Instructions

1. Fill the martini shaker with ice until it is about half full. You can use cubed ice or crushed ice if you want a more blended drink. Be over generous rather than stingy with the amount you use, as the cosmopolitan is always best when served very cold.

2. Add the lime juice, cranberry juice and triple sec in 1/2 oz. amounts to the shaker, then follow with 1 oz. of vodka. Never guess at the amounts and use a measuring cup or shot pourer to ensure that you have the exact quantities of all the ingredients.

3. Put the lid on the shaker and check this is firmly in place before shaking. Shake vigorously in a rapid side-to-side motion, holding the lid in place if necessary, for at least a minute, or until you have thoroughly combined all the ingredients.

4. Test the temperature of the mixture before pouring it into your glass as it needs to be as cold as possible. If it isn't cold to the touch or not properly mixed with the ice when you taste it, then shake it again for another minute and re-test it until you have the right temperature.

5. Pour the mixture into a martini glass and garnish with a fresh lime. If you don't have a martini glass, use another short stemmed glass, but avoid serving as a long drink because it won't retain the temperature or mix that a cosmopolitan needs.

6. Alter the drink according to your personal tastes by varying the amount of lime or cranberry juices to make the drink sweeter. The same applies to the triple sec, which you can replace with Cointreau for a slightly different taste. You can use lime juice cordial instead of fresh juice and mix until you find the perfect combination for you.