Absolut Recipe

Chill glass

If desired, place a coupe or chilled rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill the glass with ice water while you prepare the drink to chill it.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice (enough to come about two-thirds up the shaker).

Add 2 oz Absolut vodka to the shaker.

Add 0.75 oz fresh lime juice. For accuracy, squeeze half a lime and measure, straining seeds if necessary.

Add 0.5 oz simple syrup (1:1). If you prefer a drier drink, reduce to 0.25 oz; for sweeter, increase to 0.75 oz.

If using, add 1 oz cranberry juice for color and light fruitiness and 0.25 oz orange liqueur for complexity. These are optional—omit for a cleaner vodka-lime-forward cocktail.

Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker becomes cold and slightly frosted.

Discard ice water from the chilled glass if used. Strain the cocktail through a fine strainer or the shaker strainer into the chilled coupe or into a rocks glass over fresh ice, depending on whether you want it up or on the rocks.

Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge on the rim. Optionally express a lime twist over the drink to add aroma before dropping it in.

Serve immediately.