A few months before the announcement of the “And Just Like That…” reboot of Sex and the City, food and drink writers were predicting that this summer was ripe for the Cosmo Comeback. With the news of the reboot, it seems like everything is lining up for Cosmopolitan lovers everywhere.
Most of the articles that cover the cocktail focus on bartenders, and bar and restaurant programs but the Cosmo is one drink that is easy to master at home. All you need is good quality ingredients; clean spirits, fresh lime juice and a leakproof shaker—even the ubiquitous cranberry juice is optional these days.
My friends Matt and Brendan have never stopped drinking Cosmos, and Brendan has been experimenting lately with variations on the classic pale cranberry-pink version. When I was visiting them recently, he made me an “Aperol Cosmo” that was exceptional. This drink is an elevated cocktail for anyone who loves an Aperol Spritz. And, I for one have always loved and will always love Aperol. I love the bittersweet bright orange liqueur. The fact that it has a low alcohol content makes it a perfect aperitif. The slightly sweet, slightly bitter, citrusy orange and herbal notes blend seamlessly with the traditional ingredients of vodka, fresh lime juice and Cointreau. It is my favorite variation of the classic Cosmo—in fact, I like it better than the original!
