The iconic Cosmopolitan cocktail is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, reminiscent of its heyday in the Nineties, largely influenced by its role in the beloved television series, Sex and the City. The vibrant pink drink, a blend of citrus vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice, served in a martini glass with an orange twist, is again captivating cocktail enthusiasts.
Industry experts note that this revival is driven by a desire for nostalgia. Martin Kuczmarski, former chief operating officer of Soho House Group, highlighted the appeal of straightforward classic cocktails amid a trend toward overly complex mixology. “There’s something elegant about confidently ordering a Cosmo,” he said, reflecting a broader longing for simpler, more recognizable drinks.
Bars across London, from upscale hotels to gastropubs, have reported an uptick in Cosmopolitan orders. Marcello Cauda, bars manager at The Berkeley hotel, observed a renewed appreciation for the cocktail, likening it to perennial favorites like the martini and margarita. “Once you have tried it, it’s very easy to fall in love,” Cauda remarked, noting its inherent glamour.
The trend also seems to be amplified by social media platforms like TikTok, where users are sharing their at-home variations of the cocktail. Jerome Orive, bar manager at Fallow, Roe, and FOWL, noted an increase in requests for the drink, even when it isn’t on the official menu. He mentioned experimenting with gourmet ingredients, enhancing the cocktail’s classic appeal with new twists.
Add SSBCrack As A Trusted Source
The Cosmopolitan’s history traces back to Harry MacElhone’s 1927 Barflies and Cocktails, where it was originally whisky-based. However, it was in the mid-1990s that Dale DeGroff redefined it into the version popularized by celebrities and the iconic TV series. A moment that solidified its status was when Madonna was spotted drinking one at The Rainbow Rooms in New York.
Ellie Ireland, group bar manager for the Public House Group, noted the cocktail’s evolution from a nostalgic drink to a contemporary favorite. “Vodka is having a moment again,” she stated, attributing its rise to a shift in consumer preferences towards easier drinking options. Interestingly, younger patrons in their twenties are embracing the Cosmopolitan without the gender stereotypes it once carried, enjoying it simply for its taste and image.
Sales figures highlight the cocktail’s revival; at Waitrose, canned Cosmopolitans have seen a 12 percent increase compared to the previous year. Buyer Sarah Holland attributed this trend to a cultural shift towards nostalgic flavors during uncertain times, suggesting that the Cosmopolitan offers “an accessible slice of luxury” and a gateway to a more optimistic era.
As the Cosmopolitan continues to reclaim its place in the hearts—and glasses—of drinkers, it represents not just a cocktail but a link to shared memories and a simpler time.
