A sophisticated and elegant reinterpretation of the classic Cosmopolitan, swapping cranberry juice for elderflower liqueur and white cranberry juice for a delicate, floral sweetness and crystal-clear appearance.
24%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
“The White Cosmopolitan was created by French mixologist Xavier Herit at Restaurant Daniel in New York City around 2007-2008, immediately following the U.S. launch of St-Germain elderflower liqueur. Herit's innovation was to take the established Cosmopolitan template and give it a sophisticated, modern twist by replacing Cointreau with St-Germain and red cranberry juice with white. This transformed the drink's flavor from tart and citrus-forward to floral and subtly sweet, while changing its appearance from vibrant pink to an elegant, crystal-clear hue. The drink's original presentation featured an edible orchid frozen inside a perfectly clear ice sphere, elevating it from a simple cocktail to a piece of art.”
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or martini glass thoroughly in a freezer
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker
Fill the shaker with high-quality ice cubes
Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the shaker is well-frosted
Double-strain the contents into the chilled glass to ensure a silky-smooth texture
Served up in a chilled coupe or martini glass
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Serve immediately after straining to preserve chill and aromatic qualities
Pre-chilling the glassware is non-negotiable for optimal temperature
Use freshly squeezed lime juice - bottled will not provide the necessary bright acidity
Double-strain to remove ice shards for perfect texture
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the White Cosmopolitan.
Increase St-Germain to 1.5 oz for a sweeter profile
More spirit-forward with increased vodka and reduced St-Germain
Increase lime juice for a more acidic cocktail
Bridge between classic and White Cosmopolitan with both Cointreau and St-Germain
Substitute lemon juice for lime juice for a different acidic profile
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Vodka, lime, and sugar muddled and built over ice—Russia meets Brazil in this crisp caipirinha cousin.
Vodka, Cointreau, and lime—shaken icy cold for a clean, citrusy classic served up or as a shooter.
Vodka, ginger beer, and lime served icy cold in a copper mug—the drink that launched a vodka craze in mid‑century America.