Cosmopolitan Recipe

Chill glass

Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the drink stays cold.

Measure ingredients

Measure 2 oz vodka, 0.75 oz Cointreau, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice and 0.5 oz cranberry juice. If you prefer a slightly sweeter Cosmopolitan, measure 0.25 tsp simple syrup.

Combine and shake

Fill the cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with fresh ice (approximately 1 cup). Pour in the vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, cranberry juice and simple syrup (if using). Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is very cold and a light frost forms on the outside.

Strain

Dump the ice or water from the chilled glass. Using the shaker's strainer, double-strain the contents into the chilled coupe or martini glass to remove ice shards and produce a clear, silky cocktail.

Garnish

Express the oils of an orange twist over the surface by holding the twist skin-side down about 2–3 inches above the glass and giving it a firm snap so the oils spray onto the cocktail. Rim the glass with the twist, drop it into the drink or place it on the rim. Optionally, add a cocktail cherry.

Serve immediately while cold. Taste and adjust in future batches: increase cranberry for color and tartness, increase simple syrup if too tart, or use citron vodka for a brighter citrus profile.