Shake up the summer with a refreshing Mediterranean Cosmo drink! Made with Blood Orange Liqueur, Vodka, Cranberry and Lime juice, this cocktail is perfect for any occasion. Garnish with a slice of Orange and serve in a Cocktail glass for a stunning presentation. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make drink that's sure to impress!
Mediterranean Cosmo Ingredients
- 1-1/2 oz Blood Orange Liqueur
- 1-1/2 oz Vodka
- 1/2 oz Cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz Lime juice
- 1 slice Orange
- garnish Orange
Mediterranean Cosmo Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
- knife - to prepare garnish slice
- juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice
Mediterranean Cosmo Recipe
- optionally make fresh Lime juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
- fill a shaker half full with ice cubes so you can properly chill ingredients
- shake till perfectly chilled
- strain into cocktail glass without ice
- use the Orange as garnish
Recommend: serve in Cocktail glass
The conical shape of the cocktail glass brings to mind martini for most people. Cocktail glasses are for drinks with a volume of 3 to 6 ounces that are usually served "up" without ice.The Mediterranean Cosmo is a popular cocktail that has been enjoyed by many around the globe. It is a refreshing and fruity drink that is perfect for a night out or a summer party. In this article, we will explore the popularity, ingredient roles, how to garnish, variations, common mistakes, and more about the Mediterranean Cosmo.
Popularity
The Mediterranean Cosmo is a variation of the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail that was originated in the United States in the 1980s. It was popularized by the television show "Sex and the City" in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Mediterranean Cosmo is known for its fruity and tangy taste, and it is often served in cocktail bars and restaurants.
The Mediterranean Cosmo is famous for its blood orange liqueur, which is the key ingredient that sets it apart from the classic Cosmopolitan. The blood orange liqueur is a vibrant orange-colored liqueur that is made from the peels of blood oranges. It has a sweet and slightly bitter taste that adds depth and complexity to the cocktail.
Geographically, the Mediterranean Cosmo is a drink that is perfect for coastal areas. The blood orange liqueur, which is the star ingredient, is widely available in the Mediterranean region. The drink is also popular in the United States, where it is often served in trendy cocktail bars.
Ingredient Roles
The Mediterranean Cosmo has a few key ingredients that work together to create the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Here is a breakdown of the roles that each ingredient plays:
- Blood Orange Liqueur: This is the star ingredient of the Mediterranean Cosmo. It adds a sweet and slightly bitter flavor to the cocktail.
- Vodka: The vodka is the base of the cocktail and adds a neutral flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine.
- Cranberry Juice: The cranberry juice adds a tart and fruity flavor to the cocktail.
- Lime Juice: The lime juice adds a tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the blood orange liqueur.
How to Garnish
The Mediterranean Cosmo is typically garnished with a slice of orange. Here is how to prepare the garnish:
- Take a fresh orange and cut a thin slice from the middle.
- Cut a small notch in the middle of the slice so that it can sit on the rim of the glass.
- Place the slice on the rim of the cocktail glass.
Variations
The Mediterranean Cosmo can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some variations of the cocktail:
- Virgin/Mocktail Version: To make a non-alcoholic version of the Mediterranean Cosmo, simply omit the vodka and use a non-alcoholic blood orange syrup instead of the liqueur.
- Gluten-Free Version: The Mediterranean Cosmo is naturally gluten-free as long as the blood orange liqueur and vodka used are gluten-free. Some popular gluten-free vodka brands include Tito's and Absolut.
- Vegan Version: The Mediterranean Cosmo is vegan as long as the blood orange liqueur and cranberry juice used are vegan-friendly.
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of the Mediterranean Cosmo, use a sugar-free blood orange syrup instead of the liqueur and a sugar-free cranberry juice.
- Low-Calorie Version: To make a low-calorie version of the Mediterranean Cosmo, use a sugar-free blood orange syrup and a low-calorie cranberry juice.
Common Mistakes When Making
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making the Mediterranean Cosmo:
- Using too much blood orange liqueur: The blood orange liqueur is the star ingredient, but it can easily overpower the other flavors if too much is used. Stick to the recommended amount of 1-1/2 oz.
- Using low-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients used can make or break the cocktail. Use high-quality vodka and blood orange liqueur for the best results.
- Not using fresh juice: Freshly squeezed lime and cranberry juice will give the cocktail a brighter and fresher flavor than store-bought juice.
- Overcrowding the shaker: Overcrowding the shaker with too many ingredients can prevent them from mixing properly. Only fill the shaker halfway with ice and ingredients to ensure a proper mix.
In conclusion, the Mediterranean Cosmo is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make a delicious Mediterranean Cosmo that will impress your guests. So, grab your shaker and start mixing!
If you are going to order Mediterranean Cosmo in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Mediterranean Cosmo can be served with different ingredients in different places.