A vibrant, elegantly set bar scene featuring a sparkling Cosmopolitan cocktail in a crystal glass, surrounded by fresh lime slices and a chic, shimmering backdrop

The Cosmopolitan, affectionately known as the “Cosmo,” is a sophisticated cocktail combining vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. National Cosmopolitan Day celebrates this iconic pink drink that became a symbol of urban sophistication and cocktail culture.

Quick Facts

When is it?: May 7th annually
Tagged as: Food & Drink Holiday
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalCosmoDay
When was it founded?: 2013
Who founded it?: Jace Shoemaker-Galloway

History of National Cosmopolitan Day

The Cosmopolitan’s journey began in the 1930s as a drink called “The Daisy.” Its modern incarnation emerged in Minneapolis during the 1970s when bartender Cheryl Cook created a drink that would appeal to the sophisticated palate. The cocktail gained massive popularity in the 1990s through the TV show “Sex and the City,” where it became the signature drink of the characters, cementing its status as a cultural icon.

Timeline

• 1934: First Cosmo recipe published in “Pioneers of Mixing at Elite Bars”
• 1968: Ocean Spray creates “The Harpoon”
• 1987: Toby Cecchini creates modern Cosmo recipe
• 1990s: Gains popularity through celebrity culture
• 2013: National Cosmopolitan Day established

Dates by Next Year

YearMonthDateDay
2025May7Wednesday
2026May7Thursday
2027May7Friday
2028May7Sunday
2029May7Monday

How It’s Observed

People celebrate by making Cosmos at home, hosting cocktail parties, dressing in pink, and sharing their celebrations on social media. Many bars offer special deals on Cosmopolitans during this day.

Fun Facts About Cosmopolitans

• Originally made with gin before vodka became the standard
• The drink’s pink color comes from cranberry juice
• Gained international fame through Madonna’s endorsement
• Originated in Minneapolis, not New York as commonly believed
• The original recipe included raspberry syrup

Quiz

  1. What year was the modern Cosmo created?
  2. Who created National Cosmopolitan Day?
  3. What gives the Cosmo its signature color?
    (Answers: 1987, Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, Cranberry juice)

FAQs

Q: What’s in a classic Cosmopolitan?
A: Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice

Q: Is it a difficult cocktail to make?
A: No, it’s relatively simple with just four ingredients

Related Holidays

• National Vodka Day
• National Cocktail Day
• World Bartender Day
• National Martini Day
• International Drink Day