COCKTAILS OF THE MONTH
W L
COSMOPOLITAN FRENCH 75
COCKTAILS OF THE MONTH
By Jess B of The Library Oxton
Cosmopolitan :
This month we take a look at cocktails made famous through a movie screen . First up we have the Cosmopolitan , this cocktail reached its height of popularity in the 1990 ’ s by the series ‘ Sex and the City ’. During its second season Jessica Parker ’ s character Carrie Bradshaw would regularly drink this pretty pink cocktail with her girlfriends and it has become a staple in the show and bars worldwide ever since .
The cocktail was said to be created in 1985 by Cheryl Cook , a bartender working at the time in South Beach , Miami . Her aim was to create a new cocktail for the martini glass using flavoured vodka , which had been recently launched by vodka company Absolut . Taking a twist on the classic kamikaze cocktail , she blended citrus vodka with a splash of cranberry juice and lime , hence creating the Cosmopolitan . However , the origin has been much disputed with many other bartenders claiming the drink originated much earlier in the 70 ’ s in gay bars in San Francisco .
The ‘ Cosmo ’ is a simple cocktail with only a few ingredients ; citrus vodka , cranberry juice , Cointreau and fresh lime juice . Perfect for a party , this nostalgic sweet and sour cocktail really is a good time in a glass .
Ingredients :
• 40ml citrus Vodka
• 20ml Cointreau
• Half lime juice squeezed
• 15ml cranberry juice
Method : Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake until chilled and blended . Double strain into a martini glass and serve with a lemon peel .
French 75 :
Through the fictional gin joint Rick ’ s Café American in the 1942 film Casablanca , the French 75 skyrocketed into popularity after being ordered by Yvonne ( Madeleine Lebeau ). It earned its name from the fast firing 75 millimetre field gun that was utilised by the French during World War One . The gun was known for its speed and accuracy , and the French 75 is said to have such a kick it ’ s like being hit with such a weapon .
Just as many other famous cocktails , the origin of this drink and its creator is uncertain . However , the first recipe of the drink was said to have appeared in 1927 in a book called “ Here ’ s How ” published by a New York magazine during the time of prohibition . The cocktail then appeared a few years later in the pages of Harry Craddock ’ s “ the Savoy Cocktail Book ” which took the drink to a whole other level , spreading the recipe around the world to bars and homes alike .
Today you can find the French 75 on brunch menus and is seen as a slightly boozier alternative to the classic Bellini or Mimosa .
Ingredients :
• 30ml Gin
• 10ml simple syrup
• 30ml squeezed lemon juice
• Top with Champagne
Method : Add the gin , simple syrup and lemon juice into a shaker and shake over ice . Double strain into a champagne flute and top with prosecco . Serve with a lemon twist .
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