The Cosmopolitan cocktail is making a notable comeback, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia reminiscent of the Nineties, when it was popularized by Carrie Bradshaw and her friends on the iconic television series, Sex and the City. The vibrant pink drink, a blend of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice, garnished with an orange twist, is seeing a resurgence in popularity for the first time in decades.
Martin Kuczmarski, the former COO of Soho House Group, points to a trend favoring so-called “forgotten classics.” He believes that many drinkers are yearning for simpler, yet sophisticated cocktails instead of the overly elaborate creations often seen in modern mixology. Kuczmarski notes, “There is something elegant about confidently ordering a Cosmo.”
Marcello Cauda, the bars manager at the Berkeley hotel, echoes this sentiment. He remarks that while the cocktail never truly fell out of style, there is definitely a renewed appreciation for it. Describing the Cosmo as a cocktail that now belongs alongside timeless favorites like the martini and margarita, he states that its glamourous appeal, particularly in a hotel setting, contributes to its lasting charm.
The Cosmo’s revival is not confined to upscale venues; it is gaining traction across a variety of establishments, from gastropubs to bar chains. Jerome Orive, bar manager at London’s Fallow, Roe, and FOWL restaurants, mentions a growing demand for the drink, indicating that social media plays a significant role in its resurgence. With many creating their own versions at home, the Cosmo’s straightforward recipe makes it accessible to a wider audience. Some establishments are putting modern twists on the classic, using high-quality ingredients to elevate its profile.
Historically, the cocktail’s roots date back to 1927 with a different whisky-based concoction, but it evolved into the recognizable form we know today thanks to bartender Dale DeGroff in the mid-Nineties. Madonna’s choice to sip a Cosmopolitan at The Rainbow Rooms helped propel the drink into the cultural spotlight, paving the way for its association with glamour and stylish nights out.
Ellie Ireland, group bar manager for Public House Group, notes that the Cosmo has transitioned from a nostalgic throwback to one of their most popular offerings. She alludes to a broader trend where vodka is experiencing a revival, appealing to those seeking uncomplicated, yet chic beverages. Interestingly, she observes that younger drinkers in their twenties are ordering the Cosmo without any accompanying stereotypes, recognizing it simply as a quality cocktail.
Retailer Waitrose has also reported a rise in sales of canned Cosmopolitans, with a 12 percent increase compared to last year. Buyer Sarah Holland highlights that nostalgic flavors often resurface during uncertain times, making the Cosmo a quintessential example of a drink that evokes feelings of optimism and excitement reminiscent of the Nineties. She describes it as a feel-good classic that offers an accessible slice of luxury.
This cocktail revival suggests a collective yearning for the joy and simplicity of the past, providing a delightful twist to today’s beverage landscape while inviting both seasoned enthusiasts and a new generation to savor its charm.