosmopolitan is sometimes called the 'Bridal Cosmopolitan' due to its elegant appearance, making it a popular choice for weddings.
  • The original Cosmopolitan recipe dates back to the 1930s, but the modern version we know today was popularized in the 1990s.
  • The White Cosmopolitan is often served in a martini glass, giving it an air of sophistication and elegance.

Ingredients

A few good options for White Cosmopolitan are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Absolut Citron
  • Khor De Luxe

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

At 1.5 oz, vodka is the backbone of our White Cosmopolitan, giving it body and strength without overshadowing the delicate flavors. Vodka's neutrality allows other ingredients to shine. Get the proportions wrong, and you could either end up with a cocktail that is too boozy or too weak to tickle your taste.

Mary Mitkina

White Cranberry Juice

1 oz of this juice adds a slight tartness and maintains the cocktail’s chic white hue. If omitted, you’d miss out on the unique character white cranberry brings. Less could diminish the drink's tartness, while more might overshadow the other flavors.

Alex Green

Cointreau

Half an oz gives that orange zesty kick and some sweetness. It's the secret whisper in the background that says 'citrus' without shouting. Too much, and your drink starts to taste like an orange orchard; too little, and it may fall flat.

Emma Rose

Fresh Lime Juice

0.5 oz provides a fresh citrusy acid bite, balancing out the sweet components. If you forgot the lime, you'd lose that necessary zesty edge. A different citrus like lemon could substitute, giving a slightly sharper profile.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

Ice is the silent hero; keeps things cool without stealing the show. Skip it, and the dance of flavors turns into a lukewarm muddle. You've now got a tepid conversation instead of a lively dialogue.

Alex Green

Edible Orchid

More than just a looker, the edible orchid gives a subtle, floral hint, if you choose to eat it. Plus, it's the dress code for this classy drink—it just wouldn't look the same without it.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make White Cosmopolitan Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the vodka, white cranberry juice, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice.
  3. Shake well until chilled and well combined.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Garnish with an edible orchid.

Pro Tips

  • Use a high-quality vodka for a smoother taste.
  • Always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill the martini glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cold longer.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

White Cosmopolitan, with its crisp and fruity profile, pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, such as shrimp cocktail or oysters. The clean flavors complement each other without overwhelming the palate.

Cheeses

Semi-soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert are also great partners, as the cocktail can cut through the creaminess while the mild flavors don't clash.

Appetizers

Appetizers with a slight sweetness or citrus touch, such as prosciutto-wrapped melon or bruschetta with tomato and basil, would also make an excellent match.

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What you could change in White Cosmopolitan

  • Cointreau can be replaced with Triple Sec or another orange liqueur.
  • If white cranberry juice is unavailable, you can use regular cranberry juice for a more traditional Cosmopolitan.

Explore all drinks starting with W here

And of course - twists🍹

Berry Cosmopolitan

Replace white cranberry juice with red cranberry juice and garnish with a raspberry for a berry twist on the classic. This will add a little tartness and a pop of color that screams 'berry delicious'.

Elderflower Cosmopolitan

Add 0.5 oz of elderflower liqueur in place of Cointreau. The result is a more floral and subtly sweet taste, perfect for those who enjoy a touch of spring in their sips. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Spicy Cosmopolitan

Infuse the vodka with jalapeno slices for a few hours before making the cocktail. Exchange lime juice for lemon juice and add a small pinch of white sugar to balance the spiciness. This fiery version will heat up the conversation and leave a warm trail down the throat.

In case you forgot basics how to make White Cosmopolitan

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 shake

Place 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 strain

Garnishing 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).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on White Cosmopolitan

What is the significance of the orchid garnish?

The orchid garnish not only gives the White Cosmopolitan cocktail a beautiful appearance, but it's also a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Its exotic nature encourages the sense of experiencing a special, finely crafted cocktail.

What's the difference between Cointreau and Triple Sec?

Cointreau and Triple Sec are both types of orange liqueur. The difference between them mostly lies in their taste, alcohol content, and geography. Cointreau is a brand-name liqueur from France, and it's known for a more refined taste and higher alcohol content. Triple Sec, on the other hand, tends to be sweeter and have lower alcohol content.

Why does this cocktail use white cranberry juice instead of regular cranberry juice?

White cranberry juice gives the White Cosmopolitan its signature elegant, pale color. Regular cranberry juice, in comparison, is a deep red color.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the White Cosmopolitan?

Yes, a non-alcoholic version can be made by omitting the vodka and Cointreau, and replacing them with soda water and a dash of orange extract respectively.

Who typically drinks the White Cosmopolitan?

The White Cosmopolitan, like the classic Cosmopolitan, is universally popular. However, it's especially favored by individuals who enjoy light, slightly sweet cocktails with a hint of citrus. Due to its elegant appearance, it's also commonly served at high-end events.

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