From the quarantini to cocktail parties via Zoom, social distancing has brought a whole new meaning to how we enjoy alcohol. While mixing drinks is a fun activity for many of us who have been stuck inside for weeks with no plans of going out any time in the near future, Ina Garten of the Food Network just took it to the next level.
Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa from her hit cooking show, has been an icon since long before she posted this now-viral video on her Instagram page. But the patron saint of reminding us that “store bought is fine” was extra relatable this time around. At 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning, Garten blessed her 2.2 million followers with a tutorial on how to make a gargantuan cosmopolitan for one.
There is so much to unpack here. First of all, many fans were tickled by the fact that Garten was making this video at 9 in the morning. But the chef was sure to remind us in the caption “It’s always cocktail hour in a crisis!” Ina, my dear, you are not wrong. In the video itself, Garten continued to speak the truth. “During these stressful times, it’s very important to keep traditions alive,” the chef said. “My favorite tradition is the cocktail hour. So I’m gonna make you my favorite cosmopolitan, and you probably have the ingredients right in your house.”
Without further ado, let’s get into how Garten advises us to craft this delicious drink.
Step 1:
Get a big pitcher. “Because I like to make a lot of cosmos,” Garten said. “You never know who is gonna stop by. Wait a minute! Nobody is stopping by.”
Step 2:
Pour in 2 cups of vodka. Good vodka. You know, for all the people who are stopping by. And by all the people, Garten means just you.
Step 3:
Add one cup of Triple Sec, Cointreau, or any kind of orange liqueur you have around.
Step 4:
Throw in one cup of cranberry cocktail. “I mean, how easy is this?” Garten added.
Step 5:
Top it off with half a cup of fresh-squeezed lime juice. The Cocktail Queen was sure to note that it has to be freshly squeezed. This is very important. For this cosmo, store bought is not fine. (Although, we’re gonna go ahead and advise that you don’t leave the house just for Ina’s fresh lime recommendation. Remember, we’re social distancing here.)
Step 6:
Now, grab a very big cocktail shaker half-filled with ice. Remember, for all the people who are not coming over.
Step 7:
Pour the cocktail in and just shake it up for 30 seconds. “You have a lot of time, it’s not a problem,” Garten added. The shade!
Step 8:
Remind yourself once again that cocktail hour can be almost any hour. During a crisis, that is.
Step 9:
This detail is really important: grab a good martini glass. Garten’s fav? The biggest martini glass known to man that perfectly fits the entire pitcher of your freshly-made cosmo.
And last but not least. The message I’m sure all of us will carry with us until this quarantine is finally over, step 10:
“Stay safe, have a very good time, and don’t forget the cocktails.”
Obviously, this video is the single best thing posted on the internet since social distancing began. Garten’s comments section was flooded with praise, media outlets took notice, and of course, dozens and dozens of memes were made. It was a cultural reset.
Good morning to Ina Garten and her 9am pandemic cocktail hour featuring a gallon of cosmopolitan only pic.twitter.com/9T321tuNJp
— Kat Cohen (@katjcohen) April 1, 2020
Current mood: Ina Garten wielding a 32 oz cosmopolitan in two hands like a goddamn claymore https://t.co/B56vYPmioV
— ? Patricia Hyphen Wallinga ? (@pwallinga) April 1, 2020
Ina Garten making her ginormous cosmopolitan is the only thing I care about today
— amanda (@AmandaHanson1) April 1, 2020
Ina Garten making a giant Cosmopolitan martini for quarantine is strongly giving off these vibes pic.twitter.com/MQ0fwprbvH
— Jordy Courts (@JordanC_26) April 3, 2020
9:30 a.m. Ina Garten cosmopolitan recipe:
– 1 small swimming pool of vodka
– 0 fucks— Sara K. Runnels (@omgskr) April 1, 2020
today is the day @inagarten became president https://t.co/r7CaGeMA6t
— Imani Gandy ☄️?? (@AngryBlackLady) April 1, 2020
me: there are no rules
ina garten: https://t.co/IktjvUb7JG
— darth™ (@darth) April 1, 2020
OMFG , Jared Kushner
I’m going to need Ina Garten’s cosmopolitan to get through this press conference.— Expendable (@pjwcnc) April 2, 2020
So thank you for this little tidbit of positivity and the cosmo recipe, Ina! Forever our quaran-queen.
Header Image via FoodsTube on YouTube
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