The Cosmopolitan is a drink that reminds us of the cold streets of New York City and the sophisticated narration of Sex and the City‘s Carrie Bradshaw while she enjoys a delicate cosmo and an intimate conversation with her three companions.
No matter how many Cosmopolitans they sip, however, Bradshaw and co. wouldn’t be able to handle the hot, humid nights of Cairo. With the help of the fizzy Cairo-politan, though, they might just survive.
The idea of Egyptianizing the famous American drink was born on the desk of Al-Masry Al-Youm’s lifestyle editors, and involves the famous Egyptian drink Karkadeh (Hibiscus) and the petite Egyptian lime. As always, the alcoholic ingredients of the drink are optional for those who prefer a soft version.
Ingredients:
4 parts Vodka (preferably frozen)
2 parts Triple Sec
2 parts freshly squeezed lime juice
3 parts soda-based Karkadeh (available in Egypt since last year)
Preparation:
After squeezing the limes, leave all the ingredients–including the unopened cans of karkadeh soda and lime juice–in the fridge for 3 to 4 hours to allow them to cool. Don’t forget to chill the cocktail glasses.
Begin by shaking all the cold ingredients with smashed ice into a chilled cocktail glass. The fizzy karkadeh will provide the base of the drink instead of the traditional cranberry juice used in Cosmopolitans. The lime juice, meanwhile, will play the part of the lemon juice. A non-alcoholic version of the drink will need extra lime juice and smashed ice.
Garnish the glass with a slice of lime or drop two lime wedges into the chilled drink. Serve right away before the soda fizz evaporates, and enjoy the different–yet satisfying–taste of our final recipe from July summer sips.
