White Cosmopolitan

White Cosmopolitan

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

Flavor Profile

History & Heritage

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.

Ingredients

Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.

Method

Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.

1

Chill a coupe or martini glass thoroughly in a freezer

2

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker

3

Fill the shaker with high-quality ice cubes

4

Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the shaker is well-frosted

5

Double-strain the contents into the chilled glass to ensure a silky-smooth texture

Glassware

coupe

Served up in a chilled coupe or martini glass

Garnish

Orchid ice ball

Edible orchid frozen inside a clear ice sphere

Optional

Flavor Journey

Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.

6

Sweet

out of 10

4

Sour

out of 10

1

Bitter

out of 10

7

Strong

out of 10

Master's Tips

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

Variations & Riffs

Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the White Cosmopolitan.

Sweeter Version

Minor Tweak

Increase St-Germain to 1.5 oz for a sweeter profile

Changes
St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur:1 oz1.5 oz

Drier Version

Minor Tweak

More spirit-forward with increased vodka and reduced St-Germain

Changes
Premium Vodka:2 oz2.5 oz
St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur:1 oz0.8 oz

More Tart

Minor Tweak

Increase lime juice for a more acidic cocktail

Changes
Fresh Lime Juice:0.8 oz1 oz

Split Modifier

Major Variation

Bridge between classic and White Cosmopolitan with both Cointreau and St-Germain

Changes
St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur:1 oz0.5 oz
Cointreau(0.5 oz)

Lemon Version

Major Variation

Substitute lemon juice for lime juice for a different acidic profile

Changes
Fresh Lime JuiceFresh Lemon Juice(0.8 oz)

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