If you go to a lot of hen parties in the U.K., you’ve probably encountered cosmopolitans. A cosmopolitan is synonymous with hen parties because the drink is all about style, glamor, and fun.
This is also why it has become the go-to choice for cocktails for many brides-to-be as they celebrate the end of their single status.
The Glamorous History of the Cosmopolitan
Toby Cecchini, a bartender at the Odeon in downtown Manhattan, created the cosmopolitan in 1988. A waitress has told him about a pink drink she’d had while in San Francisco, which consisted of vodka, Rose’s Grenadine, and Rose’s Lime.
Cecchini was not impressed by the artificial ingredients, but the story gave him an idea. He took the just-released Absolut Vodka Citron and started experimenting. Eventually, he decided on vodka, lime juice, Cointreau liqueur, Ocean Spray cranberry juice cocktail, and lemon. And so, the cosmo was born.
When the TV show Sex and the City debuted in the late 1990s, the ‘pretty pink drink’ escalated to icon status. It established the link between cosmos, fun, fashion, and friendship – all elements of hen parties.
In the U.K., hen parties are a long-standing tradition filled with laughs and bonding. The cosmo is the perfect companion for these parties.
Cosmopolitans are a Great Color for Hen Parties
Pink is not everyone’s favorite, but the cosmo’s hue is perfect. It is eye-catching and gives any room an instant celebratory feel. If you want to include cosmos in your hen party, you can match your décor to the drink.
Cosmopolitans are Full of Flavor
There is nothing worse than a cocktail that looks great but tastes dull. Cosmos back up their bright look with a balanced and flavorful profile. Made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice, it brings just the right balance of sweetness, tartness, and an aftertaste of citrus.
This balance caters to a lot of different cocktail preferences. The sweetness of the cranberry juice handles the vodka punch. The lime juice provides the refreshing twist the cocktail needs.
Cosmopolitans are Easy to Make
Hen parties usually include activities and games. If you want to, you can include cosmopolitan making as one of the activities at your hen party. You only need a shaker and strainer for everyone and the right ingredients. Plus, each person can customize their drink to their own taste.
For a sweeter cocktail, add more cranberry juice. For a cocktail with a stronger kick, add more vodka. For a bit more tartness, go heavy on the lime juice.
Cosmopolitans Contain Fewer Calories
A cosmo is not exactly a healthy drink, but compared to sugary mix cocktails, a cosmo is lighter on calories. This is because the main ingredients are low in calories, and you do not add sugar to the drink. If you plan a lot of food and snacks for your hen party, a lighter drink option can help balance things out.
The Cosmopolitan is a Universal Favorite
You do not have to have your hen party in the U.K. to enjoy cosmos. A cosmopolitan is a universal favorite; wherever you have your party, you will have a crowd-pleaser for your bridesmaids.
Even those who do not normally enjoy cocktails are often surprised by how great the cosmopolitan tastes. This makes it a reliable choice for your hen party to ensure everyone has a good time.
Cosmopolitans Add a Sense of Luxury
You want your hen party to be special, and most importantly, you want to feel special, too. Sipping on a cosmopolitan can instantly have that effect. Combine your cosmos with an upscale bar or club, and you have a fancy hen party to look forward to.
Cosmopolitans are Highly Instagrammable
You will undoubtedly want to post a string of pictures to your Instagram account before, during, and after your hen party. Having a cosmo in hand makes for a great photo with your bridesmaids surrounding you in front of a luxury backdrop.
Your photos will look even better if you are at a place providing a classic martini glass for your cosmos.
Have Fun At Your Hen Party With the Ultimate Pink Drink
Sharing a round (or two) of cosmopolitans symbolizes the joy of coming together to celebrate your upcoming nuptials. It is also a way to celebrate your friendships with your bridesmaids and maid of honor.
This is why the cosmopolitan is the ultimate hen party drink in the U.K. and around the world. It is a timeless choice that works for all types of hen parties and is the perfect way to toast to a new chapter in your life.