The original Cosmopolitan cocktail can race its roots back before World War I to the Gimlet, a drink of gin and Rose’s lime juice. The Cosmo used vodka, and in the eighties, Rose’s grenadine was added, which gave the drink it’s signature pink hue. New York bartender Toby Cecchini is widely credited with reinventing the cocktail into its elevated modern format in 1988, using Citroen vodka, fresh lime juice, Cointreau, and adding cranberry juice to retain the pink color. It became wildly popular.

Emily Mistell, owner and Beverage Director of Portland, Oregon’s award winning Hey Love bar, grew up with the scent of cardamom in the air during the holidays, thanks to her family of bakers. She also loves cherry, and couldn’t help but combine the two flavors for her special syrup which makes her Cosmo homage cocktail unique and special. Hey Love, which won the 2023 Best Hotel Bar in the US at Tales of the Cocktail, is a fun place to have a drink, with its distinctly tiki vibe, plant filled colorful ambiance and welcoming atmosphere. Eric Fuller would have loved it. Cheers!

Coulda Woulda Shoulda by Emily Mistell

1 ½ oz gin

½ oz triple sec

¼ oz pear brandy

1 oz cherry cardamom syrup

½ oz lime

2 dashes cardamom bitters

Shake ingredients with ice and double strain into a favorite glass. Grapefruit peel garnish.

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