Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan is the ultimate 1990s cocktail and the drink that defined a generation of sophisticated urban drinking. While vodka-cranberry drinks existed earlier, the modern Cosmopolitan was perfected in the late 1980s by bartender Toby Cecchini at The Odeon in Manhattan, combining vodka (preferably citrus-flavored), Cointreau, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice. The drink is shaken vigorously and strained into a chilled martini glass, garnished with a flamed orange peel. The Cosmopolitan represents 1990s cosmopolitan culture, Sex and the City glamour, and the vodka cocktail boom. The show's association with Carrie Bradshaw and Manhattan sophistication made the "Cosmo" a global phenomenon, though this also led to its backlash as bartenders tired of making pink vodka martinis. The drink embodies Manhattan nightlife, female empowerment, cocktail accessibility, and 1990s nostalgia. Quality matters: good vodka (Absolut Citron was the original), Cointreau (not triple sec), fresh lime juice, and just enough cranberry for color and tartness create a balanced, sophisticated cocktail. The Cosmopolitan influenced an entire generation of vodka cocktails served "up" and made the martini glass ubiquitous. Whether served at a Manhattan lounge or a suburban bar, the Cosmo delivers pink sophistication and 1990s glamour.