Every novice bartender will learn that a good cocktail has to have tension, or in layman’s terms, a balance between alcohol, texture, temperature, and taste. But as Cecchini, the inventor of the modern cosmopolitan cocktail, said, practically every bartender knows how to mix a Cosmo but never gets the formula right. He drops in the formula ratio 2-1-1-1. Nothing fancy, right? Well, it all boils down into this little secret: Alcohol choice is a make or break.
So, what are the best vodkas to use for a Cosmo drink? Not to worry – here is a full list of which vodkas are best for your evening pick-me-up.
Ketel One
https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/vodka/vodka/ketel-one/p/1808750
$19.99
This vodka balances the citrus flavors of the whole drink, which are necessary to a traditional Cosmo recipe. This consideration should be a crucial one when selecting your Cosmopolitan drink liquor. Ketel One will give your Cosmo a smooth, buttery taste.
Absolut Elyx
https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/vodka/vodka/absolut-elyx/p/132661750?s=519&igrules=true
$31.99
Absolut Elyx has a very smooth finish – much smoother than the typical vodka. When deciding which vodka is best for a Cosmo recipe, you can’t go wrong with one of the smoothest options out there. Absolut Elyx gets its creamy texture from the way it’s made – by hand, in a 100-year-old copper still.
St. George California Citrus
$24.99
This choice is bursting with citrus notes, which are very important to any Cosmopolitan recipe. The traditional Cosmo possesses these flavors, so it’s necessary that you choose a vodka that will lend a hand to that part of your drink. If you prefer a generally very bright flavor in your Cosmo, this is the vodka for you.
Absolut Grapefruit
$28.49
Love the traditional flavors of a Cosmopolitan, but want to shake things up a bit? Look no further than Absolut Grapefruit. While the flavors of this vodka pay homage to the more established lemony flavor notes in a Cosmo, Absolut Grapefruit turns to the lemon’s cousin, the grapefruit, for a fresh twist. Made with fresh and natural ingredients, this vodka is sure to leave you smiling!
Castle & Key
https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/vodka/castle-key-restoration-vodka/p/192856750?s=2001&igrules=true
$27.99
This little-known gem is made in Florida, with a unique story and taste to match. Its distillery uses the same tools used to make bourbon when making this vodka, which gives it a flavor unmatched by any other vodka. Other flavor notes include a sweet, soft lemon taste, which match the traditional Cosmo recipe perfectly.
Cathead
https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/vodka/vodka/cathead-vodka/p/117960750?s=519&igrules=true
$16.99
Cathead, a brand that supports Nashville musicians, has a musical medley of flavor notes as well. Its initial flavor notes are sweet, but each sip finishes off with a dry taste. For those of you who are more sophisticated with your drink choices, Cathead is a perfect option!
Hangar One
https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/vodka/vodka/hangar-one-vodka/p/96356750?s=519&igrules=true
$22.99
This is truly a one-of-a-kind vodka – it is mixed together with viognier wine, which gives the vodka a significantly more mellow and smooth taste than its counterparts. Flavor wise, it is quite different than the typical citrusy vodka that makes up a Cosmo (its flavor notes include grape), but if you are looking for a slightly different flavor profile in your Cosmo recipe, Hangar One could very well be the vodka for you!
Bootlegger 21
$31.99
This vodka has a fascinating story behind its name – it was named after the 21st amendment, which repealed the alcohol ban in the United States! Flavor note-wise, this is a very ideal vodka for the Cosmopolitan because it’s very balanced, smooth, and has slight citrus notes. Its makers are careful to use all natural ingredients and no additives – a perfect natural vodka choice for your Cosmo.
In Conclusion…
Nearly every vodka out there has something to bring to the Cosmo’s table, whether it be a balancing taste or some high-end flavor notes. But when deciding what alcohol is good for a Cosmo, it all comes down to your personal taste – whether you prefer an extremely smooth finish to your drink, such as with Absolut Elyx, a vodka that packs a serious citrusy punch, like Absolut Grapefruit, or something in between, with a vodka such as Cathead. All of these vodkas are sure to make your Cosmopolitan shine – but be sure to pick the one that makes your taste buds shine as well!