Spiced Cosmopolitan

A Spiced Cosmopolitan has the same components as the original Cosmo cocktail, vodka, Cointreau, and lime juice, but with a little extra added. It’s a drink fueled by my strong association of cranberry and orange with fall and the holiday season that follows.

The simple addition of Falernum, a rich, flavorful Barbadian liqueur with flavors of allspice, cinnamon, clove, ginger, nutmeg and hints of almond transforms the classic Cosmo into a sophisticated cocktail ready to serve with fall dinner celebrations Sip or drink while cozying up by the fire pit on a chilly night.

History of the Cosmopolitan

The classic Cosmo is a relatively young cocktail. While versions of a similar drink with different spirits and juices can be found as early as the 1930s, the modern version gained popularity in the 1980s. In the late 1990s, the drink became more widely known thanks to numerous references on the popular sitcom. Sex and the City.

What is Falernum?

Falernum is a spiced liqueur from Barbados with warm aromas of allspice, cinnamon, clove, ginger, nutmeg and a hint of almond. It is often used in tiki drinks.

Most well-stocked liquor stores carry at least one Falernum brand. Sometimes it’s available as a non-alcoholic simple syrup. If you can’t find Falernum, use Orgeat, an almond-flavored sweet syrup. The cocktail lacks the warming spices of allspice and clove, so try to find Falernum if you can.

Use good quality cranberry juice

This Spiced Cosmopolitan calls for something more complex and tart, which is why I suggest 100 percent unsweetened cranberry juice. It will balance the sweetness of Cointreau and Falernum.

Spirits Suggestions

It’s important to use quality spirits, but it’s not essential to buy the most expensive, best liquor since this cocktail is a mixed drink.

• I like to use a vodka that is smooth and not too spicy. Both Absolut Vodka and Skyy Vodka have a smooth, muted flavor that allows the powerful flavors of cranberry juice and falernum to be brought out. Both are high quality and affordable.
• Cointreau is a branded orange flavored liqueur that is lively but not overly sweet. It can get expensive, so don’t hesitate to use a less expensive triple second.
• If you have access to small artisanal stills, ask if they make Falernum. Some of the best Falernum are small batch creations. Velvet Falernum Liqueur from Barbados is a common brand found in liquor stores and online. You can taste the sweetness of almonds and the flavors of clove, ginger and lime.
• A non-alcoholic alternative, BG Reynolds Falernum Cocktail Syrup is made from natural ingredients and contains no high fructose corn syrup.

Best glassware for a seasoned cosmopolitan

A Nick and Nora glass or a Coupe glass is the best choice for a Spiced Cosmopolitan. The coupé glass used in these photos, for example, has a thicker stem and wide, shallow bowl that feels more spill-resistant than a martini glass—ideal for mingling at a cocktail party. A martini glass works too. Make sure you chill the glass before serving!

Garnish Options

A cosmopolitan is often garnished with a lemon zest, but orange goes better with this cocktail. Add a small slice of orange or spiral orange peel. If you have the time, dried orange slices add a fun fall feel. During the holidays, when cranberries are in season, a fresh whole or sugared cranberry would feel festive.

More vodka cocktails to try

• Cosmopolitan
• Blueberry Pomegranate Cosmopolitan
• 50/50 martini
• Chocolate Martini
• Salty dog ​​cocktail