A Perfect Cocktail - The Cosmopolitan

Alright, so The Cosmopolitan gained tremendous popularity because of the tv show, Sex in the City!  And I shall always be grateful.  But not every Cosmo is equal.  Whether you're in San Francisco, or West Lebanon, New Hampshire, sometimes you get a fabulous version and sometimes you don't.  Since my daughter is an excellent bartender, I consulted her for the perfect Cosmo recipe, and then adapted it to my own taste.  The Cosmo is a type of Martini, and should be respected and treated as such.  They're easy to drink, but their affect can be powerful, so drink them sip by sip, and pay attention to how you're feeling. Like the saying goes, "Candy's dandy, but liquor's quicker!"  If you're going to drive home, make sure that you can!  As Gilbert said, "Attention must be paid!"
    I prefer limes to lemons, but it's your choice.  Either way, you get an extra boost of Vitamin C with every drink, an extra benefit if you're feeling run down! Cointreau is as excellent for this cocktail as it is for a Marguarita, but it's also pricey.  Grand Gala is from Italy and about half the cost of Cointreau, and just as wonderful.  Get creative, you may find something else that you like, just as well!
   It's worth it to invest in a shaker that you like, because it's the right tool for the job, and makes it all the more fun.  I found an excellent plastic one, at my local kitchen supply store, which is perfect for picnics, and the like.

The Recipe, per drink:
  
            ~ 2/3 ounce of lime juice, pulp is optional but we like it!
            1 and 1/2 ounces of vodka, preferably a citron type
            1 and 1/2 ounces of cranberry juice
            1/2 ounce of Cointreau or Grand Gala
            (A twist of lime or lemon is often used for the subtle flavor it can offer, but I'd rather have the lime juice. This is not a subtle drink.)

Method:

             I like to pour enough of the ingredients into a 2 cup measuring cup, because that makes about four cocktails, or so.  Then I pour them into the shaker with crushed ice, although I have used regular ice cubes when I had to.  Shake gently and pour immediately into chilled martini glasses, or whatever you like.  And yes, they should be "Shaken, not stirred."  Ian Fleming, among others, was and is correct.
             If you're making them for later, or to go, try and put the ice in a separate container. The ice can be added when you're ready to drink, and will not dilute the Cosmo, as long as it stays in the shaker, unless you would rather have it watered down a bit.
             It's fun when you find your own perfect Cosmo, this is just to help you get started.
            
             Bottoms Up!