Santa's Cosmo

Let’s start with unplugging one of the world’s largest clichés. The Cosmopolitan is not a drink that’s only suitable for single young women.

When prepared as it should, it’s a very nice sour-style alternative for a Martini. I’m not a single young woman and I do like a good Cosmo. 

So, what’s wrong with Cosmo’s? In many bars they use a recipe which is a bit too sweet. This destroys the balance and gives you a sticky drink that’s not how it’s meant to be. I don't like drinks that taste like a lollipop. 

Let’s try this variation with an extra layer of malty flavours. Less sweet in the glass, but with a sugar rim instead to compensate. It was an experiment, but I really loved the result. 

P.S. Next on my TO DO list: I want to re-create this drink, but without alcohol. To be continued.

Santa’s Cosmo

Ingredients

50 ml Genever (I used Fryns Premium)

30 ml Cointreau or Triple Sec

30 ml Cranberry juice

15 ml Fresh lime juice

Method

1. Gently rub some simple syrup on the rim of your Martini glass. Dip in sugar candy.

2. Add all ingredients to your shaker with lots of ice. Shake for 15 seconds. 

3. Strain your drink in the glass.

4. Optional/advanced: Cut a piece of orange peel, give it a firm twist over your glass to spray some of the oils from the peel over your drink, add the peel to your glass.

If you feel really confident: Hold a lighted match between the peel and the drink while releasing those oils. This will warm up the oils to make them even more flavourful. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.