Cosmopolitan, a cocktail that contains cranberry juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and sometimes vodka, was first created in the early 1980s. It got its name from the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas. This cocktail became more popular when it was featured in an extremely successful American television series.
But do all Cosmopolitan cocktails have Vodka in them? There is a lot of debate surrounding the ingredients in a Cosmopolitan cocktail. Some people insist that Vodka is essential, while others claim that it can be made without it.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the following topics and investigate whether or not Vodka is necessary for this popular drink.
Vodka: A Versatile Beverage
Vodka is a distilled beverage composed of water and ethanol, sometimes with traces of impurities and flavorings. It is prepared from a variety of grains, such as wheat, rye, or potatoes, and generally bottled at 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume), although it may be stronger or milder.
Vodka is also versatile, can be consumed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. So no wonder that it is often used in cocktails like the Cosmopolitan – it has a very clean taste that doesn’t clash with other flavors.
LEARN MORE: How Much Alcohol Is In A Cosmo?
Reasons Vodka Is Used In Cosmopolitan
When you think of the classic recipe of a Cosmopolitan, Vodka is not a key ingredient. But it is used by bartenders in different parts of the world and also at home to increase the taste of the drink.
There are a few reasons why Vodka is used in Cosmopolitan cocktails.
Firstly, Vodka has a very clean taste that doesn’t clash with other flavors.
Secondly, it is a versatile spirit – it can be consumed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.
And thirdly, Vodka is affordable and easy to find.
So if you want to make a delicious Cosmopolitan cocktail at home, Vodka can be the best choice of spirit!
Best Vodka for Cosmopolitans
As discussed above, vodka used with the combination of the basic ingredients (cranberry juice, Cointreau, fresh lime) in a Cosmopolitan, adds a unique taste to the drink.
Here we will explore the three types of vodka and what makes them perfect for making cosmos. We will also give you some alternatives if you don’t want to use any alcohol at all!
Absolut Vodka:
This Swedish Vodka is made from winter wheat and has a very smooth, clean taste. It is perfect for cocktails like cocktails as it doesn’t overpower the other flavors in the drink. It is one of the most used categories of Vodka for Cosmopolitan. Absolut Elyx, Absolute Citron are two of the Absolut Vodkas that are mostly used in Cosmopolitan.
St. George Vodka:
This American Vodka is also made from winter wheat, but it is distilled multiple times which gives it a much cleaner flavor than most other vodkas on the market. It also has a slightly sweet aftertaste that goes well with fruity cocktails like Cosmopolitans.
Bootlegger 21 Vodka:
If you are looking for organic vodka to make your cosmopolitans with, Bootlegger 21 is the best option out there! This vodka is made with organic wheat and has a very smooth, clean taste. It is also gluten-free which makes it perfect for people who are intolerant to gluten.
Some more varieties of Vodkas that can be considered for Cosmos:
- Russian Standard Vodka is a classic vodka that has been made according to the traditional Russian recipe. It is smooth, clean, and perfect for cocktails.
- Stolichnaya Vodka is another popular choice for cocktails. Known for its iconic red bottle and has slightly sweet flavor it can be a great choice for cosmopolitans.
- Ketel One Vodka is an upmarket vodka made from 100% grain neutral spirits. It is one of the most popular vodkas in the world and has a crisp, clean taste that makes it great for cocktails.
So no matter what your preference is, there’s a Vodka out there that will be perfect for making your favorite cosmopolitan cocktail!
Substitutes Of Vodka That Can Be Used In A Cosmo
If Vodka is not your preference in a cosmopolitan, you can come up with an even better tasting drink by adding some other ingredients to the mix. Some alternatives that you can use include:
- If you don’t want to use any alcohol, try using juice from cranberries, lime, or orange.
- Sparkling water or club soda can also be used as a substitute for vodka.
- Ginger ale is another great option if you’re looking for something sweet and sour.
- And lastly, the sweet and sour mix is perfect if you want to keep the drink simple!
So no matter what your choice is, there’s a substitute for Vodka that will be perfect for making your favorite cosmopolitan cocktail!
Conclusion
Whether you like to have Cosmopolitan or any other complex drink that calls for vermouth or bitters, vodka provides a neutral canvass against which these more subtle flavors can stand out.
Vodka also has a relatively high alcohol content, which makes it a good choice for cocktails that need a bit of punch.
So next time you’re looking for something to make your cosmopolitan even better, try swapping out the gin or rum for vodka – you might be surprised at how delicious your drink can be!
