Ocean Spray seeks to revive the Cosmopolitan
Ahead of National Cosmopolitan Day (7 May) tomorrow, cranberry juice maker Ocean Spray is aiming to reimagine the classic cocktail through a new UK campaign.
Ocean Spray has created two Cosmopolitan serves as part of its trade-focused campaign, alongside alcohol-free versions.
The company is hoping to “breathe new life” into the classic vodka-based cocktail, which usually includes cranberry juice.
The cocktail was at its height of popularity during the 1990s and early 2000s when Sex and the City protagonist Carrie Bradshaw was often seen drinking the serve.
The cranberry juice maker believes there is a “growing appetite” to reintroduce the Cosmopolitan to a new generation of drinkers as interest in nostalgia culture is on the rise.
According to new research commissioned by Ocean Spray, almost four in 10 (38%) of UK consumers say they enjoy trying modern twists on classic cocktails, with around half (43%) agreeing that more classic serves should be brought back into fashion.
Similarly, 42% would like to see more bars, pubs and restaurants offering classic cocktails or a modern twist on their menus.
Ocean Spray has revealed a short serve and a longer, refreshing take on the Cosmopolitan, both developed by mixologist Ed To.
For the recipe selection process, Ocean Spray enlisted the help of Table Manners podcast host Lennie Ware.
The final recipes were tasted and chosen by a focus group, including Ware, experts from Ocean Spray, and industry insiders. Each recipe was scored based on taste, visual appeal, and its ability to stay true to the essence of the original Cosmopolitan while delivering a contemporary twist.
Ware, who hosts the podcast with her daughter, singer Jessie Ware, said: “As anyone who’s listened to our Table Manners podcast might know, I’ve always loved a Cosmopolitan and always make sure to have one wherever I am. It’s a true classic and the perfect cocktail for me.”
She called the new serves “a brilliant way to bring the drink back into the spotlight”.
Ocean Spray’s short serve is called Cosmo Hold Up, a twist on the bittersweet East 8 Hold Up cocktail, combining vodka, Aperol, cranberry juice, and passion fruit syrup.
Cosmo Berry Bush, meanwhile, is a longer version of the classic serve, which muddles berries with the typical ingredients you find in a Cosmopolitan alongside elderflower syrup and soda water.
Zoe Trimble, marketing director at Ocean Spray, added: “We know the Cosmopolitan holds a special place in culture and epitomises the current trend for newstalgia, so it felt like the perfect moment to reimagine the iconic cocktail for today’s drinkers.
“Ed’s vision for these new serves with Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice showcase just how versatile the Cosmo can be.
“The new recipes will be shared across Ocean Spray’s digital channels, in-store, on pack, and via partner platforms, encouraging both on-trade venues and at-home consumers to rediscover the delicious Cosmopolitan this summer.”
Check out the two cocktails and how to make them below.
The Cosmo Hold Up
Ingredients:
- 45ml Citrus vodka
- 15ml Aperol
- 30ml Ocean Spray Cranberry Classic juice
- 15ml Passion fruit syrup
- Garnish: Passion fruit
Method: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake. Fine strain into a coupe glass, garnish with passion fruit.
Cosmo Berry Bush
Ingredients:
- 45ml Citrus vodka
- 15ml Cointreau
- 45ml Ocean Spray Cranberry Classic juice
- 15ml Lime juice
- 15ml Elderflower syrup
- Muddled berries (three raspberries and one strawberry)
- Topped with soda water
- Garnish: Mint, strawberries and raspberries
Method: Muddle (squish) the raspberries and strawberry at the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add all the other ingredients to the shaker, apart from the soda water. Shake and finely strain into a highball glass, filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with mint, strawberry and raspberry.
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