The question 'what is the pink drink with 5 letters?' is a classic piece of trivia, and the answer is the Cosmo, short for Cosmopolitan. More than just a crossword clue, the Cosmo is a beloved alcoholic cocktail with a vibrant history and a distinct, refreshing flavor profile that has cemented its place in popular culture. Its rise to fame, especially its association with the HBO series Sex and the City, made it a cultural phenomenon and a staple on bar menus worldwide.
The History of the Cosmopolitan: Origins and Contention
The true origin story of the Cosmopolitan is a subject of much debate in the bartending world, with multiple people and places claiming credit. While its widespread fame was largely due to the 1990s, the drink's roots go back further, likely to the 1970s or 1980s.
Notable Origin Theories
- Miami, Florida (1985): Cheryl Cook, a bartender at the Strand restaurant, is often credited with inventing the drink. Her motivation was to create a visually appealing drink for the large number of people who ordered a 'pink' cocktail. She used Absolut Citron, Rose's lime juice, Cointreau, and a splash of cranberry juice, creating the pink hue.
- Minneapolis, Minnesota (1980s): Bartenders in Minneapolis also claim a version of the Cosmopolitan. This story often involves a more layered cocktail and an ingredient list that differs slightly, but the core pink components remain the same.
- New York City, New York (1987): The final popular theory credits Toby Cecchini, a bartender at the Odeon in Manhattan. He claims to have perfected the drink and put his version on the menu, which included a freshly squeezed lime for better quality. This version became the widely accepted recipe and catapulted the Cosmo to international acclaim.
A Guide to Making the Perfect Cosmo
Creating a perfect Cosmo is a straightforward process that yields a sophisticated and delicious result. The recipe is balanced, but the proportions can be adjusted to taste. The key is using quality ingredients, especially the vodka and triple sec.
Classic Cosmopolitan Recipe
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Citrus Vodka
- 1 oz Cointreau (or another high-quality triple sec)
- 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Cranberry Juice
- Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the citrus vodka, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker is frosted.
- Strain the liquid into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel or a lime wheel. Some variations use a flamed orange twist for added aroma.
Variations and Alternatives to the Cosmo
For those who enjoy the classic but want to experiment, there are numerous variations of the Cosmopolitan. These recipes often swap out one or more ingredients to create a new flavor profile.
- White Cosmopolitan: This version uses white cranberry juice, which is less tart and creates a clear-colored drink.
- Cosmo-rita: A combination of a Cosmopolitan and a Margarita, this variation adds tequila and agave syrup for a sweeter, more robust flavor.
- Non-alcoholic Cosmo: For a zero-proof version, omit the vodka and triple sec. Replace the missing liquid with more cranberry juice, lime juice, and a splash of orange juice, or a non-alcoholic spirit alternative.
Cosmo vs. Starbucks Pink Drink: A Comparative Look
While the Cosmopolitan is the original "pink drink" with five letters, many people today associate the term with the popular Starbucks beverage. Both are pink and popular, but they are entirely different types of drinks. Understanding the distinction is key to answering the original query comprehensively.
| Feature | Cosmopolitan (Cosmo) | Starbucks Pink Drink |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Alcoholic cocktail | Non-alcoholic, caffeinated beverage |
| Ingredients | Vodka, Triple Sec, lime juice, cranberry juice | Strawberry Açaí Refresher base, coconut milk, freeze-dried strawberries |
| Flavor Profile | Tart, sweet, and crisp | Sweet, creamy, and fruity |
| Preparation | Shaken and strained into a martini glass | Mixed and served over ice in a standard cup |
| Source of Pink | Cranberry juice | Strawberry Açaí base |
| Letter Count | 5 (as in Cosmo) | 12 (Starbucks Pink Drink) |
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of a Five-Letter Icon
The Cosmopolitan, or Cosmo, is the definitive five-letter pink drink and a timeless cocktail. Its simple elegance, classic tart flavor, and iconic pink hue have made it a favorite for decades. The drink's place in cocktail culture was not a fluke but the result of a meticulously crafted recipe that balances a variety of flavors into a seamless whole. While new pink beverages like the Starbucks Pink Drink have captured modern attention, the Cosmo's legendary status as a perfectly balanced alcoholic cocktail remains firmly intact.
Whether you're making it at home for a special occasion or ordering it at a bar, the Cosmo offers a refreshing and sophisticated experience. Its historical ambiguity adds to its allure, making every sip a toast to the many hands that may have played a part in its creation. As the ultimate answer to the trivia question, the Cosmo is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most famous things come in small, five-letter packages. For more classic cocktail recipes, consider exploring the resources at BBC Good Food.
