Here’s a cosmopolitan for special occasions where only the finest ingredients and formal presentation will suffice. I don’t specify a vodka because there are so many wonderful choices. It comes down to personal taste.

Perhaps you will share your favorites in the comments below.

Ready

• 2 parts vodka
• 1 part Cointreau
• 1 part cranberry juice
• ½ part fresh lime juice
• ½ part simple syrup
• Dash of orange bitters (optional)
• Sugar to rim glass

Set

• Cocktail Shaker
• Ice
• Small plate

Go

1. Chill cocktail glasses in freezer for five minutes prior to serving.
2. Remove glasses from freezer.
3. Rub lime wedge around the top edge of the glasses and roll in sugar. When done you should have a thin line of sugar around the top edge.
4. Pour vodka, cointreau, cranberry juice, lime, and simple syrup into cocktail shaker.
5. Add a dash of bitters.
6. Add ice, shake well and without haste pour into rimmed cocktail glasses.
7. Garnish with a thin wedge of lime.
8. Serve and enjoy.

What you should know

If you don’t have orange bitters, you can make your simple syrup with the orange zest. It is after all the little touches that make a big difference.