Exploring the History of the Cosmopolitan Cocktail

National Cosmopolitan Day is just around the corner, and what better way to prepare than to dive into the history of this beloved, timeless cocktail?

The Origins of the Cosmo

If it only it was that simple. Like many iconic cocktails, the exact origins of the Cosmopolitan (aka the Cosmo) are a mystery.

Some trace it back to the mid-1970s in Golden Valley, Minneapolis, while others say it was invented in South Beach, Florida during the mid-1980s.

While its exact origins are debated, we do know that the Cosmopolitan belongs to the Gimlet family of cocktails and shares similarities with the  Kamikaze shot in terms of ingredients and flavor. Argument could be made that it evolved from the classic Cape Codder cocktail from New England, which combines Vodka and Cranberry Juice.

The Evolution of the Cosmopolitan Recipe

The Cosmopolitan has undergone various transformations over the years.

A 1927 cocktail book mentions a drink named the Cosmopolitan, made with Scotch Whisky, two types of Vermouth, Swedish punch, Irish Whisky, and Vodka—completely different from the version we know today.

However, a 1934 cocktail book features a recipe for a Gin Daisy cocktail, which is strikingly similar to today’s Cosmopolitan. This version was made with lemon instead of lime, gin instead of vodka, and sweetened with Raspberry Syrup instead of Cranberry Juice to give the drink its signature pink color.

As for the version we all know and love today, one claim suggests it was invented around 1988 by a head bartender in South Beach, Miami, who based the cocktail on the newly released Absolut Citron. Absolut Citron, our incredible Lemon-Flavored Vodka, was released in 1988 and has been our best-selling flavored vodka ever since.

Another story traces the cocktail’s origins back to 1975, when a bartender in Golden Valley, Minneapolis, combined elements of a Cape Codder and a Kamikaze to create a shaken drink served in a martini glass.

The International Bartenders Association lists the Cosmopolitan as being made with Vodka Citron (Lemon-Flavored Vodka), Triple Sec, Fresh Lime Juice, and Cranberry Juice. The rest, as they say, is history.

The Rise of Absolut Citron, the Cosmo Craze and its enduring popularity

The Cosmo soared to prominence in the 1990s, becoming a symbol of cosmopolitan urban culture and modern cocktail sophistication.

Now, did Absolut Citron inspire the creation of the iconic Cosmopolitan, or did trend-setting influencers elevate it to fame by ordering the “Cosmo” at the hippest bars and clubs worldwide?

No matter the answer, there’s no doubt that the Cosmopolitan’s popularity soared thanks to a certain TV show that aired between 1998 and 2004, featuring four stylish women navigating life, love, and friendship in New York City.

Since the 1990s, the Cosmopolitan has maintained its status as a classic cocktail, enjoyed in various social settings. Its enduring popularity and association with high living have solidified its place in cocktail history as an iconic drink.

Join us in raising a glass and saying cheers to the Cosmopolitan!