Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan was the theme drink of the 1990s. If you can't find Rose's Lime Juice, replace it with 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice and 1/2 ounce simple syrup. Traditionally a coin sized piece of orange should be "flamed" across the top of the drink. This coats the drink with a slick of citrus oil.

1 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Triple Sec (Jacquin's is fine, Cointreau for a high-end Triple Sec)
1/2 oz. Sweetened Lime Juice, such as Rose's Lime Juice (see above)
1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice
1 wedge of Lime

Shake all ingredients (except lime wedge) together with ice.* Strain into a Martini glass, place lime wedge on glass, and serve.

*Water is added to the drink from the ice that is used to mix it with. The role of the water in any cocktail is to calm down the flavors all around and to reduce the "burn" of the alcohol. This is extremely important for creating a cocktail that is smooth and relaxing.

Variations:

A Blue Cosmopolitan may be made by using white cranberry juice instead of standard red juice, and blue curaçao in place of the triple sec.

A Peach Cosmopolitan substitutes peach schnapps for triple sec and peach juice for the cranberry.

Also see Pomegranate Cosmos