Dale DeGroff, a renowned bartender and author, has been credited with popularizing the Cosmopolitan cocktail, but he did not invent it. The origins of the drink are somewhat mysterious and there are different accounts of who actually came up with it.
One often mentioned story is that a woman named Cheryl Cook invented the Cosmopolitan in Miami. According to this account, she created a drink that was a combination of a Lemon Drop and a Kamikaze. However, there is limited information available about Cheryl Cook and her role in the creation of the cocktail.
On the other hand, New York Magazine credited Dale DeGroff with inventing the Cosmopolitan. While he did play a significant role in popularizing the drink, he himself has stated that he did not invent it. It's important to note that bartenders often put their own spin on existing cocktails, so it's possible that DeGroff added his own touch to the Cosmopolitan recipe and helped popularize it in the bar scene.
The Cosmopolitan gained widespread recognition and popularity during the 1990s, particularly in New York City. This was largely due to its inclusion in DeGroff's book, “Craft of the Cocktail,” which showcased his innovative and creative approach to bartending. DeGroff's reputation as a skilled mixologist and his work at the famed Rainbow Room in New York further contributed to the drink's rise to fame.
In my personal experience, I have seen the Cosmopolitan evolve from being a relatively unknown cocktail to becoming a staple in many bars and restaurants. Its vibrant pink color and tangy flavor profile made it appealing to a wide range of drinkers, particularly those looking for a refreshing and visually striking cocktail.
While the true origins of the Cosmopolitan may be unclear, it is undeniable that Dale DeGroff played a significant role in popularizing the drink and elevating it to iconic status. Whether he actually invented it or not, his contributions to the world of mixology and cocktail culture cannot be overlooked.