Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces vodka (preferably citrus vodka)
- 1 ounce Cointreau (orange liqueur)
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- ½ ounce cranberry juice cocktail (not pure cranberry juice, which is too tart)
- Ice
- Lime wedge or orange twist for garnish
Instructions:
- Chill your glass: Place a martini glass in the freezer to get it nice and frosty.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, and cranberry juice cocktail.
- Fill with Ice: Fill the cocktail shaker with plenty of ice.
- Shake Vigorously: Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 30 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty and the cocktail is well chilled.
- Strain: Double strain the cocktail into your chilled martini glass. This removes any ice shards or pulp.
- Garnish: Add a lime wedge or a twist of orange peel for a classic touch and a burst of citrus aroma.
Tips:
- Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice makes a huge difference in taste.
- Play with Proportions: Adjust the ratio of cranberry to lime to find your perfect balance of sweet and tart.
- Orange Twist Garnish: To create an orange twist, use a vegetable peeler to remove a piece of orange zest. Twist it gently over the cocktail to release its fragrant oils.
Enjoy your perfectly crafted Cosmopolitan!
