Cosmopolitan Cocktail Sees a Resurgence in Popularity

London, United Kingdom — Sales of the iconic Cosmopolitan cocktail, once synonymous with the lifestyle of Carrie Bradshaw from HBO’s ‘Sex and the City,’ have surged, signaling a revival of nostalgia for simpler times.

The Cosmopolitan, a mix of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice, is gaining popularity for the first time since the 1990s. Martin Kuczmarski, former COO of Soho House Group, believes that forgotten cocktail classics are making a comeback. ‘People love nostalgia and are fed-up with overcomplicated cocktails,’ Kuczmarski said. ‘There is something elegant about confidently ordering a Cosmo.’

According to Marcello Cauda, bar manager at The Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge, the return of the Cosmopolitan is more about renewed appreciation than just a revival. ‘We’ve definitely seen sales rising again but what we’re seeing isn’t so much a return as a renewed appreciation,’ he explained. ‘The Cosmopolitan has joined the ranks of the martini, negroni, and margarita — it’s a classic cocktail.’

The trend isn’t limited to upscale hotels. Bartenders in various pubs and chains report a growing demand. Jerome Orive, bar manager at Fallow, Roe, and FOWL restaurants, noted that while the Cosmo isn’t on their menu, customers consistently ask for it. ‘It’s driven partly by social media, with many people making their own versions at home,’ Orive added.

Historically, the Cosmopolitan has origins dating back to the 1920s, but it gained its modern form in the 1990s thanks to American bartender Dale DeGroff and the visibility it received on ‘Sex and the City.’ In fact, its association with glamour helped solidify its popularity during that era, with stars like Madonna often seen enjoying the drink.

Today, younger consumers are enjoying the Cosmopolitan without the stereotypes of previous decades. Ellie Ireland, group bar manager for Public House Group, noted, ‘What’s new is how many younger drinkers order it without any stereotypes attached. To them, it’s just a good cocktail with a cool vibe.’

At Waitrose, sales of canned Cosmopolitans have risen by 12 percent compared to last year. Buyer Sarah Holland commented that the increase reflects a trend towards nostalgic flavors during uncertain times. ‘The Cosmopolitan is a great, feel-good classic drink,’ she stated.

The cocktail’s popularity continues to grow, inviting a new generation to appreciate its charm and simplicity.