Christmas Cosmopolitan
Vodka, cognac, cranberry, and falernum — the c. 1988 Cosmopolitan given cognac warmth and falernum's Barbadian spice (lime, ginger, cloves, almond) for December.
- 1 ozcitrus vodka
- ½ ozcognac
- ¾ ozcointreau
- 1 ozcranberry juice
- ½ ozfresh lime juice
- ¼ ozfalernum
- rosemary sprig and sugared cranberriesgarnish
- 1Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
- 2Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- 3Double strain into a chilled martini glass.
- 4Garnish with a rosemary sprig and sugared cranberries.
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The Christmas Cosmopolitan adapts the iconic 1990s cocktail — most closely associated with the HBO series Sex and the City and originally refined by Toby Cecchini in New York around 1988 — for the holiday season by incorporating warm, festive elements like cognac and falernum. Falernum, a spiced syrup made with lime, ginger, cloves, and almond that has roots in Barbadian rum culture since at least the early 20th century, adds the warm spice character of mulled wine without any wine component. The addition of cognac provides depth and warmth beyond what plain vodka delivers. The resulting cocktail maintains the Cosmopolitan's visual elegance — deep pink, served in a martini glass — while incorporating the warming complexity appropriate for a December cocktail menu.
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Everything you need to make a great Christmas Cosmopolitan at home.
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