Who needs to deal with a snooty bartender, a crowded happy hour, or the mess of mixing drinks when you can pop open a can of sass and sophistication right at home? Trader Joe’s “Everything but the Bartender Cosmopolitan” is here to remind you that life’s too short to play mixologist when you can just crack, sip, and pretend you’re Carrie Bradshaw lounging in your sweats. Blood orange juice, cranberry vibes, and vodka do all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to binge-watch Bridgerton or argue with your cat about who’s hogging the couch. Let’s dive into the review…
What is a Cosmopolitan?
The Cosmopolitan, or “Cosmo” as it’s affectionately known, is one of the most iconic cocktails of modern times, oozing sophistication and a dash of sass. While its exact origins are debated, the drink’s lineage can be traced back to the 1930s or 40s with a cocktail called the “Daisy,” which had a similar citrus and spirit base.
Fast forward to the 1980s, and the Cosmo as we know it began taking shape. Many credit bartender Cheryl Cook of Miami’s South Beach for popularizing the drink. She wanted to create a cocktail that showcased the elegance of the newly popular Martini glass while appealing to people who didn’t love straight vodka. Enter cranberry juice for a touch of sweetness, lime for tang, and a splash of Cointreau for orange zest.
However, it was New York bartender Toby Cecchini who gave the recipe its definitive modern twist in the late 80s, using Absolut Citron vodka to amp up the citrusy flavor. The drink skyrocketed to fame in the 90s thanks to its starring role in Sex and the City, solidifying its reputation as the go-to cocktail for urban chic and glamour.
From its humble beginnings to its pop-culture status, the Cosmopolitan has always been a drink for those who want their cocktails as stylish as their night out—or night in. And now, thanks to Trader Joe’s, you can channel that same energy from the comfort of your couch!
What is in a Cosmo?
| Ingredients | 40 ml Vodka Citron 15 ml Cointreau 15 ml Fresh lime juice 30 ml cranberry juice |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Shake all ingredients in cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into a large cocktail glass. Garnish with lime slice. |
They are easy to make, but if you just don’t want to deal with it, Trader Joe’s has hopefully come to the rescue!
What Does Trader Joe’s Cosmopolitan Taste Like?
Let’s be honest, cocktails in a can often bring to mind something overly sweet, syrupy, and best left as a hazy summer regret. But Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bartender Cosmopolitan is here to prove us wrong. Against all odds, it’s actually… not bad. In fact, it’s pretty darn good.
The flavor hits all the classic Cosmo notes: tart lime, a hint of cranberry, and a touch of vodka warmth. Trader Joe’s adds a bit of blood orange juice which I liked. Sure, the juices aren’t fresh, no canned cocktail can replicate the magic of freshly squeezed lime or the vibrant tang of just-popped cranberries, but Trader Joe’s does an admirable job of keeping the flavors balanced. It’s not overly sweet, which is a huge win in my book. The splash of blood orange juice adds an unexpected twist, making this canned Cosmo feel a little more sophisticated than it has any right to.
Now, I’ll admit, I skipped the ice when serving this, which isn’t traditional for a Cosmopolitan anyway, but it’s something you might want to consider if you want it extra chilled and refreshing. To elevate it a bit more, I recommend zhooshing it up with a fresh twist of orange or lemon peel. That tiny citrus garnish transforms the drink into something that feels just a bit more bespoke, even though you literally just cracked open a can.
Each box comes with four single-serve cans, and at 15% alcohol, it’s mild enough to sip on a couple without worrying about things going sideways too quickly. It’s more about relaxation than a one-way ticket to tipsy town.
All in all, this is a solid, convenient option for those times when you want a cocktail experience without the hassle of measuring, mixing, or cleaning. Does it beat a freshly shaken Cosmo made by a skilled bartender? No, but for the price, portability, and simplicity, it gets the job done, and does it well.
At $11.99 for a four pack of cans, that works out to $3 per drink, which in my book ain’t bad for a premixed drink. Trader Joe’s has also made an Everything But The Bartender Margherita which I will review shortly.
Final verdict: 8/10 stars. Trader Joe’s delivers a canned cocktail that punches above its weight class. Whether you’re hosting a casual movie night or just treating yourself after a long day, this Cosmo is a sweet (but not too sweet) solution. Cheers!
