In the early aughts, no bartender could escape the Cosmopolitan—it was the drink on every gal and gays’ lips. Invented in NYC in the ‘80s, it later became synonymous with the beloved 90s TV show Sex and the City, which sparked its resurgence in popularity. Fittingly, just as the show’s reboot And Just Like That is set to debut, Carrie’s cocktail is poised for a comeback. And is there a better season than winter holidays for a bit of nostalgia? The punchy-pink concoction of vodka, lime juice, Cointreau and cranberry is a predecessor of the cocktail revival trend and may read a bit basic bitch for the seasoned cocktail enthusiast’s palate (although it is still delicious!). To that end, Brenda Riepenhoff, head bartender at Miracle on Union in Brooklyn serves up the Christmapolitan, a sophisticated seasonal spin on the Cosmo as part of the holiday Miracle menu. Holiday aromatics of rosemary and spice center you in the season, while spiced cranberries and absinthe lend more complex notes to the original sweet-tart sipper. And just like that, this cocktail can take you from viewing to holiday party.
CHRISTMAPOLITAN
Recipe courtesy Miracle on Union (Brooklyn, NY)
“The Christmapolitan is a perfect holiday cocktail because it takes an approachable, popular cocktail like the Cosmopolitan, and simply adds a bit of holiday spice,” says Riepenhoff. “The aromatics of the rosemary and the absinthe transport you to the heart of winter.”
Ingredients:
2 oz Vodka
1⁄4 oz Elderflower Liqueur
1⁄4 oz dry vermouth
1 oz spiced cranberry sauce
1⁄2 oz fresh lime juice
Absinthe spritz
Rosemary sprig
Method:
Spray a chilled coupe with absinthe mist. Place all ingredients into a cocktail shaker, top with ice, shake, and fine strain into the prepared coupe. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.
