Cosmonaut Cocktail Recipe

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Cosmonaut Nutrition Facts

Calories:~200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:~20g

Alcohol:~14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 16, 2024

History

The Cosmonaut is a riff on the classic cocktail known as the Aviation. It was created to capture the spirit of adventure and the boldness of space exploration. Its creation is often attributed to innovative bartenders looking for a twist on traditional recipes, using raspberry jam as a unique sweetening agent.

  • Inspiration: The drink is inspired by the Space Age and the daring of astronauts.
  • Popularity: It's a hit among those who appreciate a modern twist on classic cocktails.
  • Occasions: Perfect for themed parties or as a conversation starter at any gathering.

How Cosmonaut Tastes?

The Cosmonaut cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, with the raspberry jam providing a fruity depth that complements the botanical notes of the gin. The lemon juice adds a refreshing citrus zing, making it a well-rounded and invigorating drink.

Interesting facts about Cosmonaut

  • The Cosmonaut is a modern cocktail, and its exact origin is not well-documented, making it a bit of a mystery.
  • The use of jam as a sweetener is a nod to the improvisational skills of bartenders who often have to make do with what's available.
  • The name 'Cosmonaut' pays homage to the Russian space explorers, reflecting the drink's bold and adventurous spirit.

Ingredients

  • Raspberry jam: 2 tbsp
  • Gin: 1.7 oz(51ml)
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
  • Ice: Cubes as needed

A few good options for Cosmonaut are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Raspberry Jam

Raspberry jam not only infuses the Cosmonaut cocktail with a fruity sweetness but also gives it a unique texture. Too much jam could overwhelm the drink with sweetness and viscosity, while too little may fail to impart enough raspberry flavor.

Mary Mitkina

Gin

Gin is the spirit base that provides herbal and floral notes, which are essential to creating a complex flavor profile. Using more gin would make the cocktail stronger and possibly too dry, while using less would make the drink taste more like a fruity lemonade.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

The lemon juice adds a tartness that balances the sweetness of the jam, making the drink refreshing. If you omit it, the cocktail could be cloyingly sweet. Using more could overpower the gin's subtle botanicals.

Emma Rose

Ice

Ice is crucial as it not only chills the drink but also dilutes it slightly when shaken, yielding the perfect sipping strength. Without enough ice, the drink can taste too strong and not cold enough.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Cosmonaut Drink

  1. Stir the raspberry jam in a bowl to loosen it up.
  2. Add the loosened jam to a cocktail shaker along with the gin and lemon juice.
  3. Fill the shaker with a handful of ice cubes.
  4. Shake vigorously until the shaker feels cold to the touch.
  5. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

  • Chill Your Glass: To enhance the experience, chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Quality Jam: Use a high-quality raspberry jam for a richer flavor and smoother texture.
  • Double Strain: To remove any seeds or pulp, double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh sieve.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses such as brie or camembert can complement the sweetness of the raspberry and the sharpness of the lemon.

Smoked Salmon: The rich, smoky flavor pairs nicely with the botanicals in gin and the tartness of the cocktail.

Desserts

Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate will create a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the jam.

Lemon Tart: A lemon tart's citrusy and tangy profile matches well with the cocktail's lemon juice component.

Other Drinks

Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips without overpowering the delicate flavors of the Cosmonaut.

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What you could change in Cosmonaut

  • Raspberry Jam: If you don't have raspberry jam, you can use a raspberry syrup or muddle fresh raspberries with a bit of sugar.
  • Gin: Any good quality dry gin will work, but for a twist, try using a floral gin to complement the raspberry flavors.
  • Lemon Juice: Fresh is best, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

Explore all drinks starting with C here

And of course - twists🍹

Berry Cosmonaut

  • 2 tbsp mixed berry jam
  • 1.7 oz vodka
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Ice cubes

Replace the raspberry jam with mixed berry jam and gin with vodka for a different berry profile and a smoother spirit base. The lime juice will give a slight twist to the citrus element, making the drink even more refreshing.

Spicy Cosmonaut

  • 2 tbsp raspberry jam
  • 1.7 oz jalapeño-infused gin
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Ice cubes

Infuse your gin with jalapeños to introduce a spicy kick to the Cosmonaut. The heat will contrast with the sweet and sour flavors, offering a drink for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their sip.

Cosmonaut Royale

  • 1 tbsp raspberry jam
  • 1.7 oz gin
  • 0.5 oz Chambord
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Sparkling wine

Add Chambord, a raspberry liqueur, to intensify the raspberry flavor. Top off with sparkling wine for a fizzy, celebratory version of the classic Cosmonaut.

In case you forgot basics how to make Cosmonaut

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

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Frequently Asked Questions on Cosmonaut

What type of glass is best suited for serving a Cosmonaut cocktail?

A coupe or a martini glass is typically used for serving a Cosmonaut to showcase its elegance and clarity.

How important is ice quality in cocktail making?

Ice quality is crucial in cocktails as it affects the dilution and temperature of the drink. Clear, odorless ice is recommended for a cleaner taste.

Can I make a batch of Cosmonaut cocktails in advance?

It's best to make Cosmonaut cocktails fresh due to the presence of lemon juice, but you can premix the gin and raspberry jam and add lemon juice and ice just before serving.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Cosmonaut cocktail?

Yes, for a mocktail version, replace the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit or seedlip to maintain the botanical elements without the alcohol content.

How can I modify the Cosmonaut to make it sweeter or more tart?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less raspberry jam, and modify tartness with the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

What is the origin of the name 'Cosmonaut' for this cocktail?

The name 'Cosmonaut' pays homage to Russian and Soviet space explorers, reflecting the cocktail's adventurous and innovative spirit.

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