It’s cocktail season. And while 2022 has been declared the year of the espresso martini, and there’s been a lot of fuss over the negroni sbagliato, we have a few of our own local cocktail favourites - like the crisp, refreshing Cosmopolita at Auckland's beloved neighborhood eatery Lilian.
With tangy apple, elderflower, a kick of chilli and bright green droplets of basil oil, it's delicious on its own, but even better paired with a few slices of charred wood-fired pizza. Lucky for us (and you), co-owner Willy Gresson has shared the recipe so you can have a go at making it at home over summer.
“Essentially its Lilian's Cosmopolitan made from NZ ingredients," says Gresson. "We created a variation on the classic vodka cranberry and lime - apple and elderflower are summery ingredients that are familiar, plus the chili and basil adds another layer. It's a simple, fresh and easy drinking cocktail."
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5eeb66542b4ece4b73651744/6372dd5c11d2b014cdff1222_Cosmopolita%20(1).jpg)
Ingredients
45 ml Vodka
30 ml apple juice
15 ml Lime or lemon Juice
15 ml Elderflower syrup
Small slice of red chilli (more or less depending on preference)
1 mint leaf
Method
Shake and double strain into a martini glass
Garnish with basil leaf or basil oil
Cheers!